Essential Vaccinations and Preventives for Pets in Arkansas
The greenery and copious bodies of water are just a few of the things we love about living in Arkansas. While the landscape is often idyllic, it does leave our pets more susceptible to certain diseases and parasites that could negatively impact their health. Luckily, Crossover Veterinary Clinic offers essential vaccinations and preventives for pets in Arkansas.
Essential Vaccinations for Pets
We like to prepare your pets with helpful vaccines that allow them to build up immunity to some common diseases found in our area. Additionally, the state mandates a few vaccines to keep the pet population as healthy as possible. These include:
- Rabies
- DHLPP (protects against distemper, Lyme disease, and parvo)
- Canine influenza (for dogs)
- Bordetella
- Feline leukemia and FVRCP (for cats)
Ask about vaccines at your pet’s next wellness visit, and we will let you know if there are any other vaccines we recommend based on your pet’s age, breed, and lifestyle.
Heartworm Preventives
Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes, which means that even pets who stay mostly in your house are susceptible. The canine body serves as a natural host for heartworms, and once infected, a dog could eventually have several worms in his or her respiratory system. Left untreated, heartworm disease can lead to significant problems with the heart, lungs, and arteries. While cats are not natural hosts, even immature heartworms can cause serious—and even fatal— health issues. A monthly heartworm preventive is the best way to keep your pets safe from this disease.
Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks are problematic for pets in our area. Fleas can easily travel between animals, and ticks can attach to a dog or cat that’s walking through wooded areas (even backyards), grass, or urban areas. Just as with heartworms, prevention is the best method for dealing with these parasites. Talk to your veterinarian about monthly preventives to help your pets avoid fleas and ticks.
Ticks can transmit a deadly disease called Cytauxzoonosis to cats. If your cat starts exhibiting any of the following symptoms, you should call your vet immediately:
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Lack of appetite
- Jaundice
- Trouble breathing
Intestinal Worms
Both dogs and cats can be exposed to intestinal worms, especially if they have fleas. If your pet gets intestinal worms, they will need a deworming treatment to remove the offenders. Dogs can get a monthly preventive that protects them against these parasites.
Your friends at Crossover Veterinary Clinic are here to help you avoid preventable issues like these for your pets. Our wellness and preventive care focuses on keeping pets safe before they encounter these potential issues. To learn more about our services or to schedule a visit for your pet, please call (479) 750-7474.