What Is an Annual Preventive Visit?
An annual preventive visit is your pet’s yearly check-up: a chance for our experienced veterinary team to assess your pet’s overall health, catch early signs of illness, and keep their wellness plan on track.
During this visit, we will:
- Perform a full physical exam
- Discuss your pet’s lifestyle, diet, and health needs
- Update necessary vaccines
- Screen for intestinal parasites
- Run basic lab work (as needed)
- Refill flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
- Refill any long-term medications
When Is It Not a Preventive Visit?
If your pet is feeling unwell or we’re managing an ongoing condition (such as adjusting medications or reviewing test results), the visit would be considered medical care, not preventive. That’s because these situations often require additional time, diagnostics, or treatment planning.
Telehealth May Be an Option
If your pet has had a recent preventive visit with us, we may be able to assist with certain follow-up needs via telemedicine or telehealth, saving you a trip to the clinic. Ask us if this is an option for your pet’s care!
Why It Matters
Annual preventive visits help us:
- Catch potential health issues before they become serious
- Tailor care to your pet’s unique needs
- Keep vaccines and preventatives up to date
- Ensure a longer, healthier life for your pet
Ready to schedule your pet’s preventive visit? Call us today or schedule an appointment online!
Important Update: Medication & Product Return Policy
We want to keep you informed about a recent update to our clinic’s return policy regarding medications and medical products. In accordance with Minnesota Law 6800.2700, we are not allowed to accept any returns of medications or medical items once they have left our clinic. This includes prescription medications, flea/tick preventatives, heartworm products, and other veterinary medical supplies. While we always want to do what’s best for you and your pet, state law prohibits us from reusing, reselling, or redistributing these items, even if they are unopened or unused. The only exception applies to hospital inpatients in a licensed pharmacy setting, which does not include our clinic.
Before You Buy:
We understand that choosing the right product can be tricky, especially for growing pets or when you’re trying something new. If you’re unsure which item your pet needs, please don’t hesitate to ask our team for guidance before making a purchase. We’re happy to help you select the correct size and product for your pet’s current needs.
No Returns On:
- Heartworm prevention
- Flea & tick treatments
- Prescription medications
- Any medical devices or supplies
Unfortunately, we will not be able to authorize returns, exchanges, or refunds for these items going forward. Thank you for your understanding and for helping us comply with state law while keeping all pets safe. If you have any questions, please feel free to call or ask one of our team members during your visit!
What About 100% Money-Back Guarantees?
While we cannot accept returns, we can still honor 100% satisfaction guarantees from manufacturers if they apply to the product you purchased. These guarantees are typically available for specific preventatives and prescription diets.
To request a refund under a manufacturer guarantee:
- Keep the original packaging
- Contact us to see if your product qualifies
- Follow the manufacturer’s process (we’ll help you with it!)
Note: Not all products (especially for dogs) qualify for these guarantees, so please ask us before purchase if you’re unsure.
Training Tools in the Clinic: Why We Avoid Shock and Beeper Collars
At East Central Veterinarians, we’re committed to making every pet’s visit as low-stress and positive as possible. One of the ways we do this is by using reward-based training, also known as positive reinforcement. This approach means we reward your pet for desired behaviors with treats, toys, praise, or play. It helps build trust, reduce fear, and create a more positive association with vet visits. Our goal is for your pet to walk through our doors expecting snacks and smiles – not stress.
We’d like to take a moment to address the use of shock collars or beeper collars. These tools work through what’s called positive punishment – adding something unpleasant to stop a behavior. While they may be used in certain training situations at home, in a veterinary setting, they can increase anxiety, fear, and even aggression. Because of this, we discourage the use of shock or beeper collars in our clinic. Creating a calm, welcoming environment for all of our patients is a top priority, and avoiding aversive tools is an important part of that.
Thank you for partnering with us in supporting a fear-free experience for your pets. We’re always happy to talk more about training methods and tips that support your pet’s emotional well-being – both in and out of the clinic!
Here is a great article regarding low-stress handling: Cooperative Care in Veterinary Medicine – Veterinary Partner – VIN
Dr. Megan Trauba
Fall Safety Tips for Pet Owners
As the crisp air and colorful leaves of fall set in, it’s a great time to enjoy the outdoors with your pets. But with the change in season, there are some unique hazards to keep in mind. Here are some essential fall safety tips to ensure your furry friends stay safe and healthy:
1. Watch Out for Toxic Plants
Many plants are toxic to pets and more common in fall gardens. These include:
- Mums (Chrysanthemums): Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling.
- Acorns & Oak Leaves: Contain tannins which can lead to gastrointestinal distress or even kidney failure in severe cases.
- Pumpkins & Gourds: While pumpkins are safe, some ornamental gourds can cause stomach upset if ingested.
- Asters: While lovely to look at, they can cause skin irritation and digestive issues.
2. Be Mindful of Temperature Changes
As the temperatures drop, pets can be more susceptible to the cold, especially small or short-haired breeds. Consider:
- Coats and Sweaters: Keep your pet warm with doggy jackets or sweaters when they go outside.
- Shorter Walks: Cold ground can hurt their paws, so keep walks short or use protective booties.
- Indoor Comfort: Ensure your pet has a warm, comfortable place to sleep, especially at night when it can get chilly.
3. Keep an Eye on Your Pet’s Weight
Fall and winter can lead to less active time outdoors. Make sure your pet stays active through indoor play and maintain a healthy diet to avoid any weight gain. If in doubt, consult with your vet for a proper nutrition plan.
4. Beware of Rodenticides & Pesticides
As rodents start to seek shelter indoors during the colder months, there may be an increased use of rodenticides or pesticides. Keep your pet away from areas where these chemicals may be applied and be sure to store them in a secure place. If you think your pet has ingested any harmful substances, contact your vet immediately.
5. Protect Your Pet’s Paws from Salt and Ice Melt
If you live in an area where sidewalks are salted or treated for ice, keep in mind that these chemicals can irritate your pet’s paws. Consider using a paw balm or protective boots to avoid cuts or burns. After walks, wipe your pet’s paws with a damp cloth to remove any harmful residue.
6. Keep an Eye on Fall Foods
It’s tempting to share some of your fall treats with your pet, but many seasonal foods can be harmful to them. For example:
- Chocolate: Especially common in fall baking, chocolate can be toxic to pets.
- Cinnamon: Often used in fall dishes, cinnamon in large amounts can cause stomach upset.
- Alcohol: Don’t leave pumpkin or apple cider around your pet. Even small amounts can be dangerous.
7. Prepare for Early Darkness
With the days getting shorter, be cautious when walking your dog after dusk. Use reflective gear or a light-up collar to ensure your pet is visible to others. This is especially important in areas with heavy traffic.
8. Vet Visits Before Winter
As the weather changes, it’s a good idea to schedule a vet visit for a general check-up. Your vet can update any vaccinations (like the flu vaccine) and check for signs of arthritis or other seasonal conditions that can affect older pets.
9. Monitor Your Pet’s Mental Health
For some pets, fall can bring a change in routine, and they may feel more stressed or anxious. Keep an eye on signs of anxiety or changes in behavior and talk to your vet if you notice anything concerning. Interactive toys or calming products can also help soothe anxious pets.
10. Secure Your Yard & Home
As you store outdoor furniture, garden tools, or holiday decorations, be sure they’re safely secured to prevent your pet from knocking them over or getting injured. Also, ensure all windows and doors are securely closed to keep your pet safe inside.
By following these tips, you can ensure your pets enjoy a fun and safe fall season! Remember, your vet is always available for any questions or concerns about your pet’s health during this season.
Stay cozy, stay safe, and enjoy the beauty of fall with your furry friends!