Vaccines

What vaccines does my pet need?

For dogs, Rabies and Distemper (DAPP) are considered core.

In the St. Croix Valley, I recommend Lyme vaccination for all dogs. Please see link for prevalence map (from CAPC):

https://petdiseasealerts.org/forecast-map/#/lyme-disease/dog/united-states/wisconsin

Leptospirosis, while less common that Lyme, is a serious (potentially fatal) bacterial disease shed by wildlife. For more information on Leptospirosis see the AVMA link:

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/leptospirosis

If your pet will be boarding or going to grooming appointments, kennel cough (Bordetella) may be required.

For cats, Rabies and Distemper (FVRCP) are considered core.

For indoor/outdoor cats, Feline Leukemia is recommended.

Parasite Prevention

Pets are regularly exposed to parasites in our environment!

Ectoparasites (fleas and ticks) can often be seen, but endoparasites (intestinal worms, heartworm, etc) often take special fecal and blood tests to detect.

There are many products available to help deter parasites from hitching a ride on/in our furry friends. Some of my most trusted products are listed below - please note some products require a prescription, while others are OTC (over the counter)

Seresto Collar (in my opinion it is the best value). Designed for both dogs and cats. Not like the traditional “flea collars” that had strong chemicals and powders on them, this is a slow release medication that stops both fleas and ticks.

Nexgard Plus (an all in one product for dogs). This monthly chewable will prevent heartworm disease, kill fleas and ticks, and deworm for common intestinal parasites (roundworm, hookworms, etc). This is a prescription only product, and should not be used in dogs with a history of seizures.

Negard Combo (an all in one products for cats). This monthly topical will prevent heartworm disease (yes! cats can get heartworm disease!), kill fleas and ticks, and deworm for common intestinal parasites (roundworm, hookworm, and even tapeworm). This is a prescription only product.

Panacur (fenbendazole) is a great broad spectrum oral dewormer availabe over the the counter for dogs.

Praziquantel is an over the counter oral dewormer available for dogs and cats for tapeworms.

Drontal is a great broad spectrum oral dewormer for cats and dogs. Prescription required.

Profender is a great broad spectrum topical dewormer for cats. Prescription required.

Food

I’m often asked “is this a good food for my pet?”

There are so many options out there - and my rule of thumb is to review the ingredients list and evaluate what key features you are looking for.

Grain free: Please note that it is recommended that dogs are NOT fed grain free diets, due to a link to heart disease. Please see the link below that discusses the UC Davis study:

https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/dogs-fed-some-popular-diets-could-be-risk-heart-disease