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Wellness Pet Care Across All Stages of Life

Longevity, vigor, a playful demeanor, and positive behavior–all these factors combine to create the concept of wellness pet care. Wellness covers every aspect of life from nutrition to the human–animal bond, and Greenhaven Animal Clinic supports this all-inclusive approach to veterinary care.

We offer a comprehensive wellness care plan that includes:

• Vaccinations
• Parasite control
• Wellness exams
• Spaying and neutering
• Life stage care
• Pain management
• Alternative veterinary care
• Nutrition and exercise
• Behavioral counseling
• Chronic disease management

At minimum, we recommend that every pet receive annual exams including vaccinations, parasite testing and control, blood work, urine testing, and a discussion about your experiences and concerns since the last visit. Since pets age much faster than humans, your observations about the changing behavior or condition of your pet is critical to addressing problems early, before they become difficult or impossible to manage humanely.

Spay & Neuter Surgery

We will advise you as to when you should schedule your pet’s spay or neuter surgery. There are many advantages to this common surgical procedure, and spayed or neutered pets typically experience many of the following benefits:

• Less likely to roam
• Display less aggressive behaviors
• Live longer
• Less marking of territory, inside and out
• Develop less tumors, cysts, uterine infections, and testicular cancer
• Easier to train

Spay and neuter surgery performed with laser technology is much less traumatic to your pet and recovery is faster with less pain and bleeding at the site. Visit our Small Animal Care page for more information about our surgical services.

Get an overview of the benefits of the veterinary CO2 laser at the Cutting Edge website.

Find answers to your questions about the uses and benefits of laser surgery at the Aesculight website, manufacturers of the only American-made surgical CO2 laser.

Veterinary Acupuncture

Acupuncture is often used in conjunction with other veterinary treatment options, including surgical intervention. It is a good treatment choice when medication is either not working or contraindicated because of serious side effects.

We often use acupuncture when surgery is not feasible, either because of anesthetic risk or the owner’s desire to avoid a surgical procedure. Veterinary acupuncture can be used to:

• Stimulate your pet’s natural pain relievers
• Enhance wound healing
• Relieve muscle spasms
• Stimulate the immune system
• Enhance the blood supply to a degenerating joint
• Dilate the respiratory passages to bring relief to an asthmatic patient

Dr. Karren is trained and certified in acupuncture through the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.

The use of acupuncture at our clinic is explained in more detail in this helpful handout, Veterinary Acupuncture. We encourage you to contact our office for question about this alternative to traditional pet care.

Read more about the uses of veterinary acupuncture and other alternatives to traditional care on our Pet Care page.

For more information about veterinary acupuncture, visit the following websites:

• International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the practice of veterinary acupuncture
• American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture (AAVA) is a source of communication, continuing education, and support for veterinary acupuncturists in the United States.
• Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine provides the veterinary community with the highest quality educational experience in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) and promotes and conducts scientific investigations in veterinary acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine

Parasite Prevention

Parasite control is a serious issue and one that concerns the health and comfort of your pet, as well as the members of your family.

Zoonotic illnesses are diseases humans can get from animals and, while they are not common, they can make you and your family sick. You can prevent most of these diseases with some very simple steps: teach children not to kiss pets or put their hands in their mouths after touching them, institute a habit of frequent hand washing, and maintain your pet’s vaccinations and regular veterinary wellness visits. Rabies, toxoplasmosis, worms, ringworm, and salmonella are examples of zoonotic diseases.

Learn more about protecting your family from diseases transmitted from animals to people when you visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Learn what you should expect from veterinary Wellness Exams, and then read this AAHA article, Safeguard Your Pet’s Health with Wellness Exams.

For a series of guidelines established by the American Association of Feline Practitioners, covering such areas as life stage guidelines and feline behavior guidelines, visit the AAFP website

The Humane Society website is a wonderful resource for information about wellness care, training, and behavior. Simply choose your type of pet from the “Select a Pet” menu