Wellness Care & Vaccinations

Prioritize a Wellness Plan

Your pet’s health and happiness are closely connected, and at Veterinary Medical & Emergency Center, we believe they deserve nothing less than the best of both.

Our comprehensive pet wellness plans are designed to keep your furry companions in optimal condition throughout their lives. We’re dedicated to thoroughly understanding your pet’s unique health needs and working with you to ensure they receive the best possible care. By partnering with you, we aim to help you become the best pet parent you can be, so your pet can thrive year after year.

What to Expect at Your Visit

Maintaining your pet’s well-being involves staying attentive to their needs and consistently following up on their annual exams. These yearly visits are crucial because dogs and cats age more rapidly than humans, meaning their health can change quickly. By establishing a health baseline during these exams, we can more easily detect any changes as they occur.

During your pet’s checkup, we will:

• Perform a thorough examination from head to tail, including checking their heart rate, breathing, and temperature.
• Collect blood and fecal samples to screen for parasites, infections, and other potential health issues.
• Administer vaccinations based on your pet’s specific needs and lifestyle.
• Provide recommendations to address any concerns that arise during the visit.
• Discuss your pet’s behavior, diet, bathroom habits, and overall daily routine with you.
• Offer parasite preventatives if your pet isn’t already on them.

Vaccinations

Power Through Prevention

At our Port St. Lucie animal hospital, we have all the essential cat and dog vaccines your pet needs to stay protected throughout their life. We carefully consider your pet’s lifestyle and health history to ensure they’re getting the right vaccinations—nothing more, nothing less. Plus, we use only the safest, top-quality vaccines to minimize any risks of reactions.

We offer a range of pet vaccinations in Port St. Lucie, and we’ll guide you in choosing the ones that best suit your pet’s needs. For added safety, we use Purevax vaccines for cats, which are non-adjuvanted, meaning they don’t contain any irritating agents that could be harmful.

Here are the vaccines we offer:

Dog Vaccines

• Rabies
• DHPP (distemper)
• Lyme
• Lepto
• Bordetella (kennel cough)
• Canine influenza

Cat Vaccines

• Rabies
• FVRCP (feline distemper)
• Feline leukemia

Common Vaccination Questions

Why Does My Pet Need Regular Vaccinations?

Just like people, pets can pick up viruses and germs from other animals or their environment. Vaccines are crucial in protecting them from serious illnesses. Some diseases, like rabies, are especially dangerous because they can be deadly to both pets and humans. Thankfully, vaccines help keep your pet safe from these risks.

Why Are Booster Shots Important?

Vaccines are given in a series to help your pet’s immune system build strong defenses. Puppies and kittens need several shots over a few weeks, and regular boosters, especially for rabies, help keep their immunity strong. Keeping up with boosters during yearly checkups is key to maintaining their health.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Pets: Do They Need the Same Vaccines?

Some vaccines, like rabies, are necessary for all pets, whether they’re indoor or outdoor. But outdoor pets might need extra protection. For example, feline leukemia is more common in outdoor cats. As pets get older, their vaccination needs might change, so adjusting their vaccine plan is important.

What About Side Effects?

It’s normal for pets to experience mild side effects like soreness or tiredness after a shot. Serious reactions are rare, but if you notice anything like facial swelling or vomiting, let us know right away. Keeping up with your pet’s vaccinations in Port St. Lucie is essential for their health and well-being, ensuring they stay protected from preventable diseases.