1. Comprehensive Physical Examination

2. Accuplex4 Heartworm Screen (also checks for tick borne disease)

3. Fecal Ova and Parasite Panel

4. Annual Healthcare Planning (Based on Medical History, or Lifestyle)

Characteristics: Young dogs are energetic and thriving! They are keen to learn and to play. Some young dogs are headstrong and rebellious (like teenage humans).

Prone to: Accidents and injuries; Escapism; Accidental ingestion; Emerging allergies and behavioral health issues; Reproductive maturity depending on status; Internal parasites if not adequately eliminated during the puppy phase; Heartworm Disease.

In addition to healthcare: Plan on re-assessing your dog's bedding and accessories as your pet grows in both size and learning ability (consider obedience classes with a qualified professional, a gentle leader for training, or durable toys for active "chewers"). It's a good year to consider screening for the predisposition to inherited diseases if you haven't already. We've partnered with Orivet Genetic Pet Care for genetic LifePlans. Banking your pet's stem cells via adipose tissue retrieval could save time, money, and prolonged recovery time should your pet need this therapy later in life.

Training should emphasize impulse control and leadership for house dogs and agility or tracking training for working dogs. This life stage requires an average of 2hrs of aerobic exercise per day (tug or fetch only if your dog obeys the rules).

Maintain monthly grooming and nutritious food appropriate for adult dogs, with your pet's lifestyle & energy needs in mind. We can even safely help you get your pet's food ship to your door via Purina ProPlan our Online Pharmacy, or HillstoHome for the best price without sacrificing value. Practice brushing your pet's teeth, and any other lifestyle-related activities—such as our travel, socialization, and activities at our local dog park

Consider ProHeart 12 or 6 to prevent deadly heartworms and costly treatment. The HomeAgain Pet Recovery and TempScan Microchip system for your pet if you haven't already selected a microchip service yet—their recovery rate is superior. Peace of mind is well worth this one-time investment.

What's more? Emerging technology has made it possible for us to take an instant body temperature by simply scanning your pet's microchip. While taking a rectal temperature is safe and easy, your pet will certainly thank you for allowing us to avoid that route.

Our progressive reputation has led us to where we are today with our Preventative Healthcare Plan Services. Gregg J. Gormley, DVM, our Medical Director was an experienced sole practitioner in 2001 and he partnered with Carol A. Gormley, RN—Our Practice Manager at the time and now our Hospital Administrator--to create the first veterinary “Wellness Program” in the Evansville, Indiana area which bundled discounted screening and rewarded our patients with over 100 medical, surgical and boarding service discounts PLUS free core vaccinations every year! An entire generation of dogs and cats have partners with Highland to prevent heartworms, and monitor wear and tear diseases and have enjoyed a lifetime of prevention against rabies, distemper virus, and more without paying a dime for the vaccine.

At the beginning of this program, Molly Welch was their head patient technician, and in 2005 Melissa Gormley was their lead CSR. Molly and Melissa have since gone on to become the Practice Manager (PM) of Finance and Operations, respectively. Each PM can confidently say that today they have learned a lot by evolving these programs and working with Dr. and Mrs. Gormley to continue to customize them and broaden them—always taking advantage of the latest progressive screening techniques, technologies, immunizations, and preventatives to offer a spectrum of customizable and affordable bundles and plans for their patients. We always ask if this were my best friend—what is within reach? What would I want to know and how would I want to improve my pet’s life?