Vaccinations

What’s the scoop on vaccinating your pet? Vaccinations are an integral part of wellness for you pet. Vaccinations aid in protecting your pet from viral and bacterial infections that can be spread by other pets or wildlife.  There are many different types of vaccinations and which one is best for your pet should be determined by your veterinarian.  ​

Parasites

Many different types of parasites exist.  Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are uncomfortable or potentially dangerous to our pets.  Bites or stings are very itchy, hurt and can inject nasty parasites into the body.  Fleas distribute tapeworms and ticks spread Lyme and other harmful diseases.  Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes and is potentially fatal.  So when it comes to your pets health…we don’t want any of them! Preventatives year round are now recommended no matter what climate you live in.  These parasites have even been found in Alaska, so no climate is safe.  Parasites tend to evolve and climates that traditionally didn’t have thriving parasites now do.  Flea, tick and heartworm control is as easy giving a pill or applying a topical preventative each month.  Heartworm preventative is very effective but nothing is fail-safe, so yearly testing is  still advised.  Internal parasites (roundworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and hookworms) are equally as important to treat.  Many heartworm preventatives also include medication for internal parasites as well.

Wellness Examinations

Every pet should have a wellness examination once a year, and pets over seven should have an examination twice a year. Wellness examinations are very important for your pets continued health.

Bloodwork

Many different types of bloodwork are available for your pet.  Basic bloodwork may include a CBC (complete blood count) which determines the current values of white and red blood cells, oxygen carrying capacity plus hydration status.  Inflammation, anemia and infections can be determined from a CBC. Chemistry values help determine the health of your pets internal organs.  Advanced bloodwork can determine specific infections or vitamin levels if necessary.

Spay/Neuter

By spaying (females) and neutering (males) you are helping your pet to have a longer life and prevent many different types of cancer and other diseases.  Helping to control the pet population is every pet owner’s responsibility.

Nutrition

Not every food is created equal!  Many pets have food allergies that cause itching, ear infections, stomach problems, loose stools, firm stools and extreme discomfort.  Be sure to ask your veterinarian about specific diet recommendations for your pets.  

Show your pet some love! Dental Examinations Save Lives!

We offer dental services for dogs, cats and horses! Did you know in small animals that bad teeth lead to bad hearts! When bacteria that live in the mouth get into the bloodstream, they settle on the heart valves causing congestive heart failure. Regular dental examinations and cleaning can prevent future health problems and give your pet a longer life.  Not to mention minty fresh breath and white teeth!

A Special Message from the AAEP:

Protect Your Horse with Veterinarian-Administered Vaccinations

With vaccines readily available at farm supplies stores, online pharmacies and other retailers, it’s sometimes tempting to save a few dollars by purchasing and administering them to your animals yourself. There are hidden risks and costs associated with vaccinating animals yourself, therefore “cheaper” vaccines aren’t the value they first appear to be. Ask your veterinarian to develop a customized vaccine program for your horse.  Having your veterinarian administer vaccines is always safer, easier and a better value in the long run than doing it yourself.

Here are several good reasons why your veterinarian is the best choice for administering vaccines:

Proper Handling of the Vaccine

Many vaccines require special handling and storage, for instance, protection from extremes of temperature or exposure to light to preserve its effectiveness.  Rely on a licensed veterinarian to store and handle the vaccine properly—and to make sure the vaccine isn’t past its expiration date!

Safe Administration

A licensed veterinarian knows about safe administration:  clean environment, an appropriate injection site and good documentation. They also know the best time of year to vaccinate and whether vaccinations would react with any medications being administered to the horse.  Your veterinarian will document the vaccine’s serial number and administration date—especially important in the event of a manufacturer’s recall. This is one instance when poor documentation could put your animal in peril. The manufacturer also guarantees the vaccination if an accredited DVM gives the vaccination versus self administration.

Availability for Treatment of Adverse Reactions

Any injection can result in adverse effects—mild swelling at the injection site, lethargy and a slight fever for one to two days, the immediate outbreak of hives and life-threatening anaphylaxis.  If your veterinarian is administering the vaccine, they’ll know what to do to counteract a reaction—and they’ll have the medicine to do it.