WHAT WE DO
Vaccines & Preventative Medicine:
There are many different vaccines out there, and the right ones for your pet can be a difficult decision to make especially with all the media hype and opinionated Internet sites. We will guide you on what vaccine type your dog or cat should receive based on their risk factors and life styles. We do live in a dangerously endemic rabies area of the country. It is important to know that it is Federal and State law that dogs and cats (even indoors) should be up to date with rabies vaccine for the safety of you and your pet. We will be happy to discuss each vaccine and its importance in the comfort of your home. Puppies and kittens should receive their first set of vaccines by eight weeks of age with boosters every 3-4 weeks up until 4 to 5 months of age. We will plan a vaccine schedule individualized for your pet based on age, lifestyle, and demographics.
According to the American Heartworm Society, dogs should be tested yearly for a mosquito vectored blood parasite, the heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis). Cats are also susceptible to infection too, especially cats that spend a lot of the time outdoors. Year round prevention, regardless of the cold months, should be practiced to avoid infection. With the changing climate and potential of heartworm infected animals traveling from more heartworm prevalent regions, it is becoming more of a concern in the Northeast. It is an easily preventable disease. Heartworm infection is life threatening and the subsequent treatment that is available is not only expensive but dangerous.
For more information, check out the The American Heartworm Society webpage.
Review guidelines here on heartworm disease for dogs and cats.
The best way to prevent flea and tick borne diseases is to use year round flea and tick control. Some common tick borne bacteria in our area include Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi), Anaplasma species and Ehrilichia species. We provide routine tests that screen exposure to some of these common bacteria and additional tests to determine their severity.
We recommend annual wellness exams for adult dogs and cats between one and seven years old even if they are not due for vaccinations. Puppies, kittens, and senior pets should have more frequent examinations. At each check-up, we record your pet’s weight and temperature, ask about eating habits and exercise, and discuss parasite control. We also check for specific health issues, such as endocrine disorders, metabolic syndromes, or signs of decreased quality of life.
You also have the chance to get help with any behavioral concerns and can get you information on certified trainers we trust to work with you and your pet to correct any behavioral issue.
.
Senior Wellness:
Although the age at which dogs and cats are considered a senior can vary by breed, we like to start seeing pets for bi-annual exams around age seven. Like people, older pets have an increased risk of kidney disease, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, liver disease, senility, and general weakness. Staying on top of these issues helps improve the quality of life for your pet in the senior years.
.
End of Life Care:
Saying goodbye to your loved one is one of the hardest things we do as both pet owners and as your veterinarian. We work closely with you on ways to make your pet as comfortable as possible. We can also provide resources for your children and other family members in dealing with the ensuing grief and feeling of loss. Versatile Vets is here to guide and prepare you along this journey.
WHAT WE DO
Vaccines & Preventative Medicine:
There are many different vaccines out there, and the right ones for your pet can be a difficult decision to make especially with all the media hype and opinionated Internet sites. We will guide you on what vaccine type your dog or cat should receive based on their risk factors and life styles. We do live in a dangerously endemic rabies area of the country. It is important to know that it is Federal and State law that dogs and cats (even indoors) should be up to date with rabies vaccine for the safety of you and your pet. We will be happy to discuss each vaccine and its importance in the comfort of your home. Puppies and kittens should receive their first set of vaccines by eight weeks of age with boosters every 3-4 weeks up until 4 to 5 months of age. We will plan a vaccine schedule individualized for your pet based on age, lifestyle, and demographics.
According to the American Heartworm Society, dogs should be tested yearly for a mosquito vectored blood parasite, the heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis). Cats are also susceptible to infection too, especially cats that spend a lot of the time outdoors. Year round prevention, regardless of the cold months, should be practiced to avoid infection. With the changing climate and potential of heartworm infected animals traveling from more heartworm prevalent regions, it is becoming more of a concern in the Northeast. It is an easily preventable disease. Heartworm infection is life threatening and the subsequent treatment that is available is not only expensive but dangerous.
For more information, check out the The American Heartworm Society webpage.
Review guidelines here on heartworm disease for dogs and cats.
The best way to prevent flea and tick borne diseases is to use year round flea and tick control. Some common tick borne bacteria in our area include Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi), Anaplasma species and Ehrilichia species. We provide routine tests that screen exposure to some of these common bacteria and additional tests to determine their severity.
We recommend annual wellness exams for adult dogs and cats between one and seven years old even if they are not due for vaccinations. Puppies, kittens, and senior pets should have more frequent examinations. At each check-up, we record your pet’s weight and temperature, ask about eating habits and exercise, and discuss parasite control. We also check for specific health issues, such as endocrine disorders, metabolic syndromes, or signs of decreased quality of life.
You also have the chance to get help with any behavioral concerns and can get you information on certified trainers we trust to work with you and your pet to correct any behavioral issue.
.
Senior Wellness:
Although the age at which dogs and cats are considered a senior can vary by breed, we like to start seeing pets for bi-annual exams around age seven. Like people, older pets have an increased risk of kidney disease, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, liver disease, senility, and general weakness. Staying on top of these issues helps improve the quality of life for your pet in the senior years.
.
End of Life Care:
Saying goodbye to your loved one is one of the hardest things we do as both pet owners and as your veterinarian. We work closely with you on ways to make your pet as comfortable as possible. We can also provide resources for your children and other family members in dealing with the ensuing grief and feeling of loss. Versatile Vets is here to guide and prepare you along this journey.
Get in Touch
TELEPHONE:
203.482.9954
ADDRESS:
19 Stony Hill
Bethel, CT 06801
ORDER ONLINE BELOW:
HOURS
By Appointment Only
Call for Availability
Monday through Friday
9am - 4:30pm
SATURDAY/SUNDAY: CLOSED