Wellness/Preventative Care:

Canine Vaccines:

Dogs are administered Canine Distemper, Canine Adenovirus-2, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza (DAPP), in addition to Rabies and Bordatella. The initial DAPP vaccine is administered at 6-8 weeks of age and is repeated every 3 weeks until the patient is 16 weeks of age or older.  Adult dogs previously unvaccinated are administered two DAPP vaccines given 3 weeks apart. Thereafter the vaccine is administered every 1-3 years. Rabies vaccine is generally administered between 12-16 weeks of age and booster at 1 year. Thereafter the vaccine is administered every 3 years. Bordatella (kennel Cough)vaccine is recommended for dogs that frequent dog parks, kennels, shelters, grooming facilities or dog shows.  The injectable vaccine is administered b/twn 8-12 weeks of age and repeated 3 weeks later. Thereafter the vaccine is administered every 6-12 months. An intranasal Bordatella vaccine is available. Optional canine vaccines may include Canine Coronavirus, Lyme or Leptospirosis.

Feline Vaccines:

Cats are administered Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Feline Herpes Virus), Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (FVRCP.) The initial FVRCP vaccine in kittens is administered at 6-8 weeks of age and is repeated every 3 weeks until the patient is 16 weeks of age or older.  Adult cats previously unvaccinated are administered two FVRCP vaccines given 3 weeks apart. Thereafter the vaccine is administered every 1-3 years. Optional vaccines may include FELV (Feline Leukemia Virus), FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) and Rabies. Prior to vaccinating for FELV, FIV a simple blood test is recommended to to determine if either disease is present.

Prevention of Heartworm, ticks, fleas and intestinal parasites.

Heartworm disease, prevalent in all 50 states, is a serious and potentially fatal disease primarily affecting dogs, cats, and ferrets. The disease is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito that is carrying the heartworm larvae. We recommend placing puppies less than 6 months of age on a monthly preventative like Heartgard. Patients older than 6 months of age require a blood test prior to starting monthly preventative. Thereafter a heartworm test is required yearly.

Monthly prevention of fleas and ticks is administered as a topical lotion that is applied to the skin between the shoulder blades. The Brown Dog Tick, a common tick found in Arizona spreads Ehrlichia Canis. Transmission of the disease (Tick fever) occurs when an infected tick bites a dog. Monthly preventatives like Frontline or Preventic collars can help control infection.

Diagnosis of common intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms, giardia, coccidia) can be evaluated with a fecal sample. Monthly prevention is an effective means of reducing infection and transmission of disease. We recommend providing a fecal sample for all puppies and kittens to look for intestinal parasites. Puppies and kittens are generally de-wormed with Drontal Plus and Drontal, 2 applications administered 2 weeks apart. A staff member can discuss with you which flea/tick and intestinal parasite treatment is best for your dog.