Vaccines - Please read before clicking 'Next"

Vaccines are health products that trigger your pet's immune system which can either prevent infection altogether or lessen the severity of future diseases.  Vacccines are separated into 'core vaccines' and 'non-core vaccines'.  The 'core vaccines' are required or strongly recommended for every pet while the 'non-core vaccines' are based on your pet's life style. 

Vaccines have protected millions of animals from illnesses caused by infectious diseases.  As with all medical treatments or medications, there is a potential for risk of side effects.  Side effects may occur within minutes to 48 hours after vaccination. 

Serious adverse reactions, such as anaphylaxis, are rare.  Pets experiencing anaphylaxis need to be seen by a veterinarian immediately.  Signs of anaphylaxis may include: 

- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Hives (skin seems bumpy)
- Swelling of the face
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapse

Less severe side effects that occur for longer than 24 hours should be addressed by a veterinarian and may include: 

- Discomfort at site of vaccination 
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy

A small swelling may be noted at the site of vaccination.  If it persists for more than 4 weeks or seems to be increasing in size, your pet should be seen by a veterinarian. 

Rabies (Core Vaccine) - Please read before clicking 'Next"

This is a fatal disease caused by a virus that can be transmitted to different species of animals, including humans. It is transmitted through a bite from the infected animal. Rabies is required by law and many veterinarians require it when providing care for your pet. Even if your pet remains solely inside your home, rabies is still required as potentially infected animals, such as bats, can get into your home.

DAPP (Core Vaccine) - Please read before clicking 'Next"

This is a combination vaccine that protects against the following viruses which can lead to life-threatening illness:

- Distemper: this virus can lead to neurologic, respiratory and gastrointestinal disease.

- Parvovirus: this virus can lead to gastrointestinal and bone marrow disease.

- Adenovirus: this virus can lead to liver disease.

- Parainfluenza: this virus can lead to respiratory disease. 

Leptospirosis (Non-Core) - Please read before clicking 'Next"

This is a bacteria which can lead to liver and kidney failure and is transmitted through urine of infected animals. It is recommended that pets of any size that go outside receive this vaccine. Leptospirosis can be transmitted to humans and cause disease.

If your pet has not received the leptospirosis vaccine previously, they will need an initial series of 2 vaccines separated by 3-4 weeks. After that, the vaccine is administered yearly.

Lyme (Non-Core) - Please read before clicking 'Next'

Lyme disease can lead to joint disease and, in some cases, kidney disease which carries a poor prognosis. Dogs that spend a lot of time in areas where ticks may be present should be vaccinated for Lyme in addition to a monthly flea/tick preventative.

If your pet has not received the Lyme vaccine previously, they will need an initial series of 2 vaccines separated by 2-3 weeks.  After that, the vaccine is administered yearly.

Bordetella (Non-Core) - Please read before clicking 'Next'

Bordetella is a bacteria that is part of the Kennel cough complex. This vaccine is usually required if a pet is being boarded, groomed, etc. Pets that receive this vaccine can still get Kennel cough but clinical signs are usually mild.

Heartworm Disease - Please read before clicking "Next"

Heartworm disease is a very serious and a potentially fatal disease in pets that is transmitted by mosquitos.  While heartworm disease is preventable, more than 1 million pets in the United States are infected with heartworms.  Pets that are infected will have heartworms that live in the heart and lungs which can lead to heart failure, severe lung disease and damage to other organs in the body.   If treatment for heartworm disease is successful, there may be long-term damage that can affect your pet’s health and quality of life even after the heartworms are gone. 

As heartworms can lead to fatal disease or long-term damage, it is very important to prevent heartworm disease through the use of heartworm prevention.  Heartworm prevention should be given year-round, even in colder states.  Mosquito species are changing constantly which allows them to adapt to colder weather or allow them to live inside your home in the winter.  Clinical signs may not be present in early stages of disease so early detection through testing may allow for a better chance of recovery.  Yearly testing is recommended even if you pet is on year-round heartworm prevention to ensure the prevention is working.   While heartworm prevention is highly effective, it is not 100% effective.  

A heartworm test is required to receive a prescription for heartworm prevention. 

A combination screening test for heartworm and tick borne diseases (Lyme, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma) can be performed to determine if your pet has been exposed to certain tick borne diseases that may lead to joint disease or kidney issues.

Flea & Tick Prevention - Please read before clicking 'Next'

Your pet should be on flea and tick prevention year round even in colder regions.  Infections can be passed through fleas and ticks which can lead to your pet becoming very ill.  There are many types of flea & tick prevention including oral (by mouth), topical (on the skin) or collars. 

Fecal Testing - Please read before clicking 'Next'

Fecal testing is used to detect intestinal parasites in your pet. Common intestinal parasites include hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and Giardia. Intestinal parasites can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, blood in stool, and weight loss.  Some of these parasites can be transmitted to humans and cause illness. 

Even if you are not seeing worms in your pet's stool, this does not rule out intestinal parasites. Most intestinal worms will stay within the body and shed eggs which can only be detected through microscopic evaluation.  Due to this, it is recommended that your pet's feces be checked every 6-12 months for parasites.  

If you elect to have a fecal test performed, please collect a fresh sample of stool on the day of the appointment. 

Screening Labwork

Yearly bloodwork and urine testing can be performed to detect diseases early on.  If any abnormalities are noted on labwork, further options for testing and treatment options will be discussed.  Long-term care of any abnormalities found will need to be referred to a full-service veterinarian. 

There are two levels of labwork: 

(1) Screening labwork: CBC, chemistry, thyroid and urinalysis
(2) Full Canine Panel: CBC, chemistry, thyroid, urinalysis, heartworm, tick testing, & fecal