High Quality Dog Foods and Cat Foods
January 20th, 2020 by Justin Vandeberghe
Looking for a well-balanced diet for your dog or cat? We carry a variety of A+ rated pet foods for quality and nutrition.
Good news, pet families! You can find high quality dog foods and cat foods at our Castle Rock veterinary clinic.
The pet foods we carry provide a well balanced diet for a competitive price.
Translation: You don’t have to break the bank to give your pet the nutrition he or she needs!
And we have pet foods for all stages of life: puppies, kittens, adult pets, and beloved senior pets.
Our high quality dog foods and treats include:
- iVet Dog Food (Healthy Gourmet)
- Royal Canin Prescription Dog Food
- Hills Prescription Diet Dog Food — available by special order
Our high quality cat foods and treats include:
- iVet Cat Food (Healthy Gourmet)
- Royal Canin Prescription Cat Food
- Hills Prescription Diet Cat Food — available by special order
If you’re interested in prescription pet foods…
We can write you a prescription if your pet has been in for a checkup within the last year.
If you’re coming to us from another veterinarian, we simply need your prescription from that vet.
You’re welcome to visit our clinic to purchase these high quality pet foods.
Or, call us with questions: 303-688-3757.
Veterinary Surgery
January 20th, 2020 by Justin Vandeberghe
We make our veterinary surgery as safe and worry-free as possible for your dog or cat, so you can rest easy.
At our Castle Rock veterinary clinic, we understand how stressful it can be when your furry friend needs veterinary surgery.
We’re here to help you and your pet feel at ease!
Led by Dr. Melanie — a Castle Rock veterinarian with 25+ years of veterinary surgery experience — our veterinary team will give your pet the best care possible.
You can expect us to:
- Communicate clearly to answer your questions and ease your worries.
- Tailor our surgical care to your pet’s unique needs. This includes adjusting the anesthesia (when it’s needed) to your dog or cat, carefully monitoring your pet, and choosing specific medications that will make your pet more comfortable.
- Help you speed the healing process with a laser treatment. It’s 100% optional.
- Personally follow up with you by phone after surgery to let you know you know how your pet is doing.
Our veterinarians care for cats and dogs from Castle Rock, Parker, Castle Pines, Sedalia, south metro Denver and more.
Do you think your pet may need veterinary surgery?
Call us at 303-688-3757.
We’re open Monday through Saturday.
Our veterinary surgery services for small animals
Our veterinary surgery services for cats and dogs include:
- Neuters and spays.
- Cat wound care, such as mending bite wounds from wildlife or other cats.
- Dog wound care, including mending dog cuts, paw pad injuries and lacerations from fence nails, lawn edging, barbed wire, cactus, dog bites and wildlife encounters. (Douglas County dogs face many hazards!)
- Cat foreign body removals, from dental floss and tree tinsel, to plastic.
- Dog foreign body removals, from bones and rocks, to socks and bedding. (We’ve treated dogs with some adventurous tastes!)
- Mass removals, such as removing an abnormal lump from below your pet’s skin or a large abscess.
- Skin tag removals.
- Spleen removals.
- Bladder stone removals.
- Biopsies of the liver, small intestines, stomach and pancreas.
Scheduling pet surgery with our veterinarians
For the fastest service, please call us at 303-688-3757 if your dog or cat:
- Has a cut, laceration or wound.
- Has swallowed a foreign body.
- Seems to have a swollen abdomen.
- Seems to be unusually tired and inactive.
That way, we can make sure no time is wasted in caring for your pet.
In most situations, we can get you in the same day.
If your pet needs timely attention and we just don’t have the capacity to take care of your pet in the way that he or she deserves, we’ll refer you to an emergency clinic.
We want to ensure your pet can be treated right away!
You can schedule many of our veterinary surgery services in advance, including spays, neuters and mass removals.
If you’ve noticed a mass on your dog or cat, we’ll set up a time for your pet to come in, so we can probe the mass and determine whether it needs to be removed.
If it does, we’ll schedule your pet’s surgery in the following days.
Feedback on our veterinary surgery services
“Everyone was very nice. It’s obvious that everyone loves the animals they work with. They called me when my dog got out of surgery to tell me how she did and what to expect. It was awesome to not have to wait until pick-up the next day to see how she was doing.” — Danielle W., Parker
“Our dog cut his foot late in the day. We called Cherished Companions, and they said to come right in. When we got there, they had a room cleaned and ready for us. We were well taken care of, and they even stayed later into the evening as our dog ended up needing stitches. We felt our dog was well taken care of and we appreciate all that was done! So glad Cherished Companions is here in Castle Rock!” — Sheryl S., Castle Rock
We serve cats and dogs from Castle Rock to Larkspur to Littleton.
Call us at 303-688-3757.
Veterinary surgery FAQs
Why do you occasionally refer pets to emergency clinics or specialists?
As much as we’d love to treat your dog or cat ourselves, our top priority is to make sure every pet gets the best care possible.
While rare, there are times we may just not have the capacity to give your pet the immediate care and attention he or she needs.
Or, there may be times when a veterinary specialist may be a better fit for your pet’s unique needs.
In these instances, we’ll refer you to others, so your furry friend can get optimal care.
Will you keep my pet overnight?
It depends on the type of veterinary surgery your pet needs.
For example, if our Castle Rock veterinarians are stitching a small cut or removing a small mass, you may be able to take your pet home that day.
With many types of veterinary surgery — such as spays, neuters, and bladder stone surgery — we’ll keep your dog or cat overnight to make sure your pet is recovering as expected.
If we’re removing your pet’s spleen or a foreign body, your furry friend may be with us for a few days.
Or, we may send your pet to an emergency clinic after the surgery for more comprehensive recovery care.
Is anesthesia safe for my dog or cat?
While there is always a slight amount of risk with anesthesia, we minimize the risk as much as we possibly can.
We monitor your pet’s oxygen level, heart rate and blood pressure. We also place an IV catheter and connect IV fluids, so we can stabilize your pet’s blood pressure and quickly administer medication, if needed.
Is my dog or cat too old for pet surgery?
In general, older pets are at an increased risk for complications with anesthesia.
With that said, certain types of veterinary surgeries — such as minor mass removals — may extend and improve the quality of your pet’s life.
Because every pet is different, we’re happy to discuss what makes the most sense for your dog or cat.
Do you have questions about our veterinary surgery services?
We’d be happy to answer them: 303-688-3757.
Cat and Dog Laser Therapy
January 20th, 2020 by Justin Vandeberghe
Laser therapy is a painless, non-invasive way to help your pet feel better and heal faster.
You want your cat or dog to feel as comfortable as possible. So do we!
That’s why our veterinarians are happy to offer cat laser therapy and dog laser therapy to Castle Rock and Denver-area pet families.
Pet laser therapy helps reduce pain and inflammation.
And it can be quite effective, especially when combined with other therapies or medications that attack swelling.
Laser therapy uses light treatment to stimulate your pet’s cells to heal themselves.
It increases oxygen and blood flow to the targeted cells. This can help remove swelling, reduce pain and accelerate the healing process.
And the procedure itself is painless. (Yes!)
We offer a special package of 25% off six laser therapy sessions.
Our team welcomes pet families from across Castle Rock and Denver. And we’re happy to coordinate with your regular veterinarian.
Call today to get these savings: 303-688-3757.
How our laser therapy sessions work
Our laser therapy sessions vary slightly, depending on your pet’s needs.
- Let’s say your cat or dog is visiting our veterinarians for surgery or for a tooth extraction. Before the procedure, we’ll ask you whether you want to speed up your furry friend’s healing. If you do, we’ll perform the laser therapy post-surgery or post-dental work.
- If your cat or dog has pain from a muscular-skeletal issue (such as hip arthritis or lumbar pain), we’ll typically try to pinpoint exactly where your pet’s pain is. We may do x-rays first, so laser therapy has the best chance of working.
- If you’re visiting us for another reason, we may simply start with a consultation. We can provide laser therapy during this first visit.
Usually, laser therapy treatments run five to 20 minutes, depending on the body area we’re targeting in your cat’s or dog’s body.
If you’d like to be present, we’ll perform the treatment in the exam room when possible.
We want you and your pet to feel comfortable.
How many visits to expect
Again, it depends on your cat or dog.
If your furry friend has a chronic issue (such as arthritis), there needs to be some ongoing consistency to your visits.
Otherwise, your cat laser therapy or dog laser therapy won’t be as effective. The pain and swelling will come back.
If your cat or dog has an acute injury (such as a hyper-extended paw), we may start off with six sessions, twice a week.
As your pet feels better, we’ll spread out the frequency.
You can expect periodic follow-up visits too. We want to make sure your pet is moving better.
To schedule a visit, call (303) 688-3757. Or:
Does laser therapy make sense for your cat or dog?
We’ll share upfront, cat or dog laser therapy isn’t a cure for everything.
It’s also most effective when used in combination with medication or other therapies that reduce inflammation.
But laser therapy is certainly worth a discussion with our veterinarians if your furry friend has:
- Sore muscles
- Swollen paws
- Injuries to or pain in the spine, hip, knee, ankle, paw, shoulder or neck
- Cat arthritis or dog arthritis
- Canine back pain
- Cat bladder infections (such as if your kitty is stressed)
Our veterinarians also find it helps accelerate healing and make your pet more comfortable after:
- Wound surgeries (such as cuts, lacerations or pressure sores)
- Dental surgeries
- Spays and neuters
Want your dog or cat to feel better?
Reach out today: (303) 688-3757
Dog Ultrasounds and Cat Ultrasounds
January 20th, 2020 by Justin Vandeberghe
We’re here to help you figure out what’s going on with your dog or cat, so you can care for your cherished companion in the best way possible
And that’s why a dog ultrasound or a cat ultrasound can be so valuable!
A veterinary ultrasound is a wonderful, non-invasive way to see what’s going in your pet’s abdomen and how serious the issue may be.
It can tell us so much more than an x-ray or blood tests alone.
With insight from an ultrasound, our veterinarians can help you make informed decisions about treatment options for your pets.
Affordable pet ultrasounds for families across Denver
At Cherished Companions in Castle Rock, Colorado, we offer dog ultrasound and cat ultrasound services to pet families across the Denver area.
We’re passionate about making our pet ultrasounds as affordable as possible, so you have money left for treatment.
If we aren’t your regular veterinarians, that’s okay!
We’re happy to type up a dog ultrasound or cat ultrasound report and send it to your vet.
That way, you can ensure your pet gets the seamless care he or she needs.
Need an expert in veterinary ultrasound services?
Reach out today: (303) 688-3757
Cat ultrasound services in Castle Rock
A cat ultrasound can give us insight into a variety of issues that may be affecting your cat’s abdomen.
For example, if your cat has elevated kidney readings, an abdominal ultrasound can be extremely helpful.
Cats can develop fluid pockets around their kidneys, which we can see with a cat ultrasound. If we drain that pocket, it can help slow your cat’s kidney disease from progressing.
Cats also are prone to kidney infections.
A cat ultrasound can help us determine whether your cat is suffering from a kidney infection or chronic kidney disease.
If action is taken soon enough, we can treat the issue and stop the progression of renal disease.
Some cats develop inflammatory bowel disease, small cell lymphoma and large cell lymphoma.
These diseases range from being mild to very serious conditions.
A cat ultrasound gives our veterinarians more clarity on:
- What’s going on
- How aggressive we need to be in treatment
- And whether it’s time to discuss putting your kitty to sleep, so he or she doesn’t suffer
These conversations are never easy. But with an ultrasound, you’ll have the information you need to make the best decisions for your pet family.
Rest easy, more often than not, a veterinary ultrasound can be used to catch issues early and help your cat live a fuller, happier life.
Dog ultrasound services in Castle Rock
A dog ultrasound can shed light on a variety of suspicious issues in your dog.
For example, many dogs develop tumors in their livers and spleens. A dog ultrasound can tell us whether the tumors are bleeding, how severe they are and what the best next steps may be.
Some dogs develop problems in their gallbladders.
If you wait, these issues can turn into surgical emergencies.
The good news is you can catch them in time with dog ultrasounds.
Ideally, the information from the ultrasound can help us pursue non-emergency treatment options for your pup, which are typically lower risk and much less expensive than emergency care.
Feedback on our veterinary ultrasound services
“I would highly recommend this animal clinic. Although Castle Rock is quite a ways from where I live, I needed to find an affordable place to perform an ultrasound on my black lab mix. I was quite pleased with the service. From the front desk staff to Dr. Melanie, everyone was so nice and pleasant. Dr. Melanie was also very informative. She seemed genuinely concerned about the issue my dog was experiencing.” –Teresa P.
Want to schedule a dog ultrasound or cat ultrasound?
Call today: (303) 688-3757. Or:
Animal Dentistry
January 20th, 2020 by Justin Vandeberghe
Looking for a pet dentist in Castle Rock?
You’ll find a variety of dental care services for your dog or cat at our Castle Rock veterinary clinic.
We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to animal dentistry. That’s why we offer complimentary dental exams, so you can figure out exactly what your pet needs.
(And we won’t lock you into an ongoing contract with dental services your pet may not need!)
We also believe that prevention is much better than pulling teeth.
Our veterinarians will only pull teeth if it’s necessary for your pet’s long-term health and well-being.
Our dental care services for your pet family
Depending on your pet’s needs, our animal dentistry services include:
- Complimentary dental exams to check your pet’s oral health and recommend the exact dental care your pet needs, if any. It’s a great way to put your mind at ease, and it’s free! (Don’t have time to come in? We also include a dental exam in our annual checkups.)
- Pet dental cleanings and teeth polishing to clean away plaque, improve your pet’s breath and polish your pet’s teeth. Teeth polishing allows us to smooth the little divets that can occur naturally during cleaning. It slows the buildup of plaque.
- Fluoride treatments to help strengthen your pet’s teeth and cut down the bacteria that lead to plaque buildup. We include fluoride treatments with every cat or dog dental cleaning.
- Dental x-rays to examine the roots of your pet’s teeth. Think of your pet’s teeth as icebergs. We can only see one-third above the surface. X-rays help us determine if the teeth are healthy or need to be removed. If your pet is just starting to have an issue, we can start preventive measures immediately and potentially save teeth.
- Tooth extractions to remove diseased teeth. We use anesthesia and pain medications to help your pet feel as comfortable as possible. And we’ll put your pet on antibiotics to help prevent infections. We also close the site with sutures to ensure food doesn’t get in, reducing the chances of infections. And finally, to speed the healing process, we’re happy to provide laser therapy. (It’s 100% optional.)
- Bonding and sealing to reduce plaque buildup and try to save fractured teeth. From time to time, pets fracture their teeth. It happens! Rather than resorting to teeth extractions, we often can bond and seal the teeth to fill in the rough divets. (In dogs, a bond or seal typically lasts one to two years because of the way they chew their food.)
Our pet dentistry services are available Tuesday through Friday.
Schedule a time that works well for you!
Call us at 303-688-3757. Or:
All that’s included in our cat and dog dental cleanings
When you bring your furry friend into our clinic for a dental cleaning, you can expect:
- A complete oral health exam
- Anesthesia
- A thorough cleaning and polishing of each tooth
- A fluoride treatment
Our veterinarians conduct a comprehensive review of your pet’s mouth. They evaluate your pet’s teeth, tongue and the back of the throat. They’ll probe each tooth for looseness, pockets and disease.
Cats can get painful lesions at the gum line. The sooner our vets can catch them, the better for your cat’s health.
Dogs can be prone to oral tumors. The earlier we can find them, the better for you and your dog.
We’re sometimes asked, “Why do you use anesthesia in your cat and dog dental cleanings?”
Anesthesia allows us to do a thorough cleaning. It’s also less traumatic for your pet.
When your pet is under anesthesia, we can:
- Clean beneath the gum line and on the interior side of the teeth (areas susceptible to periodontal disease).
- Polish away divots that can quickly build up with plaque.
- Probe under the gum line to make sure that each tooth is healthy.
- Take x-rays, when needed, to see if there is any root damage.
What pet parents say about our pet dentistry services
“Our whole experience having Paddy’s teeth cleaned could not have been better. Thank you for genuinely treating our dogs, Paddy and Katie, with concern and love.” – Jane R.
“Our cat is not acting like she had two teeth pulled. We’ve followed the post op instructions faithfully giving her pain meds, but we really see no evidence she even had her teeth pulled.” – David K.
“My experience was beyond excellent. I never have a second thought about leaving Shanti in your care, even when putting her under anesthetic to have dental work done. Thanks for putting me at ease.” – Sher M.
Want to keep your pet’s teeth healthy and pain-free?
Call to get your complimentary pet dental exam: 303-688-3757. Or:
Cat and Dog Neutering and Spaying
January 20th, 2020 by Justin Vandeberghe
When you bring your cat or dog in for neutering or spaying, we make the surgery as safe and comfortable as possible.
Veterinarians and animal clinics across Denver have been neutering and spaying pets for a long time. It’s easy to forget this procedure is a major surgery!
At our Castle Rock veterinary clinic, we do everything we can to make sure our neuters and spays are safe and gentle.
We treat your cat or dog as an individual. We tailor our care and medications to your pet’s unique needs.
If you visit our veterinary clinic for pet spaying and neutering services, we’ll:
- Make sure you and your pet feel as relaxed as possible. We’ll listen to your questions and share some love with your cherished companion.
- Check your pet’s health upfront to make sure there isn’t a basic health issue that could affect the procedure. (Safety first!)
- Provide the best care possible, from tailoring the anesthesia to your pet, to monitoring your pet’s vital respiratory functions.
- Offer an optional laser treatment to speed the healing process.
- Minimize your pet’s discomfort with carefully selected medications.
- Keep our eye on your pet and ensure quiet and rest. We’ll check on your pet multiple times following the procedure, keep your pet in our clinic overnight, and evaluate his or her health the next morning.
We welcome pet families from across Castle Rock and Denver.
To schedule neutering or spaying, call us at 303-688-3757. Or:
How our pet spaying and neutering appointments work
Usually, we’ll ask you to bring your cat or dog in on the morning of the surgery (before your pet has eaten).
You can expect to spend about 10 to 15 minutes at our Castle Rock veterinary clinic when you arrive.
We’ll ask you questions about your pet’s health and go over some paperwork.
With your permission, we’ll run a blood test to check your pet’s organs. We want to make sure your pet can safely handle the medications we plan to use for the procedure.
The length of surgery depends on your dog or cat
It typically ranges from 45 to 90 minutes.
Following the surgery, we’ll check on your pet every 15 minutes or so to ensure your cat or dog is recovering well.
We like to keep your pet overnight after major surgery.
By the time we check your pet’s health the following morning, your furry friend should be getting back to his or her normal self!
Feedback on our pet spaying and neutering services
“The technicians and staff are friendly, cheerful and willing to explain in detail how to care for your pet. Mrs. Hughes is recuperating from her ‘delicate’ operation and seems to be in excellent condition.” — Anne S., Castle Rock
“I brought my cat into Cherished Companions to be neutered. This was my first visit to the clinic. My family recently moved to Castle Rock, and my young kitty needed the surgery. I’m very pleased with the service my cat received and the warmth of the staff and technician who handled my cat. I received a follow-up phone call asking how my cat is doing. I will definitely be staying with this clinic for my cat, and I will bring my dog in later this year for his check up. I’m grateful that places like this exist, filled with people who genuinely care about the animals they treat.” — Angela O., Castle Rock
“I feel very comfortable leaving my Jasmin in your care because you all are so compassionate. Thank you so much for taking good care of her while she was there for her spaying. I wouldn’t want to take my animals anywhere else!” — Julie W., Castle Rock
FAQs about our spaying and neutering services
Why do you keep my pet overnight?
This is a great question. There are several reasons:
- First, your dog or cat can recover peacefully in a quiet environment.
- Second, we check your pet in the morning to make sure everything is going as planned before your furry friend goes home. If there are any issues, we can address them then, rather than having you come back in for an additional visit.
- And finally, cats and dogs can make some strange noises when the anesthesia wears off. While these noises may sound alarming, they’re normal. It’s just the anesthesia. Staying overnight ensures a quiet environment for your pet. Plus, it can be less stressful for you.
What’s the best way to care for my pet after a spay or neuter? What’s the recovery time?
By the day after the surgery, your dog or cat can go back to a normal eating pattern.
Keep in mind, some medications may slow down your pet’s gastrointestinal functioning.
This means your pet may be less hungry.
Or, your pet’s defecation schedule may be slower than usual for a day or two.
Usually, our veterinarians recommend that you minimize your pet’s activity for at least 7 days — ideally, 10 to 14 days — to protect the incision line.
- Keep your pet from running and jumping, if possible.
- For example, we recommend putting your dog on a leash when he or she needs to go outdoors.
- It also means no bathing or swimming.
Will neutering my dog or cat affect his “vitality?”
Your dog’s or cat’s desire to mate is pheromone driven, rather than being from enjoyment.
So, neutering your pet should not affect his happiness.
What are the benefits of cat and dog neutering and spaying?
There are so many unwanted dogs and cats, even in Colorado. Spaying or neutering a dog or cat can make such a difference!
Just as important, spaying and neutering offers health benefits for your pet:
- If you have a male dog, neutering reduces his desire to roam (and potentially get injured) and his desire to mark everything. It eliminates his risk of testicular cancer. It also reduces his chances of prostate cancer.
- If you have a female dog, spaying helps her avoid serious uterine infections. It also reduces her risk of certain types of cancers, such as breast cancer.
- If you have a male cat, neutering eliminates his chances of testicular cancer. In addition, it reduces his urge to mark his territory, roam and get into cat fights, where he’s more susceptible to the feline leukemia virus (FELV) and the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
- If you have a female cat, spaying helps her avoid uterine infections and certain types of cancers. It also helps reduce certain behaviors, such as the yelling and crying that can come with a kitty in heat.
What’s the ideal age for spaying and neutering pets?
- Dog neutering: By 6 to 9 months of age
- Dog spaying: By 6 months of age (before your dog’s first heat cycle)
- Cat neutering: By 5 months of age
- Cat spaying: Between 8 weeks and 5 months of age (before your cat’s first heat cycle)
There is some evidence that suggests if you spay or neuter a medium-breed or large-breed dog too early, your dog may be more prone to hip issues.
Keep in mind, these types of issues typically can be surgically corrected, whereas cancers can be fatal.
If you’re going to breed your dog or cat, please consider spaying or neutering your pet upon his or her “retirement.”
Our veterinarians are happy to discuss your options with you.
Pet Vaccinations
January 20th, 2020 by Justin Vandeberghe
When you come in for pet vaccination services, you can rest easy that we’ll help you and your pet feel comfortable.
At Cherished Companions in Castle Rock, Colorado, we tailor our cat or dog vaccinations to your pet.
We’re here to help you figure out which shots make the most sense for your pet family — and how often they’re needed.
We strongly believe that most cats and dogs don’t need every pet vaccination known to veterinary medicine.
(That’s why we won’t lock you into a recurring vaccination expense for shots your pet may not need.)
You can expect us to:
- Help you make good decisions for your pet. We’ll recommend the pet vaccinations that your dog or cat should have to be protected, while keeping your pet’s individual lifestyle in mind.
- Check your pet’s overall health. We always include a wellness exam with our pet vaccination services. Similar to a wellness exam for people, it helps us catch any health issues with your pet early on.
- Take the time to learn about your pet and clearly communicate which pet vaccinations are important, so you’re in the know. Puppies, kittens and senior pets are more vulnerable to diseases, so we want to make sure you understand what’s essential and what isn’t.
Our Castle Rock veterinary clinic is open Monday through Saturday.
For pet vaccination services, call (303) 688-3757. Or:
How our pet vaccination appointments work
Our pet vaccination services take approximately 30 minutes.
If your pet has a health issue that needs attention (such as an ear infection), your appointment may take a little longer.
On your first visit to Cherished Companions, please bring in your cat’s or dog’s vaccination and medical history:
- If your last veterinarian has that information, we’re happy to call and request it from the other vet. We can make the call when you arrive. Or if you let us know in advance, we can get that information sooner, making great use of your time.
- Sharing your pet’s vaccination history will save you money because we won’t have to repeat vaccinations that are up-to-date.
At the start of your appointment, our veterinary team will:
- Check whether your dog or cat is healthy
- Discuss your pet’s health history with you
- Get familiar with your pet’s lifestyle
If your pet is healthy, the shots typically come next.
The good news is they’re quick and relatively painless!
Feedback on our pet vaccination services
“When I brought my dogs in yesterday, we all had an excellent visit. I appreciate the thorough check of both dogs and the loving way they were treated while giving them their shots… Thanks, everyone!” — Jane R.
“Our experience was a good one. We were seen right away, and everyone was friendly and professional. Rusty had no problems or reactions after his rabies shot.” — Shirley H.
Do our pet vaccination services sound like a good fit?
FAQs about our pet vaccination services
What’s the right pet vaccination schedule for my cat or dog?
With some vaccines, there’s a clear pet vaccination schedule.
For example, the state of Colorado requires the rabies vaccination.
Your dog or cat should get it once a year for the first two years of his or her life. After that, it’s needed once every three years (with a few exceptions).
With other pet vaccination services, the schedule depends on your dog or cat.
We recommend discussing pet vaccination schedules with our veterinary team when you visit. Depending on your pet’s breed and lifestyle, your pet may not need vaccinations every year.
One useful tip…
If you’re going to board your dog or cat, the boarding facility will likely ask you to provide records of your shots. Some pet vaccinations — such as Bordetella shots — take five days to take effect.
In addition, some Castle Rock boarding facilities require shots at least seven days in advance, so plan ahead!
What do I need to know about puppy vaccinations and kitten vaccinations?
Puppies and kittens are vulnerable to serious diseases, so they need a series of shots when they’re young.
On your first visit, we’ll share important information about puppy vaccinations (or kitten vaccinations), such as what each shot does.
That way, you can make educated decisions for your little one.
Why do you check whether my pet is healthy before giving a vaccination?
This is a great question. There are a few reasons.
First, some pet vaccinations are designed to protect against bacteria-based illnesses, such as Bordetella and Leptospirosis. If your pet is sick and we have to put him or her on antibiotics, the antibodies can stifle the vaccine before it stimulates your pet’s immune system.
We want the vaccines to take effect!
Second, if your pet isn’t well, a vaccination can potentially be dangerous.
For example, we had a family bring in their pup in for dog vaccinations. During our wellness check, we discovered the dog had a high temperature. Ultimately, our veterinarians determined that the dog had an autoimmune disease. If we had gone ahead with the vaccination, it could have had serious consequences.
And finally, the vaccine manufacturers require us to give their pet vaccinations to healthy cats and dogs.
While it’s rare for pets to have an adverse reaction, it can happen. If it does, we can quickly take the right steps for your pet.
Cat and Dog Annual Exams
January 20th, 2020 by Justin Vandeberghe
Like a wellness checkup for people, a pet annual exam allows us to check your pet’s overall health and catch issues early.
Dogs and cats age faster than people. They’re also masters at hiding pain.
That’s why a dog annual exam or a cat annual exam is so important.
A simple health checkup can make a big difference in your pet’s quality of life!
Our Castle Rock veterinary clinic offers dog annual exam and cat annual exam services to pet families across Castle Rock and south Denver.
When you bring your furry friend in for a checkup, you can count on us to:
- Help your pet (and you!) feel as relaxed as possible. It’s important to us that your dog or cat feels at ease—whether it’s through a warm greeting, a good back rub, fun toys or treats.
- Tailor our annual health exam to your dog or cat. For example, we don’t make larger dogs get up on exam tables, if possible. We prefer to let them stay on the floor where they’re more comfortable. This also makes it easier for our vets to find abnormalities because your dog isn’t as tense.
- Clearly communicate with you. We’re happy to answer your questions, listen to any concerns you may have about your pet’s health and clearly share what we find during our exam.
We offer pet checkups Monday through Saturday.
Would you like to schedule a dog annual exam or cat annual exam?
Call us at 303-688-3757. Or:
How our dog annual exam and cat annual exam visits work
Typically, our annual checkups take up to 30 minutes.
(If your pet has a health issue that could use attention, your appointment may take longer.)
If this is your first visit to our Castle Rock veterinary clinic, we’ll ask you to share a little information when you arrive.
Please bring in your pet’s medical history, if you have it. We’re happy to request that information from your last veterinarian.
Next, you’ll meet with our veterinary technicians. In addition to sharing some love with your pet, they will:
- Check your pet’s vital signs.
- Ask you some basic health questions about your pet—similar to what a nurse would do in a doctor’s office.
- Check your pet’s dental health, looking for any signs of pet dental disease.
If your pet needs a lab test (such as a heartworm test or a geriatric blood test), we’re happy to start it before you visit with our veterinarian, if you’d like.
Next, one of our Castle Rock veterinarians will come in and do a head-to-toe medical exam of your dog or cat—from assessing your pet’s major organs, to checking joints, to looking for skin masses. Our vets will:
- Answer your questions
- Discuss their observations with you
- Recommend next steps if your pet has a health issue that needs more attention
We’re here to help you fully understand what’s going on with your cherished companion!
Feedback on our pet annual exam services
“Great experience. Bella was treated like she was special.” — Bill C.
“Our five cats just love Dr. Melanie, and she’s willing to let us schedule one appointment with all, so we don’t have to come in multiple times.” — Dawn U.
“I truly love everyone at Cherished Companions! But most of all, my two dogs love everyone there. Thank you for treating my babies like your own.” — Cindy H.
“We’ve brought our two Jack Russell Terriers to Cherished Companions for six years. This visit was consistent with our history: Dr. Melanie is punctual, thorough, kind with the dogs, and careful to explain the health and any needed treatments of and for her patients. I especially appreciate the time she spends focusing and listening to whatever topic I bring to the table concerning our pets. The practice is a terrific balance of professionalism and friendliness that makes our pups happy to greet everyone there!” — Jeanne M.
FAQs about our health checkups for pets
Why does an annual checkup matter?
When you bring your pet in for a dog annual exam or a cat annual exam, we can make sure your pet is healthy and catch any issues early.
Ultimately, you can give your cherished companion a fuller and happier life.
Not to mention, catching issues early can help you avoid more expensive and extreme treatment options.
Sometimes, the smallest changes—such as switching pet foods—can make a huge difference in your pet’s quality of life and long-term health.
How often should I bring my dog or cat in for a health exam?
It depends on your dog or cat. With that said, we have some general guidelines.
If your pet is one to seven years old, we recommend a health exam each year for those first seven years of life.
Keep in mind, animals age faster than people do.
If you think about it in human terms, an annual exam for your dog or cat is the same as you visiting your doctor once every three to seven years!
As your pet gets older, we recommend a health exam once every six months.
Older cats and dogs are more likely to have health issues that may not have highly visible signs yet, such as the beginning of arthritis, declining dental health or the start of kidney issues.
Our veterinarians are happy to discuss the ideal checkup schedule for your dog or cat during your next visit.