At Grace Park Animal Hospital, we believe prevention is the best medicine! We take a tailored approach to preventive health care, including pet vaccinations. There should not be a “one-size-fits-all” protocol when it comes to preventive care, which includes examinations, vaccinations, and flea/tick and heartworm prevention. We take the time to talk to you and get to know about your pet’s environment and risk factors before we decide on a protocol that is right for them.
Wellness Care
Exams
After the initial puppy and kitten exams are completed, we recommend brining your pet in on an annual basis for a thorough nose-to-toes exam. During your exam, we will conduct a risk assessment. This assessment will allow us to make personalized recommendations for your pet’s wellness care based on their lifestyle.
Intestinal Parasite Screening
We recommend having an intestinal parasite screening annually for your pet to rule out the chance of any intestinal parasites such as tapeworms, roundworms, whipworms and hookworms. Many of these intestinal parasites can be transmitted to people, so it is important that we don’t take any chances.
Annual Bloodwork
We recommend a blood test for all pets on an annual basis. This serves as a good pre-anesthetic panel for pets prior to their dental cleaning or other anesthetized procedure and it helps us detect congenital problems which may not be evident on physical examination.
Heartworm & Flea/Tick Prevention
All dogs and cats in our area of the country are at risk for these parasites all year round, even if they are kept mostly indoors. Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitos, and just one bite from an infected mosquito can be fatal if a pet is not on a monthly preventive. Fleas and ticks are also present year-round and can transmit a variety of dangerous diseases, like Lyme Disease. Monthly preventives will also protect dogs and cats from these parasites. Our staff is here to help guide you to the product that best suits your dog’s needs.
Vaccines for Dogs
Rabies
The rabies virus infects the central nervous system, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death. North Carolina state law requires that all pets be up-to-date on the rabies vaccine.
Distemper/Parvo
This combination vaccine protects against two deadly viruses, distemper and parvovirus. Distemper is a disease that affects the nervous system, as well as respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. It is most often fatal. Parvovirus is a disease that affects the gastrointestinal system, resulting in septic infections. It is also fatal if not treated early.
Bordetella
This is a vaccine given intranasally to help prevent respiratory diseases. Although frequently called “kennel cough,” these diseases can be transmitted in locations other than kennels, so most dogs should be protected with vaccination, even if they never visit boarding facilities.
Leptosporosis
This is a bacterial disease transmitted by the urine of wildlife, most commonly deer, foxes, raccoons, and rats. It can cause liver and kidney failure if not detected extremely early. Animals with exposure to areas inhabited by wildlife are at risk and should be vaccinated. Also, animals doing any swimming in lakes or ponds, or with access to these types of water sources should be protected.
Lyme Disease
While usually thought of as a disease found only in the Northeast, Lyme Disease has gradually spread southward, and we are now in an area where this disease is becoming more prevalent. Pets spending a lot of time outdoors, especially going hiking or spending time in the woods, are at risk and should be vaccinated.
Canine Influenza
This is a viral disease that causes a severe cough and nasal discharge, which can progress to pneumonia in severe cases. Dogs that spend time around other dogs in dog parks, daycamp, or boarding facilities are at risk.
Vaccines for Cats
Rabies
The rabies virus infects the central nervous system, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death. North Carolina state law requires that all pets be up-to-date on the rabies vaccine.
FVRCP
The FVRCP vaccine protects against a complex of respiratory infections in kittens (rhinotracheitis, chlamydia, and calicivirus), as well as panleukopenia, a severe disease that affects the gastrointestinal system and which can be fatal to unprotected cats.
Leukemia
Feline leukemia is a viral disease that affects the bone marrow and immune system of cats. Kittens can be infected in utero from their mother if she has the disease, or can become infected via transmission from other cats. Outdoor cats are most at risk for this disease. We typically recommend that even cats that are intended to be indoor-only receive the initial series as a kitten, as this could help their ability to fight off infection if exposed at a later time.
Preventive Health Program
We also offer a Preventive Health Program that allows you to spread the cost of our recommended wellness care out over the course of a year. Click the link below for more information!
Services
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