Vaccinations & Preventative Care
Our comprehensive vaccinations and preventative care services are designed to protect your furry family members from preventable diseases and promote their overall well-being.
Protecting Your Pet’s Health with Vaccinations and Preventative Care at Northlake Animal Hospital
At Northlake Animal Hospital, we understand that excellent health relies on prevention. Preventative care is more accessible 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.
WHAT VACCINES DO PUPPIES & KITTENS NEED?
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 requires some boosters to keep them healthy while they develop. Our kitten and puppy page has more information about what they need.
WHY DO CATS NEED VACCINES?
Every cat, even indoor cats, needs 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:
- Panleukopenia (feline distemper)
- Feline calicivirus
- Feline herpesvirus (rhinotracheitis)
- Rabies
A recommended but non-core vaccination for cats is the feline leukemia virus vaccine (FELV).
At Northlake Animal Hospital, we proudly 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.
How Do I Protect My Pet from Intestinal Parasites?
Intestinal parasites are also prevalent in South Florida, so annual screenings are highly recommended to keep your pet safe. These parasites can be easily picked up from the dirt, lizards, bugs, and anything else your pet might encounter. Some of the most common parasites include:
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Whipworms
- Tapeworms
Why is Flea and Tick Prevention Important?
Fleas and ticks aren’t just annoying; they can cause several dangerous conditions, including severe anemia. These insects can also carry hazardous 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 worsen 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. Your dog can stay protected from these dangerous conditions with proper preventative treatment and annual screenings. Screening is vital, as symptoms of these tick-borne diseases can be difficult to recognize until they worsen.
WHY DO DOGS NEED VACCINES?
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) vaccine guidelines, but we also believe each pet is unique. We can help create a vaccine plan for your pet’s needs.
Why is Heartworm Prevention Important?
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 prevalent 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 needs and budget.
We strongly recommend annual heartworm tests to help keep your pet safe. Reach out to us today to schedule your pet’s yearly heartworm test. To learn more about heartworm disease, please visit the American Heartworm Society.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF INTESTINAL PARASITES?
The most common symptoms include weight loss, diarrhea, stool blood, vomiting, or even 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 can be passed onto people, which can be dangerous, especially to children, so 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.
Why is Preventative Dental Care Important for My Pet?
Maintaining good oral health is essential for a pet’s excellent overall health. Damaged, loose, or infected teeth are uncomfortable and can be host to diseases that can quickly spread to your pet’s organs. Our team offers comprehensive oral examinations for cats and dogs, cleanings, polishing, digital X-rays, extractions, and other minor oral surgeries.
Want to Keep Your Pet Protected with Timely Vaccinations in Lake Park or North Palm Beach, FL?
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 your 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!
Your Pet’s Path to a Healthy Life Begins with Preventative Care
Schedule Preventative Care Visits:
Contact us to schedule regular preventative care visits for your pet. Early detection and prevention are key.
Comprehensive Evaluation:
During these visits, our veterinarians will perform comprehensive evaluations and discuss your pet’s specific needs.
Personalized Care:
Based on our assessment, we’ll create a personalized preventative care plan tailored to your pet’s unique requirements.
Ongoing Support:
We’ll work closely with you to ensure your pet receives the care they need throughout their life.
Your Pet’s Path to a Healthy Life Begins with Preventative Care
At Northlake Animal Hospital, we’re dedicated to providing proactive healthcare that ensures a lifetime of well-being for your furry companion. Contact us today to schedule a preventative care visit, and let’s embark on the journey to your pet’s healthier and happier life.