Prevention

At Arroyo Veterinary Hospital, our philosophy centers on preventive medicine. Because cats age so much faster than humans, medical conditions develop quickly. But there are a number of steps you can take as part of your cat’s routine care to help avoid common health problems and protect him or her in times of need.IdentificationIdentifying your cat is one of the simplest and most cost-effective things you can do to protect him or her.

Collar and Tag. A simple identification tag can provide your cat’s name, emergency contact information, and special medical conditions. You can also purchase special medical alert tags. We can make ID tags in our office while you wait and include any information you choose.

Microchipping
Having a microchip inserted under your cat’s skin is quick, easy, affordable, and, for the most part, painless. If someone finds your cat and brings him or her to a shelter or here to Arroyo, a staff member will perform a scan that reveals your pet’s unique identification number. It’s a highly effective way to recover a lost pet.

FlyerFlea and Tick Control
External parasites such as fleas and ticks can bring not only discomfort but also worms and other ailments, and are particularly active in hot, dry weather. We recommend preventing these pests with non-toxic, topically applied products Advantage, Advantix, or Frontline.

Vaccinations
Vaccinations provide important protection against viruses and bacterial diseases, but they are just one aspect of your cat’s annual health regimen. New information about shots and their effectiveness becomes available all the time. Some research indicates, for example, that older animals might not need vaccinations as often as when they are younger. That’s why, at Arroyo, we offer shots only as part of the examination process, not in “shot clinics” or other ad hoc ways. The vaccinations we offer protect against:

• Rabies
• FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
• Leukemia
• FELV-FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)
• Fecal Infections

Heartworm Test
During your cat’s examination at Arroyo, we conduct a simple test to determine the presence of heartworm disease, which can be fatal if untreated. [MORE?]Fecal Exam for Internal ParasitesDuring your cat’s examination at Arroyo, we take a stool sample and conduct a fecal exam to determine the presence of hidden parasites, which can carry infections and other diseases.

Dental Care
Proper dental care helps to ensure the overall health and prolong the life of your cat. In fact, 85 to 95 percent of all pets age three and older have significant dental and periodontal disease, which can lead to life-threatening infections. We recommend annual cleaning at Arroyo, as well as daily tooth brushing and dental treats at home.

Download Dental Program.pdf


Pet First Aid and Emergency Preparedness Workshops
On a regular basis, we offer a two-hour evening Pet First Aid and Emergency Preparedness Workshop taught by Dr. Rhonda Stallings. For just $10, including refreshments, you can learn the basics of caring for your cat during a crisis. Proceeds benefit our Good Samaritan Fund for pets requiring urgent medical treatment who have no caretaker support to cover their veterinary expenses. Visit ourCalendar of Events for the next available dates and times.

Pet Insurance
Health insurance can be an effective way to manage routine or unexpected veterinary costs. The oldest and largest provider of health insurance for pets, Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) offers affordable programs that start at $12 per month for cats, with all plans including a $50 deductible. Premiums are based on the species and age of the animal and plan you select. For details and quotes, call 800-USA-PETS (872-7387), visit www.petinsurance.com, or pick up a brochure in the Arroyo reception area.

Legal Protection
If something happens to you, what will happen to your pet? You can take action now to ensure that your pet will receive proper care in your absence. By carrying an “I Have Pets” card in your wallet, writing down your pet-care information and keeping it with other important papers, and placing a pet decal at your home entrance are steps you can take to alert others that you have animals that need attention. Legal preparations include establishing a trust that provides funds for your pet’s care and designates a trustee-caretaker. To discuss your options, contact a qualified attorney with experience in estate planning. If you are age 65 or older, you also can enroll in Arroyo’s Continuing Care Program, which provides temporary care of your pet until he or she is placed with your designated caretaker.


Arroyo Veterinary Hospital offers wellness programs that cover all aspects of preventive health for kittens and for cats in their active and senior years. Learn more about our full range of services.