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Did you know that pets can suffer from allergies just like humans? However, unlike humans who show symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes, pets usually exhibit allergic reactions through their skin. This can lead to allergies in pets often being overlooked or misdiagnosed as other illnesses.

Do Pets Get Allergies? True or False?

Gentle Care Pet Clinic

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Proudly serving the citizens of Long Beach and it's surrounding areas.

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Gentle Care Pet Clinic has been proudly serving pets and families in Long Beach for decades, offering compassionate treatment for every patient. Your pet's health and comfort are our highest priorities.

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Preventive Care &amp; Wellness: Your Pet's Foundation for Lifelong HealthJust like regular check-ups keep you healthy, preventive care visits are essential for your pet's well-being. These comprehensive wellness examinations do more than just confirm your pet's health—they establish baselines, detect subtle changes, and prevent diseases before they start. By investing in regular preventive care, you're not just treating problems; you're preventing them entirely, adding years to your pet's life and life to their years.Every pet is unique, with individual risk factors based on breed, age, lifestyle, and genetics. Our preventive care programs adapt to these differences, creating personalized health strategies that evolve as your pet grows from playful youngster to cherished senior. This tailored approach ensures your four-legged family member receives exactly the right care at the right time, maximizing both health outcomes and your peace of mind.Why Are Wellness Exams Important?Pets are masters at hiding illness—a survival instinct from their wild ancestors. By the time you notice symptoms, disease may be advanced. Regular wellness exams allow our trained team to detect problems you can't see:<ul><li>Physical changes too subtle for untrained eyes</li><li>Internal issues before external symptoms appear</li><li>Baseline values that make abnormalities obvious</li><li>Risk factors requiring preventive intervention</li></ul>The statistics are compelling: pets receiving annual wellness care live an average of 2.5 years longer than those seeing veterinarians only when sick. Early detection through routine exams can identify 95% of common diseases while they're still highly treatable, often with simple interventions rather than complex procedures.What's Included in a Wellness Visit?Our comprehensive wellness examinations go far beyond a quick look:<ul><li>Nose-to-tail physical examination evaluating every body system</li><li>Weight and body condition scoring to prevent obesity-related diseases</li><li>Dental health assessment checking for painful periodontal disease</li><li>Eye and ear examination for infections or abnormalities</li><li>Heart and lung auscultation detecting murmurs or respiratory issues</li><li>Abdominal palpation feeling for masses or organ changes</li><li>Joint and mobility evaluation identifying early arthritis</li><li>Skin and coat assessment for parasites, allergies, or tumors</li><li>Behavioral discussion addressing changes before they become problems</li></ul>Age-Appropriate Diagnostic ScreeningBased on your pet's life stage, we recommend specific tests:Young Adults (1-6 years):<ul><li>Baseline blood work establishing normal values</li><li>Urinalysis screening for kidney/bladder health</li><li>Fecal testing for intestinal parasites</li><li>Heartworm and tick disease screening</li></ul>Mature Pets (7+ years):<ul><li>Comprehensive blood chemistry panels</li><li>Complete blood count (CBC)</li><li>Thyroid hormone testing</li><li>Blood pressure monitoring</li><li>Chest X-rays for heart/lung evaluation</li></ul>Essential Components of Preventive CareVaccination Programs Tailored protocols protecting against:<ul><li>Life-threatening diseases like rabies and parvovirus</li><li>Respiratory infections causing serious illness</li><li>Lifestyle-specific risks based on your pet's activities</li></ul>We follow current guidelines, avoiding over-vaccination while ensuring complete protection.Parasite Prevention Year-round protection against:<ul><li>Heartworms transmitted by mosquitoes</li><li>Intestinal parasites affecting pets and people</li><li>Fleas causing discomfort and disease</li><li>Ticks spreading serious infections</li></ul>Monthly preventatives cost pennies per day but prevent conditions costing thousands to treat.Dental Health Management Periodontal disease affects 80% of pets over age 3, causing:<ul><li>Chronic pain pets hide well</li><li>Tooth loss and difficulty eating</li><li>Bacteria entering bloodstream</li><li>Damage to heart, liver, and kidneys</li></ul>Regular dental assessments and cleanings prevent these complications entirely.Nutritional Counseling Proper nutrition prevents numerous health issues:<ul><li>Obesity (affecting 56% of dogs and 60% of cats)</li><li>Diabetes and joint problems</li><li>Urinary and kidney diseases</li><li>Allergies and skin conditions</li></ul>We provide personalized dietary recommendations based on your pet's specific needs.When Should Preventive Care Begin?Puppies and Kittens: Start at 6-8 weeks with visits every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks old. This critical period establishes immunity and healthy habits.Adult Pets: Annual comprehensive examinations maintain health and catch developing issues early.Senior Pets: Bi-annual visits monitor age-related changes more closely, adjusting care as needed.All Pets: Any time you notice changes in appetite, energy, bathroom habits, or behavior.What Happens During Your Visit?<ul><li>Welcome and History - Discussion of any concerns or changes you've noticed</li><li>Comprehensive Examination - Systematic evaluation of all body systems</li><li>Diagnostic Testing - Collection of recommended samples</li><li>Results Review - Clear explanation of findings</li><li>Prevention Planning - Customized recommendations for your pet</li><li>Treatment Demonstration - Showing you how to give medications or care</li><li>Follow-up Scheduling - Planning next steps for optimal health</li></ul>The Power of Prevention: Real ResultsPreventive care dramatically improves outcomes:<ul><li>Dental cleanings prevent painful extractions and systemic infections</li><li>Weight management adds 2+ years to overweight pets' lives</li><li>Parasite prevention stops suffering before it starts</li><li>Early kidney disease detection can slow progression by 75%</li><li>Vaccine programs have nearly eliminated fatal diseases</li></ul>Common Conditions Prevented or Detected EarlyThrough regular wellness visits, we can prevent or manage:<ul><li>Heart disease before symptoms appear</li><li>Diabetes while still diet-manageable</li><li>Arthritis before mobility is compromised</li><li>Cancer when surgical cure is possible</li><li>Kidney disease while function remains</li><li>Thyroid imbalances easily corrected</li><li>Dental disease before tooth loss</li></ul>Making Preventive Care Part of Your Routine<ul><li>Success comes from consistency:</li><li>Schedule appointments at memorable times (birthday months)</li><li>Keep a health journal noting changes</li><li>Follow through with all recommendations</li><li>Maintain year-round parasite prevention</li><li>Address concerns promptly between visits</li></ul>Special Programs for Every Life StageNew Pet Wellness: Comprehensive initial assessments establishing baselines and addressing early needs.Adult Wellness: Annual evaluations maintaining peak health through prime years.Senior Wellness: Enhanced monitoring addressing age-related changes proactively.Chronic Care Management: Increased monitoring for pets with ongoing conditions.The Investment That Pays DividendsPreventive care typically costs $200-400 annually but prevents:<ul><li>Emergency visits averaging $800-1,500</li><li>Dental procedures costing $700-1,500</li><li>Chronic disease management at $200-500 monthly</li><li>Advanced illness treatment exceeding $3,000-5,000</li></ul>More importantly, prevention spares your pet from pain and suffering while maximizing quality time together.<div data-type="horizontalRule"><hr></div>Wellness care is the greatest gift you can give your pet—the gift of health, comfort, and longevity. By partnering with our veterinary team for regular preventive care, you're ensuring your beloved companion enjoys every possible healthy, happy day by your side.💙 Whether it’s a checkup, questions, or care needs, visit us—we’re here to be your partner in your pet’s health.

Regular wellness exams and preventive treatments detect problems early, prevent disease, and help your pet live their most extended, healthiest life possible.


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Irene Howard

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8175 E Wardlow Rd, Long Beach, CA 90808, USA

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Keep your pet healthy with routine wellness exams, early detection, and personalized care plans.

Preventive Care & Wellness

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Do Pets Get Allergies? True or False?

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Preventive Care & Wellness

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Do Pets Get Allergies? True or False?

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