Preventive care
Regular health checks & vaccinations for a healthy life for your four-legged friend.
Reasons for regular health checks
As with us humans, illnesses often remain undetected for a long time and are only noticed when they rapidly worsen rapidly. For this reason, you should also take regular care of your animal.
General exams
At filu, you will first be asked in the so-called “anamnesis” about your animal's previous health status as well as any acute events and symptoms. It is an advantage if you know your furry friend well.
Vaccinations
By looking at the vaccination certificate, we can determine whether all necessary and useful vaccinations for your animal are complete and up to date. In particular, we check whether initial vaccinations were carried out correctly.
Endo and ectoparasite prophylaxis
Worms, ticks, mites and fleas are not only unpleasant companions for humans and animals, they can also transmit dangerous diseases. At filu, you will be informed in detail about how you can protect yourself against parasites.
Laboratory tests
Depending on the type, breed and age of your animal, a regular laboratory check should be carried out, including blood and urine analyses. For young four-legged friends, we recommend that certain blood values be checked every 2-3 years. With filu, you'll receive reminders for these tests so you don't have to worry.
Microchip control
Your pet's microchip should be read regularly to check its functionality. If your animal is not yet identified by chip, you should have it chipped and registered.
Wellness Wednesday
Wellness Wednesday is a special event we created to highlight the importance of regular check-ups. On this day, your pet receives a comprehensive health assessment, including a general exam, blood test, serum chemistry, and stool analysis. Additionally, you will receive a €25 voucher for our filu product shop.
How do health checks work at filu?
Our team will first ask you questions about your pet, such as current health status, diet, water intake, activity level, potential weight and behavior changes. In addition to this medical history interview, our veterinarians carry out a thorough general examination from nose to tail: in particular, eyes, ears, mouth and teeth, pulse, lungs, heart, body temperature and weight are examined. If necessary, further tests (e.g. a blood test) can be initiated and/or any vaccinations may be given. Depending on the animal, age and sex, the tests carried out differ somewhat. In the case of uncastrated young animals, for example, we will talk about possible castration or alternatives. All this information helps us to determine the health status of your animal and to identify diseases at an early stage.
Why are you right at filu for regular health checks?
Our motivated team of vets offers a wide range of specializations: from dermatology, dentistry to internal medicine and surgery. filu therefore combines diverse knowledge and can provide you with comprehensive advice. Our locations have modern equipment and are up to date: ultrasound, X-ray, dental X-ray and internal laboratory. In this way, we guarantee the best possible standard of care for your animal and to identify diseases at an early stage. Our technological approach enables us to analyse your animal's data in a targeted manner and remind you of regular preventive appointments, for example. Our future app will help you to always keep an overview. filu offers a feel-good atmosphere for you and your animal: We do everything we can to make your annual trip to the vet a walk. Happy pet, happy vet, happy owner!
Against which parasites is my spot-on treatment effective and how long does the effect last?
Advantix:
- Effectiveness: Effective against a variety of parasites such as fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, sand flies, lice, and biting flies.
- Protection Duration: Between 2 and 4 weeks.
Frontline:
- Effectiveness: Provides protection against ticks, fleas, and lice.
- Protection Duration: Spot-On lasts 2 to 4 weeks, while the spray works for about 2 weeks.
Selehold:
- Effectiveness: Fights fleas and a variety of mites, including ear mites, as well as lice, lice, and various worms such as roundworms and hookworms. Additionally used for prevention against heartworm larvae and can repel ticks in some dogs.
- Protection Duration: 3 to 4 weeks.
Stronghold:
- Effective against:
- Fleas (Ctenocephalides spp.) with a protection duration of 3 to 4 weeks.
- Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis), more information.
- Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis), more information and Ear mites in cats.
- Additional protection in dogs against:
- Lice (Trichodectes canis),
- Sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabiei),
- Roundworms (Toxocara canis).
- And in cats against:
- Adult roundworms (Toxocara cati),
- Adult hookworms (Ancylostoma tubaeforme),
- Lice (Felicola subrostratus).
Nexgard Combo (specifically for cats):
- Effectiveness: Protection against all ectoparasites, including ticks, fleas, mites (including ear mites and mange).
- Protection Duration: 4 weeks.
Milprazon:
- Effectiveness: Targets the elimination of roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.
Credelio:
- Effectiveness: Effective against flea and tick infestations and also acts against mites.
- Protection Duration: 4 weeks.
Do I need to strictly adhere to the prescribed intervals for vaccinations?
Yes, it is important to adhere as closely as possible to the prescribed intervals for vaccinations in pets to ensure complete protection. This is particularly crucial during the basic immunization phase and the booster vaccination. If a vaccination appointment is missed, it is advisable to consult with filu immediately to clarify the next steps. This ensures that your pet receives the best possible protection.
My pet is in perfect health - does it still need an annual health check?
Yes, your animal should be examined regularly, even if it appears completely healthy - because that's exactly how it should stay! Unfortunately, animals often hide their illnesses very well, and there are diseases that only become apparent very late. Regular examinations serve to prevent more severe illnesses and at the same time enable early detection and treatment. Vaccinations are also only effective if they are refreshed regularly. In addition to the major health benefits of an annual check-up, regular visits to the practice also provide the best opportunity for your animal to get used to veterinary visits without stress and negative experiences, and to build trust with 'its' veterinarian. Especially young animals learn through regular practice visits to visit the vet in a playful manner, so that in the long term, both humans and animals can benefit from a relaxed coexistence.
When is the next vaccination due for my pet?
If you are a customer at filu, you will receive timely reminders for the next vaccination via email and your personal online profile. If you are not a customer at filu, you can send a photo of your vaccination passport via chat or email, so we can check and book the next appointment for you.
When is the right time to vaccinate my puppy?
Puppy vaccinations typically begin at about six to eight weeks of age. Depending on exposure (high risk of infection), a puppy can be vaccinated earlier. Here is a general vaccination schedule for puppies:
- First Vaccinations (6-8 Weeks): The first vaccinations usually include protection against Parvovirus, Distemper, and Adenovirus (Hepatitis). Sometimes a vaccination against Bordetella (Kennel Cough) is also given at this time.
- Follow-up Vaccinations (10-12 Weeks): The second round of vaccinations is administered about three to four weeks after the first. These vaccinations reinforce protection against the diseases already mentioned and may also provide additional protection against Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Influenza, and/or Coronavirus.
- Additional Vaccinations (14-16 Weeks): At this age, the puppy typically receives the last dose of the basic immunizations. This also includes the first vaccination against Rabies, which is administered depending on local regulations and the veterinarian's recommendations.
- Booster Vaccinations: A year after the initial vaccinations, booster vaccinations are recommended to maintain protection.
It's important that you work with your veterinarian to create an individual vaccination plan for your puppy, based on its specific needs, health status, and the risk factors of the region you live in. Some vaccines may be optional, depending on your dog's lifestyle and environment.
What are common risks associated with vaccinations?
Every animal is thoroughly and conscientiously examined by our team of veterinarians before vaccination, ensuring that only healthy and physically fit animals are vaccinated. Especially for vaccinations that are not part of the core vaccinations, we carefully assess their necessity - as the general rule is to vaccinate only as much and as often as necessary. However, there can be rare cases of local reactions at the injection site (redness, swelling) or very rarely, an anaphylactic reaction (shock). Our veterinarians are all trained in recognizing such reactions and carrying out necessary countermeasures. After each vaccination, you should stay with your pet in our practice rooms for about 15 minutes, so we can react quickly in case of emergency. Also, you should not physically strain your pet or expose it to stress in the first few days after a vaccination. If you notice any abnormalities in your pet, do not hesitate to contact us!
How often should I deworm?
The frequency of deworming in dogs and cats depends on various factors, such as the age of the animal, its lifestyle, and the risk of infection in the environment. Here are general guidelines:
- Puppies and Kittens: They should be dewormed more frequently, usually every two weeks until they are about 12 weeks old, and then monthly until the age of six months.
- Adult Dogs and Cats: For adult animals, the frequency of deworming can vary. Animals that are outdoors or have contact with other animals should be dewormed more frequently, possibly every three to six months. For pets that mostly live indoors and have less risk, deworming may be needed less often.
- Dogs and Cats with Special Risk: Hunting dogs or animals that are often outdoors and have contact with wild animals may need to be dewormed more often.
It is important to talk to your veterinarian to create an individual deworming plan for your pet based on its specific needs and living conditions. Your veterinarian can also recommend conducting regular fecal exams to determine if deworming is necessary.
How often and from what age should my cat be vaccinated?
The basic immunization for kittens starts from the 8th week of life. After the basic immunization is complete, cats are vaccinated every 1 or 3 years, depending on the vaccine manufacturer.
Why pet parents and furry friends love us
Great wonderful practice, super friendly staff, great vet who hasn't lost touch with the animal at all. Were there for an emergency on a Saturday evening and there was a special wait for us. Emphatic & competent — an absolute recommendation from the heart.
Starting with the easy parking facilities, you can look forward to very friendly and competent staff, as well as very clean and modern facilities. The long journey was worth it. humans and pets really feel at home here.
I have been with filu with my dog Zeus since he was a puppy and can heartily recommend this veterinary practice. Everyone there is very nice and friendly with the animals, whether they are vets or nurses. By the way, the practice is super clean and ultra-modern. Unfortunately, my dog had to have fairly invasive surgery early on as a puppy and everything worked out wonderfully there! Absolute recommendation, always happy to come back here.
I got an appointment for my dog at very short notice (as a new patient) because she wasn't feeling well at all. We were treated well and competently. In addition, this is the first vet where my dog was not afraid and even went to the treatment table of his own accord. We love staying patients here!
Thank you so much for the great experience. Online appointment scheduling is great. I was warmly welcomed and the rooms are beautiful and modern. The team treated my cat very well. I can recommend the practice:)
Best vet practice! Everyone is incredibly sensitive and friendly! Great feel-good atmosphere! I would recommend this practice to everyone. You always get an appointment super quickly and there are virtually no waiting times. Thank you for your great work, both vets and the team!
