Complete Physical Examinations:

During routine checkups, our experienced doctors in Cleveland will conduct thorough examinations of every body system, from nose to tail. Our registered veterinary technicians are available to educate pet owners about nutrition, animal behavior, parasite prevention, and dental care. To ensure a stress-free experience for your pet, our doctors and staff have completed a low stress animal handling class taught by Dr. Sophia Yin, a renowned veterinary behaviorist and trainer who emphasizes positive reinforcement. We also provide lots of treats and praise in the examination room. If your pet has any special dietary needs or food allergies, please let us know.

Immunizations:

At our Cleveland animal hospital, we use only the highest quality and safest vaccines to protect your pet from infectious diseases. We have a convenient reminder system that notifies you when your pet is due for vaccinations. Our vaccination schedules are tailored to your pet's individual lifestyle. Please note that all dogs and cats in Cuyahoga County are required to be vaccinated against rabies. We offer a comprehensive range of vaccines including Canine Distemper, Canine Adenovirus-2, Canine Parvovirus, Canine Influenza, Leptospirosis, Bordetella Brochiseptica (Kennel Cough), Lyme Disease, Rabies, Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus, and Feline Leukemia Adjuvant-Free.

What are vaccines?

Vaccines are essential health products that stimulate protective immune responses in pets, preparing them to fight off future infections from disease-causing agents. Vaccines can reduce the severity of future diseases and, in some cases, prevent infection altogether.

Why is vaccination important?

Vaccination is crucial as it protects pets from highly contagious and potentially deadly diseases. Vaccines have played a significant role in preventing death and disease in millions of animals. Even though certain diseases have become less common, vaccination is still highly recommended as these serious disease agents continue to exist in the environment.

Does vaccination guarantee protection?

For most pets, vaccination is highly effective and prevents future disease. In rare cases, a vaccinated pet may not develop adequate immunity and may still fall ill. However, it is important to note that most successfully vaccinated pets never show signs of disease, highlighting the importance of vaccination as part of your pet's preventive healthcare.

Are there any risks?

Although most pets respond well to vaccines, vaccination carries some inherent risks, similar to any medical procedure. The most common adverse responses are mild and short-term, including fever, sluggishness, and reduced appetite. Pets may also experience temporary pain or slight swelling at the vaccination site. While most adverse responses resolve within a day or two, it's important to consult your veterinarian if your pet experiences excessive pain, swelling, or listlessness.

In rare cases, serious adverse responses may occur. If your pet exhibits repeated vomiting or diarrhea, whole-body itching, difficulty breathing, collapse, or swelling of the face or legs, it could indicate an allergic reaction. Please contact us immediately if you observe these signs. While vaccination carries some risk, failure to vaccinate leaves your pet vulnerable to preventable fatal illnesses.

Why do puppies and kittens require a series of vaccinations?

Young puppies and kittens have a high susceptibility to infectious diseases, especially as the natural immunity passed on by their mothers gradually diminishes. To minimize gaps in protection and ensure optimal disease prevention during the first few months of life, a series of vaccinations are scheduled, typically 3-4 weeks apart. For most puppies and kittens, the final vaccination in the series is administered at 16 weeks old.

Which vaccines should my pet receive?

During your visit to our Cleveland animal hospital, we will discuss your pet's lifestyle, contact with other animals, and any travel to different locations, as these factors influence the risk of disease exposure. Not all vaccines are necessary for every pet, as some are considered "core" vaccines recommended for most pets in the area, while others are "non-core" vaccines for pets with specific needs.

Surgery:

At our animal hospital in Cleveland, we offer a range of surgical procedures, including spaying or neutering your pet as early as 4-6 months of age. Additionally, we provide services such as declawing, growth removals, laceration and ear hematoma repairs, intestinal explorations, foreign body removals, splenectomies, and urinary bladder surgeries. To ensure your pet's safety and comfort, we have in-house laboratory machines for preanesthetic bloodwork analysis on the day of surgery. Our registered veterinary technicians utilize state-of-the-art equipment to continuously monitor your pet's heart rate, rhythm (EKG), respiratory rate and oxygenation, blood pressure, and temperature. We prioritize pain management and administer intravenous (IV) fluids to maintain liver and kidney perfusion during anesthesia. Each surgery also includes a complimentary toe nail trim, and it's an opportune time to consider microchipping your pet.

Gentle Dental Care:

Our animal hospital in Cleveland is equipped with an ultrasonic scaler and polisher to clean your pet's teeth. If necessary, we can also perform advanced dental extractions during the teeth cleaning procedure. We recommend C.E.T. dental products, including toothpaste with a chicken flavor, chew treats, and water additives to prevent tartar buildup.

Geriatric Care:

We understand the special needs of senior pets (over 7 years old) at our Cleveland animal hospital. We can address the conditions that commonly occur with advancing age and prevent many medical problems before they become life-threatening for your furry companion. Supplements or arthritis medications may enhance your pet's quality of life. If traveling to the hospital is challenging for you or your pet, you may qualify for a house call.

Diagnostic Testing:

X-rays:

At our Cleveland animal hospital, all X-rays are promptly evaluated by our in-house doctors and sent for a comprehensive consultation with board-certified veterinary radiologists at Vet-Rad in Akron. This collaboration ensures a thorough analysis, and you'll receive a written interpretive report for further evaluation.