At United Veterinary Center, our veterinarians and other dog care professionals are extensively trained in animal healthcare practices and procedures. We offering everything your pet needs to maintain optimal health, including the following services:

• Annual physical/wellness examination
• Vaccinations
• Distemper/Parvo Vaccine: We recommend giving pups this vaccine every year for the first two years of life, and then a booster every three years after they turn two.
• Rabies: Once dogs receive their initial rabies vaccine, they only need it every three years afterwards.
• Leptospirosis: This vaccine protects against a contagious bacterium that causes kidney and liver disease and is good for one year. Boosters should be received annually.
• Bordetella: If you plan on boarding your dog at all, or if you plan on allowing them to interact with other dogs, they should receive their bordetella shot. This vaccine protects against a
• contagious cough commonly picked up in doggy daycares, boarding kennels, grooming parlors and obedience classes. Once they receive the first round, an annual booster will protect them
• for one full year.
• Canine Influenza Virus: This vaccine protects against pneumonia and is good for one year after boostering.
• Annual heartworm test
• Heartworm preventative medication year round
• Annual fecal parasite exam
• Annual senior dog exam and diagnostic testing, beginning at seven years of age
• Behavioral counseling
• Annual nutritional assessment and counseling
• Flea control program
• Dental exams and care
• Acupuncture, if necessary

Veterinary Care for Dogs, By Age

Dogs require certain medical attention at every stage of life. A sample healthcare schedule for your dog might be:

3 Weeks Old
At three weeks old, a puppy should be seen by a veterinarian for the first time. During their first checkup, the vet will test for internal parasites and discuss future vaccinations, which should begin at 8 weeks but no later than 12 weeks. Your vet should also discuss what entails caring for a dog, how to prevent common diseases, when to have a spay or neuter done and how to manage your dog’s specific dietary needs.

6 to 8 Weeks Old
At 8 weeks old, your puppy should be getting his or her first vaccinations. The vaccines will be given every three to four weeks at this point, depending on the vaccines, when they’re started and the perceived risk to the animal. Also, at this point, a spay or neuter can be done. However, you pup must weight at least two pounds before you can schedule the surgery.

12 Weeks
At 12 weeks old, your puppy is due for his or her first parasite test. Their first rabies vaccine will be given between now and 16 weeks. If you have not yet spayed or neutered your pup, now is the time to schedule it. Additionally, at this age, your veterinarian will administer your dog’s third and final set of shots. However, if you adopted a Rottweiler or Doberman, expect the final shots to be administered at 20 weeks of age.

Annual Vet Care for Dogs

After you dog has had their four-month visit, we will schedule annual examinations to ensure that they remain in good health. At their annual visit, they will be given appropriate vaccines, a parasite test, a dental check up and any needed blood work or other tests. Once your dog turns 8 years old, we will want to see them more often, such as two times a year instead of just one.

We Offer Total Dog Care, All Year Long
In addition to scheduling annual examinations for your dog, you should always keep a close eye on your pet’s health throughout the year yourself. If you notice anything unusual, take them into the vet right away. Some health concerns to look out for are:

• Poor weight gain in a puppy
• Weight loss or lethargy
• He or she seems to be in pain or discomfort
• Behavior changes
• Changes in their overall health, such as a dull coat or hair loss

Top Quality Vet Care For Dogs
At the United Veterinary Center, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality veterinary care to your dog and any other pets that you have. With highly educated and trained professionals on site at all times, you can trust that when you bring you pet to us, they will be in good hands. If you’re in need of a new vet for you pet, come see why residents of Connecticut choose us! Call (203) 957-3375 to schedule a meeting with our team today.