IMMUNIZATION/VACCINATION

Prevention of infectious diseases is one of the most important steps you can take to maintain your pet's health. Infectious diseases are caused by microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Animals can contract these diseases from other animals, people, or the environment. If your pet's immune system does not prevent an infection and it is left untreated, serious complications may occur including death. Luckily, through research and scientific development, vaccines have been developed to help protect animals against many diseases.

When vaccines are injected into the body they stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies. Vaccines try to prepare the immune system to fight certain diseases. While it is not possible to vaccinate for every possible infectious disease, vaccines have been developed towards preventing the most common and serious ones. You will read about the different diseases we vaccinate for and then we will tailor a vaccination schedule specific to your pet.

PARASITE CONTROL

Heartworms
Heartworms are parasites that inhabit the hearts and lungs of infected cats and dogs. Vomiting is a common clinical sign in affected cats; unfortunately, sudden death is another sign. There is no treatment for heartworm disease in cats but there are several options for heartworm preventative. Affected dogs often have difficulty breathing, cough, tire easily from exercise, and lose their appetite. Treatment for heartworm disease in dogs is available but the best treatment is prevention. There are several options for heartworm preventative.

Roundworms
Roundworms are a common parasite in puppies and kittens. Some puppies and kittens are born with them. They are acquired from the mother or by ingesting contaminated soil, feces, or prey. Roundworms live in the intestines and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and/or weight loss. Routine deworming is a safe and effective way to control these infections.

Hookworms
Hookworms are a problem in warm, moist climates. Cats and dogs become infected by ingestion of eggs from the ground or through skin contact with the eggs. They cause diarrhea, weakness, and anemia as a result of intestinal bleeding. People can also contract hookworms via skin contact. Treatment and prevention is safe and easy.

Tapeworms
Tapeworms are acquired by eating uncooked meat and certain prey, ingesting rabbit feces, and also by ingesting fleas. Infestation may be hard to detect until segments of the tapeworm are found in fresh stool or around the anus. Appropriate deworming medication along with flea control is paramount to clearing a tapeworm infection.

Fleas and Ticks
Both fleas and ticks are a problem in the southeastern United States. Ticks carry diseases such as Lyme's disease and fleas can carry tapeworms in addition to causing skin problems. There are several products available to treat and prevent flea and tick infestations.

Ear mites
Ear mites are little parasites that can cause ear infections.