Pet Wellness Care in La Crosse, WI

To help your four-legged family members live an enjoyable, healthy life, our team at La Crosse Veterinary Clinic recommends bringing your pet in for an annual pet wellness exam. For senior pets (7+), we suggest bi-annual exams (every 6 months) to accommodate the changes that come with age. These visits allow our veterinarians to determine if your pet has any health issues that need to be treated.

Is your dog or cat due for their next exam? Schedule an appointment today by calling (608) 781-3466 or using our online form.

What do Pet Wellness Exams Include?

During your pet’s comprehensive wellness exam, we:

Examine them from nose to tail, including all of their major body systems.
We also check their weight, update any necessary vaccinations, and discuss parasite prevention.
If we detect anything unusual, we may recommend further diagnostics or lab testing (blood test, fecal exam, X-rays, or urinalysis).
Spend time discussing your pet's behavior and day-to-day routine.

Appointment Request

Wellness Care for Dogs

One of the best ways to ensure your dog lives a happy, healthy life is by staying up to date with their visits to our clinic. If you would like a detailed health maintenance schedule for your dog, please refer to our Canine Lifetime of Wellness handout. To get answers to some common dog-related questions, please read our Commonly Asked Questions handout.

Wellness Care for Cats

Even if your cat is an indoor pet that never goes outside, they still need a wellness exam and vaccinations at least once a year. For a detailed vaccine and health maintenance schedule for your feline companion, please refer to our Lifetime of Wellness - Feline handout. To find the answers to some common feline questions, please read our Commonly Asked Questions handout.

Common Health Concerns in Pets

Your pet’s wellness visit is also the time to discuss their behavioral history. No one knows your pet better than you, so if you notice any unusual changes in their behavior or appearance, please let us know. Some of the most common signs that may indicate a health concern include:

Weakness

Lethargy

Weight gain/loss

Vomiting

Hair loss, scratching, or excessive licking

Difficulty breathing

Aggressive behavior

Changes in urination/defecation habits

Pain, lameness, or stiffness

Difficulty moving

Changes in food/water consumption

Less social/active than usual

Appointment Request

Or give us a call at (608) 781-3466.

Cat and Dog Vaccinations

Vaccinations protect pets from various diseases, so they are critical to your pet’s wellness care. Cat and dog vaccines contain a small number of antigens to stimulate an immune system response. This increases your pet’s immunity to the disease and either prevents or reduces the severity of infection. Below are the core vaccines we recommend for dogs and cats:

Core Cat Vaccines

Rabies
Feline Distemper combination, which protects against:
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
- Calicivirus
- Panleukopenia

Core Dog Vaccines

Rabies
Canine Distemper combination, which protects against:
- Canine Distemper
- Adenovirus Type 2
- Leptospirosis (4 types)
- Parvovirus
- Parainfluenza
Lyme Disease

For more information about pet vaccinations, click the link below.

Pet Vaccinations

Preventing Pet Obesity

Obesity is one of the most common issues seen in pets. In fact, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), more than half of all dogs and cats are obese. Left untreated, obesity can affect the internal organs, put strain on the joints, cause diabetes, and lead to a shortened lifespan. If you are unsure whether your pet is at a healthy weight, or if you have questions about their diet and exercise level, refer to our Calorie Counts handout.