The Essential Plan for Dogs is designed for young adult dogs. For mature adult and senior dogs, check out the Advanced Plan for Dogs. For senior and geriatric dogs, check out the Optimum Plan for Dogs.
Bandit, a 3 year old Goldendoodle with allergies, is the perfect fit for the Essential Plan for Dogs. It covers the essentials for his preventive care and his family loves that exam fees are always waived when he comes in for allergy flares and follow-up.
The Essential Plan for Dogs covers your dog’s annual wellness needs with some amazing membership perks. Pets on a Plan receive medical exams at no cost and a 10% discount on most products and services outside of the Plan. Plans last a full year!
It includes two semi-annual wellness exams, core vaccinations, and an Essential Profile. The Essential Profile includes a heartworm screen, tick-disease screen, intestinal parasite screen, complete blood count, and an 11-point blood chemistry panel.
Membership Perks
Pets on a Plan receive $0 medical exams and a 10% discount on most products and services outside of the Plan. Check out the FAQ to learn how Plans can save you money!
Examination
Our veterinarian will examine your dog from nose to tail for tumors and signs of pain or arthritis. We will assess her overall appearance. Your dog’s heart and lungs will be listened to for abnormalities. Her eyes, ears, nose, and mouth will be evaluated as well.
Consultation
You will discuss medical history, behavior changes, lifestyle, and nutrition with our veterinarian. You also have a chance to ask questions and address any other concerns you may have.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations prevent several common bacterial and viral infections. For dogs, we vaccinate to prevent distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, and rabies. Depending on your dog’s lifestyle, vaccines protecting against leptospirosis and bordetella may be indicated and are included in our Plans.
Essential Profile
The Essential Profile includes a heartworm screen, tick disease screen, intestinal parasite screen, and essential blood screen.
Heartworm Screen
A heartworm screen is included in our Plans. Heartworm disease is a serious disease in dogs. Heartworms can cause severe lung disease, heart failure, and damage to other organs in the body. They are spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. It’s important to screen for heartworm disease and eliminate heartworm larvae with a monthly preventative. Learn more about heartworm disease from the American Heartworm Society.
Tick Disease Screen
A tick disease screen is included in our Plans. This test screens for Lyme Disease, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma. These diseases are transmitted from the bite of an infected tick. Lyme Disease and Anaplasma do not have high prevalence in our area.
However, in Taney County, nearly 25% of dogs screened for Ehrlichia have a positive result. Dogs can become infected within hours of a tick’s initial attachment. Symptoms of Ehrlichiosis include anemia, bleeding episodes, lameness, neurological problems, and swollen limbs. Learn more about ehrlichia.
Intestinal Parasite Screen
An intestinal parasite screen is included in our Plans. Intestinal parasites are common in dogs. They can cause a wide range of symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and anemia. Some types of parasites, including roundworms and hookworms, can be transmitted from dogs to humans. Routine testing and monthly treatment protects your dog, as well as you and your family!
Essential Blood Screen
The essential blood screen is preventive testing that provides valuable information about your dog’s overall health and helps identify any underlying medical conditions. If the results are normal, the testing establishes a baseline of blood values while your dog is healthy. If completed on an annual basis, we can track results as your dog ages and spot potential health issues before they cause problems.
Complete Blood Count
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) screens for anemia, inflammation, infection, stress, Leukemia, bleeding problems, inability to fight infection, and hydration status.
Red blood cells (RBCs) are the most numerous and longest-living of the different types of blood cells. They typically make up almost half of the blood’s volume.
RBCs contain a special protein called hemoglobin (HGB) that binds to the oxygen in the lungs and enables the RBCs to transport oxygen as it travels through the rest of the body.
Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells that increase during times of increased red cell production, such as blood loss or immunemediated anemia.
White blood cells are primarily responsible for fighting infections. There are five different types of white blood cells and each one performs specific functions to keep the body healthy. Platelets play a critical role in preventing bleeding.
Essential Blood Chemistry Panel
The following is a summary of the blood chemistry markers included in the screen:
Total Protein is a measurement of all the proteins in the blood, including albumin and globulin. Abnormal total protein levels can be an indication of liver or kidney disease, malnutrition, or other health issues.
Albumin is a type of protein that helps maintain fluid balance in the body. Low albumin levels may indicate liver or kidney disease, malnutrition, or other health issues.
Globulin is a type of protein that helps fight infection and disease. Abnormal globulin levels can be an indication of inflammation, infection, or other health issues.
An abnormal Albumin/Globulin Ratio can be an indication of liver or kidney disease, infection, inflammation, or malnutrition.
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme produced in the liver, bones, and other tissues. Elevated ALP levels can be a sign of liver disease, bone disease, or other health problems.
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme produced primarily in the liver. High ALT levels can indicate liver disease or damage.
Glucose is a type of sugar that provides energy to the body’s cells. Elevated glucose levels can be a sign of diabetes or other health issues.
Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) is a waste product that is eliminated by the kidneys. SDMA can be elevated months or even years earlier than other kidney disease markers.
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a waste product of protein metabolism that is eliminated by the kidneys. Elevated BUN levels can be an indication of kidney disease or other health issues.
Creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism that is eliminated by the kidneys. Elevated creatinine levels can be an indication of kidney disease or other health problems.
An abnormal BUN/Creatinine Ratio may indicate kidney disease or other health issues.
Check out Frequently Asked Questions!