Atlanta Veterinary Clinic

Walter E. Bungard, DVM

11979 County Road 487 Atlanta MI 49709

989-785-3521
General Healthcare Guide


General Healthcare for Dogs:

2-3 days of age:  Dewclaws removed and tails docked

3-4 weeks of age:  De-worm/heartworm preventative

6-8 weeks of age:  DHPPCV vaccine

10-12 weeks of age:  DHPPCV #2 and Bordatella vaccines

14-16 weeks of age:  DHPPCV #3, Bordatella and Rabies vaccines.  The first rabies vaccine is good for one year.

6 months of age:  Neuter or spay

Annually:  Heartworm check in the spring, stool check, DHLPPCV vaccine, Bordatella vaccine, Lyme vaccine optional in the spring of each year.

Dental exam, clean and polish every 2-3 years or more often as recommended by your veterinarian

Rabies vaccine given every three years after the initial dose at one year of age.


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General Healthcare for Cats:

9-11 weeks of age: Feline leukemia test, Dis/Tri and FeLV vaccine, de-claw, de-worm, FIP vaccines optional but recommended

14-16 weeks of age: FeLV and Dis/Tri boosters, Rabies vaccine (first one good for one year) FIP vaccine optional but recommended

5-6 months of age: spay or neuter

Yearly: Dis/Tri and FeLV boosters, fecal test, FIP booster

Rabies vaccine given every three years after the intitial Rabies vaccination at one year of age

Dental exam, clean and polish every 2-3 years, more often as recommended by your veterinarian

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 Home Care of Splints, Casts and Bandages


General Information:

Splints, casts and bandages are designed to protect and/or immobilize injured body parts.  A splint or cast actually bears the animal’s weight.  These devices also prevent self-mutilation from licking or chewing.

Your pet cannot understand the function of a splint, cast or bandage and therefore may want only to get the device off in any manner possible.  It may shake, bite, pull and push on the splint in an effort to remove it.  Fortunately, most pets accept such appliances eventually.


Important Points on Care of Splints, Casts and Bandages:

1.  KEEP THE DEVICE DRY.  If your pet goes outside in wet weather, place a plastic bag over the cast or splint to keep it dry.  DO NOT allow the bag to remain on for long periods.  As a rule of thumb, remove the bag after one hour or less.

2.  Inform the doctor of any loosening or loss of the splint, cast or bandage.

3.  Discourage the pet from licking and chewing the device.  Consult the doctor if the animal persists in these activities.

4.  Consult the doctor if you see signs of pain or increased swelling.

Your pet’s splint, cast or bandage will need to be removed or changed according to your veterinarians instructions.  Always keep follow-up appointments.

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Your Pet's Dental Health:

Many do not realize pets require a regular dental health regime just as humans do. 

A thorough dental cleaning is needed every 2-3 years or as prescribed by  your veterinarian depending on your pet's needs.  At the time of the cleaning a thorough exam of the mouth and teeth is done.  Because sedation is needed during this procedure, your pet will need to fast 12 hours prior to its cleaning, plain water is permitted.  Your pet will need to be dropped off on the morning of your appointment and picked up later in the day, usually in the afternoon.

Teeth left uncared for will cause periodontal disease leading to tooth loss and infection.   If left untreated the bacteria can enter the bloodstream causing numerous complications.  Prevention is much less expensive than treating the results of neglected oral hygiene.

Call today to schedule your pet's dental visit.


If you have any questions please feel free to call us at 989-785-3521.  Our staff will be happy to assist you.



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all information compiled and submitted by Luanne Bungard



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