Why “treat” when you can “prevent”? This approach to health care should apply to all members of your family, including the furry ones that walk on four legs. Drs Sri, Gutta, and Gillen of Bluestar Pet Hospital & Grooming in St. Johns, FL, are privileged to provide blue-ribbon, comprehensive services. Preventative care for cats and dogs plays the starring role in keeping your whiskered or tail-wagging family members happy and healthy for life.
How often should my dog (or cat) visit you?
All cats and dogs should visit us at least annually, however bi-annually is best to catch any health issues early. Your pet is one of a kind. So, he or she deserves one-of-a-kind care. More frequent visits may be scheduled depending on several factors, such as the presence of chronic conditions or with advancing age. Likewise, we may recommend follow-up appointments should your pet be at increased risk of developing conditions such as respiratory diseases, arthritis, or advanced gum disease.
What will you do during these visits?
Think of these annual visits like your “well exams.” Your family doctor strives to get a complete picture of your health. We strive to do the same with your pet. A complete physical involves evaluating the health of your pet from nose to tail. Based on these findings, a review of your pet’s medical history, and what you may tell us about things like behavioral changes, we may order tests, prescribe medications or other therapeutics, or make recommendations for home care.
Additionally, dogs and cats should be vaccinated to protect them from deadly diseases. For dogs — rabies, canine distemper, canine parvovirus, and canine adenovirus. Your dog should also be tested at least annually for heartworm and internal parasites. For cats — rabies, feline panleukopenia virus, feline herpesvirus 1, calicivirus and feline leukemia. Dogs and cats should also be tested at least annually for parasitic infections with a routine fecal examination.
What can I do to keep my pet healthy?
We get to know you and your pet. This provides us with great insight into habits, lifestyle, diet, and other factors that influence the health and wellbeing of your pet. Some of the most prevalent threats to your pet’s lifespan and quality of life include the very conditions that threaten our wellness. Just as “you are what you eat,” so is your pet. Nutritious, lower-calorie diets support a healthy weight and help to stabilize blood sugar levels. As with humans, pet obesity is at epidemic levels and puts your fur-baby at elevated risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Even slight adjustments in activity levels can make a big difference for your pet.
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Likewise, oral bacteria do not always remain confined to the oral cavity. When it enters your pet’s bloodstream, it wreaks havoc on their heart, liver, kidneys, and other organs. Professional oral care is a vital element of their overall wellness program.
No two “preventive programs” are alike. We encourage you to contact your closest Bluestar location today to schedule your dog’s or cat’s appointment.
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Dr. Venkat Gutta
Bluestar Pet Hospital & Grooming
At Blue Star Pet Hospital and Grooming, Dr. Venkat Gutta provides high-quality and modern veterinary services to all your furry friends! At Bluestar, Dr. Gutta and his team are committed to providing your pets with both a full-service Veterinary Hospital and a modern grooming salon (St. Johns location only) for dogs and cats. Our primary commitment is to provide your companion animals with the highest quality medical care. Dr. Gutta strongly believes in treating your four-legged companions as family members and providing them with excellent yet affordable veterinary care. At Bluestar, we also think that it is important to educate you, as a pet owner, and ensure that the unique needs of you and your pet are met at all times. Through Bluestar, Dr. Gutta and his team serve clients in Durbin Crossing, Jacksonville, St Augustine, St Johns, CR 210, and other areas. Whether it is pet vaccinations, surgery, techniques, advanced diagnostic testing, or even flea and tick control products, we give you access to the best and most cutting-edge treatments and technologies. At Bluestar, we believe that your pet is the STAR!
