Yearly Checkups That Keep Small Problems Small
Dogs and cats are experts at hiding illness. Dental disease, heart murmurs, skin infections, weight gain and early kidney changes often show up on an exam long before a pet acts sick. A yearly wellness visit is the simplest way to catch them while they are easier and less costly to treat.
At Vineland Animal Hospital in southwest Orlando, every wellness exam is done by Dr. Melissa Millhoff herself. She checks your pet from nose to tail, keeps vaccines current, and takes the time to talk through diet, behavior, parasite prevention and whatever else is on your mind. No rushing, no starting over with a new doctor each year.
We see dogs and cats from Dr. Phillips, Bay Hill, Windermere, Winter Garden, Ocoee, Kissimmee and across Orlando, plus pets visiting the area with their families.
Send us your request and our team will call you to confirm a day and time. If your pet is sick today, please call (407) 233-3386.
Every 3 to 4 weeks during the vaccine series, usually until about 16 weeks old.
Once a year.
(dogs about 7 and up, cats about 8 and up): Every six months, since changes happen faster with age.
As often as Dr. Millhoff recommends for rechecks and monitoring.
Required by Florida law (Section 828.30, Florida Statutes) for every dog, cat and ferret 4 months and older. A booster is due 12 months after the first shot, then on the schedule for the vaccine used. Rabies is fatal and can spread to people, and Florida has rabid raccoons, bats and foxes every year.
Protects against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza and parvovirus. Parvo still sickens unvaccinated puppies in Central Florida, especially at dog parks and pet stores.
For dogs that board, go to daycare, groomers or training classes. Required for boarding at Vineland.
Required by Florida law for cats 4 months and older, including indoor cats. Bats do get into Florida homes.
Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia (feline distemper). Panleukopenia can be carried indoors on shoes and is often fatal in unvaccinated kittens.
Recommended for kittens and for cats that go outdoors or live with other cats. We test for FeLV before the first vaccine.
We give you a rabies certificate at every rabies vaccine.
Our climate is great for people and hard on pets in a few specific ways:
Fleas, ticks and the mosquitoes that carry heartworm are active nearly all year here, so prevention has to be year-round too.
Long, humid summers lead to skin and ear infections and put flat-faced breeds, seniors and overweight pets at risk of heatstroke.
Raccoons, opossums and stray cats spread fleas, intestinal worms and, rarely, rabies. Bufo (cane) toads are toxic to curious dogs.
Lakes, pools, dog parks and theme-park-area pet boarding all bring pets into contact with other animals and germs.
Dr. Millhoff tailors every wellness plan to your pet’s lifestyle here, not a one-size-fits-all checklist.
The answer is different for each pet, although many commercially available foods are fine to feed healthy dogs and cats. You can look for a nutritional adequacy statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), as well as the words “complete and balanced.” Pets’ nutritional needs do change, depending on their life stage and health. Dr. Melissa can recommend a pet food, as well as give you advice on deciphering ingredient lists and determining how much to feed your pet. Dr. Melissa feeds her pets Hills’ Science Diet, which we have available in our lobby.
Supplements, and nutraceuticals in particular, are becoming very popular with pet owners. Your veterinarian can help you weed out confusing and conflicting information and advise you on any supplements your pet might benefit from.
Yes. Florida law requires every dog, cat and ferret 4 months and older to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian, with a booster 12 months later. Vineland Animal Hospital in Orlando gives rabies vaccines and a rabies certificate at your pet’s visit.
Yes. Florida’s rabies law includes indoor cats, bats sometimes get into homes, and feline distemper can be carried inside on shoes. Indoor cats also escape, board and go to groomers. Dr. Millhoff will recommend only the vaccines your cat actually needs.
It depends on your pet’s age and the vaccines and tests they need. We go over the cost with you before anything is done. Call (407) 233-3386 with questions.
Yes. The American Heartworm Society recommends yearly testing, even for dogs on prevention, because a missed or late dose can let an infection start. In Central Florida, where mosquitoes are active most of the year, it is especially important.
Mild soreness or a sleepy day is common and passes quickly. Serious reactions are rare. Call (407) 233-3386 right away if you see facial swelling, hives, repeated vomiting or trouble breathing after a vaccine, and tell us about any past reaction so we can adjust the plan.
Yes. Hill’s Science Diet is available in our lobby, and prescription diets can be ordered through our In-House Pharmacy. Ask Dr. Millhoff which food fits your pet’s age and health.
The same doctor sees your pet year after year and notices small changes.
Time for every question, from food to behavior.
Prevention built around our year-round parasites, heat and lakes.
Clear costs before anything is done.
Vineland Animal Hospital, 11402 S Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32836, United States. Serving Dr. Phillips, Orlando, Winter Garden, Ocoee, Apopka and Kissimmee.
