At Northlake Animal Hospital, we understand that excellent health relies on prevention. Preventative care is easier and safer for your pet than treating a disease once it happens. Whether your pet needs vaccinations, parasite prevention, screening, or dental treatment, preventative will save you time, money, and discomfort for your pet.
Puppies and kittens require several vaccines beginning at 6-8 weeks of age. When a puppy or kitten is born, their immune system is undeveloped and require some boosters to keep them healthy while they develop. Our kitten and puppy page has more information about what they need.
Vaccinations are essential to preserving a dog’s health, they need them soon after birth and will continue to need them throughout their life. A vaccine can help stop deadly diseases before they take hold. Northlake Animal Hospital recommends following the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) guidelines for vaccines, but we also believe that each pet is unique. We can help create a vaccine plan designed for your pet’s specific needs.
Every cat, even indoor cats, need vaccines to maintain a long and healthy life. Vaccinations for cats start early, at six to eight weeks of age. At Northlake Animal Hospital we follow the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) guidelines for vaccinations but as with dogs, each cat may require a unique treatment.
Feline core vaccinations include:
A recommended but non-core vaccination for cats is the feline leukemia virus vaccine (FELV).
At Northlake Animal Hospital, we are proud to offer Purevax Feline Vaccines, a non-adjuvant vaccination line for cats, recommended by the AAFP. We provide the one and three-year Purevax rabies vaccines.
Heartworms are life-threatening parasites carried by mosquitoes. A single sting can infect your dog and put them at serious risk without the appropriate preventative care. Heartworm Disease is very common in South Florida, where the climate allows mosquitoes to thrive year-round.
The good news is that we can combat heartworm disease with affordable monthly prevention. These medications are cheaper and safer than heartworm treatment. Northlake Animal Hospital is a proud carrier of Heartgard, we use this medicine because it’s safe and efficient, but our online pharmacy has several other options to match your need and budget.
We strongly recommend annual heartworm tests to help keep your pet safe. Reach out to us today to schedule your pet’s annual heartworm test. To learn more about heartworm disease,, please visit the American Heartworm Society.
Intestinal parasites are also very common in South Florida and for that reason, annual screenings are highly recommended to keep your pet safe. These parasites can be easily picked up from the dirt, lizards, bugs, and whatever else your pet might come across. Some of the most common parasites include:
The most common symptoms include weight loss, diarrhea, blood in the stools, vomiting, or even actually seeing the worms. They often look like thin white spaghetti (round or hookworms) or little cucumber seeds around the butt (tapeworms).
Many parasites are zoonotic – which means they can be passed onto people which can be dangerous especially to children, which is why we recommend a fecal test at least twice a year. Our wellness plans provide an easy solution for staying on top of all the parasite screenings.
Fleas and ticks aren’t just annoying, they can cause several dangerous conditions including severe anemia. These insects can also carry dangerous conditions that can be transferred to humans.
The warm and humid environment of South Florida creates ideal conditions for ticks and fleas and dogs and cats can easily acquire them after going outside. Fleabites usually cause itching but some dogs and cats may be hypersensitive to the flea’s saliva meaning the symptoms might become worse if not treated – often leading to hair loss, inflammation, and infections.
Ticks are known carriers of many serious diseases including Lyme disease, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. With the right preventative treatment and annual screenings, your dog can stay protected from these dangerous conditions. Screening is particularly important, as symptoms of these tick-borne diseases can be difficult to recognize until they worsen.
Maintaining good oral health is essential to maintain excellent overall health for a pet. Damaged, loose, or infected teeth are not only uncomfortable, they can be host to diseases that can easily spread to your pet’s organs. Our team offers comprehensive oral examinations for cats and dogs as well as cleanings, polishing, digital X-rays, extractions, and other minor oral surgeries.
Northlake Animal Hospital wants to play a role in keeping your pet healthy for a lifetime. We offer a wide range of preventative services to keep your furry friend in their best shape and our wellness programs provide affordable options for regular care. If you cat needs a cat vaccination or if your dog needs a dog vaccination, come to us. We can be your partner in keeping your pets protected. Have them join our wellness programs to keep them in tip-top shape. Contact us today to learn more or enroll!
