Rx RefillsPreventive Pet Care for Dogs & Cats
Preventive care is essential for health and long life. Duxbury Animal Hospital provides the latest in preventive pet care, from vaccinating against diseases to prevention and treatment of parasites.
Our veterinarians offer exceptional experience and advanced training in disease prevention and parasite control. In 2006, Dr. Dan Hebert implemented a new protocol for Lyme vaccination, based on a European study. This protocol effectively eliminated Lyme from his practice and became the basis for new vaccination protocols in Lyme endemic areas. Dr. Dan is a respected lecturer in parasitology, specifically heartworm prevention, as well as allergy and antimicrobial treatments.
Preventing Disease & Parasites Extends Life
Our veterinarians stay current on the latest research regarding disease and parasite prevention. Protocols include vaccinations, parasite testing and treatment, dental care, regular exams, advanced diagnostics and laboratory testing, spaying and neutering, and nutritional support for a healthy immune system.
Pet Vaccines
Modern vaccination plans are tailored to the needs of each patient, for long-term protection against disease and parasites. A typical vaccination protocol might look like this:
For Cats
- FVRCP, the distemper combo, includes feline panleukopenia virus, calici virus, and viral rhinotracheitis. Panleukopenia, also known as “cat distemper,” is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in young cats. This vaccine also immunizes against several upper respiratory viruses that are highly contagious and widespread.
- Rabies is a fatal infection of the nervous system, a risk to every pet and human, and vaccination is required by state law. There is no cure for rabies.
- Feline leukemia vaccine is reserved for cats that go outdoors or otherwise come in contact with other cats.
For Dogs
- DHPP, the distemper combo, includes distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Canine distemper is widespread and highly contagious. Canine hepatitis affects the dog’s liver and exposure results range from mild infection to death. Parvovirus is the most contagious and fatal disease we see in dogs today. Parainfluenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus.
- Rabies is a fatal infection of the nervous system, a risk to every pet and human, and vaccination is required by state law. There is no cure for rabies.
- Lyme disease is very prevalent in this area and is a debilitating disease that affects the musculoskeletal system and can destroy the kidneys. Protection from Lyme, spread by black-legged deer ticks, requires an initial vaccination series, then annual boosters.
- Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial infection, passed into water and wet soil by wildlife. It gets into dogs through small cuts and lesions on the feet where it then damages the liver, kidneys, and other organs. Difficult to diagnose and expensive to treat, protection against this disease is required. It involves an initial vaccination series, then annual boosters.
- Bordetella, or kennel cough, is a highly contagious, persistent respiratory infection. Vaccinations are given annually (or every six months depending on kennel requirements) to dogs visiting groomers, kennels, daycare, or puppy class.
- Canine influenza, or H3N8, damages the respiratory tract, often with secondary bacterial infections. Vaccinations are given annually to dogs visiting groomers, kennels, daycare, or puppy class.
Parasite Prevention
Dogs and cats suffer from two types of common parasites: internal and external parasites:
- External parasites include fleas, ticks, and mites, and can cause diseases, infections, and allergies in dogs and cats. Even indoor pets can become infested with these parasites. Monthly use of either an oral or topical preventive usually prevents these pests from infecting your pets. At your wellness visits, we discuss your need for external parasite prevention.
- Internal parasites include intestinal worms and protozoa as well as blood-borne organisms such as heartworm. These parasites cause harmful, if not fatal, damage to your pets, and some can even infect your family members.
We provide complete testing and treatment of all parasites, with a focus on prevention, using monthly oral preventives or injections given every six months. Fecal screening and blood work are performed at your wellness visit. For more information on parasites and people, visit the Companion Animal Parasite Control.
Prevention Includes Dental & Surgical Services
Dental care includes both professional cleaning and home care of teeth. Regular dental exams and cleaning profoundly improves the health and longevity of your pets.
Surgical protection for pets includes spay, neuter, and microchip implantation. Spaying and neutering offer protection from diseases, and microchipping protects from risks associated with roaming.
Helpful Video & Handouts
Learn more about disease prevention in our complete pet care packets for:
Why your pet needs a trip to the vet: Dr. Dan on YouTube!
Learn what’s included in our comprehensive veterinary exam.