Dog care
Good dog care in Woodbridge changes as your dog grows. Here is what puppy, adult, and senior visits cover, and how to keep your dog healthy between them.
Puppies: the first few months
Most puppies come in for a series of visits, about three to four weeks apart, until they are around 16 weeks old. Each visit includes a nose-to-tail exam, the next round of vaccinations, and a check for worms and other parasites. It is also a good time to ask about feeding, house training, chewing, and when to plan a spay or neuter.
Bring any records from the breeder, shelter, or rescue. They tell your vet which shots your puppy already had, so nothing is repeated or missed.
Adult dogs: one good exam a year
Once your dog is grown, a yearly wellness exam is the backbone of care. Your vet checks weight, heart, lungs, skin, ears, eyes, joints, and teeth, and asks about anything you have noticed at home. Vaccines are kept current, including rabies, which Virginia law requires. Year-round parasite prevention guards against heartworm, fleas, and ticks, all common in Prince William County.
Teeth matter more than most owners expect. Many dogs have some dental disease by middle age, and much of it hides under the gumline. If your vet sees tartar, red gums, or bad breath, they may suggest dental care, including a cleaning with dental x-rays.
Senior dogs: watching for small changes
Many dogs are considered seniors around age seven, and larger breeds often sooner. At this stage we usually suggest exams twice a year. Blood and urine tests from our in-house lab can pick up kidney, liver, and thyroid problems before your dog looks sick. Your vet will also ask about stiffness, slower walks, new lumps, changes in thirst, and accidents in the house.
Do not write these changes off as old age until your vet has taken a look. Many of them can be managed, and joint pain in particular can often be eased so your dog stays comfortable and active.
What you can do at home
- Keep your dog at a lean, healthy weight. Ask your vet what that looks like for your dog.
- Give parasite prevention on schedule, every month or as directed.
- Brush your dog’s teeth a few times a week if they will let you.
- Write down changes in appetite, energy, or bathroom habits and bring the list to your next visit.
Booking a visit
Call (703) 680-4646 or request an appointment online. For quick questions, you can text us at (571) 503-0242.
Common questions
How often should my dog see a vet?
Most healthy adult dogs need one exam a year. Puppies need several visits in their first months, and seniors usually do best with an exam every six months.
When should my puppy have its first visit?
Plan the first visit soon after you bring your puppy home, often around eight weeks of age. Bring any shot and deworming records you were given.
Which vaccines does my dog need?
Rabies is required by Virginia law, and most dogs also get the core vaccine that covers distemper and parvovirus. Your vet will talk about other vaccines based on where your dog goes and which dogs they meet.
Does my dog really need parasite prevention all year?
In most cases, yes. Fleas, ticks, and the mosquitoes that carry heartworm can be active on mild winter days here, so steady prevention is safer than starting and stopping.
When is a dog considered a senior?
Many dogs reach their senior years around age seven, and large and giant breeds get there earlier. Your vet will help you decide when to start senior screening tests.
Is bad breath normal for dogs?
It is common, but it usually points to dental disease rather than something to ignore. A look at the teeth during an exam will show whether a cleaning is needed.
Do you see dogs of all sizes and breeds?
Yes. Hillendale Animal Hospital cares for dogs and cats of all ages and sizes. Call (703) 680-4646 to set up a visit.
Questions, or ready to book?
Call us during open hours or send a request online and we will call you back to set a time.