Vaccinations

We are proud to offer vaccinations from the safest manufacturers for your pets. We utilize the most up-to-date methods of administration to minimize the risk of vaccine reactions. We never dictate set "protocols" for vaccine schedules. Each pet will have a vaccine schedule tailored to that animal's unique daily life and life stage. 

For example, an indoor-outdoor kitten and an elderly, indoor-only cat have very different risk levels and immunities, and those needs are taken into consideration. Certain dogs, such as hunting dogs or those that visit farms, would be candidates for additional vaccines since their activities put them at more risk. An atmosphere of educated discussion is encouraged at Palisades Veterinary Clinic so we an tailor a safe but effective vaccine program for our patients.

Puppy and Kitten Packages

 
We offer bundled packages which include 3 monthly office visits and exams, routine deworming and fecal testing, three sets of booster vaccinations, and the initial heartworm preventative medication for your new pet. 

Heartworm Preventative
It is unfortunate, but heartworms are endemic to most areas of the United States today. Spread by mosquito bites to our pets, this parasite causes lung and heart damage and can be fatal, especially in cats.

Once thought to only be a major risk factor to dogs, new studies within the last 2 years have shown that cats are also major emerging victims to this parasite - with fatal results. The most common symptom of heartworm disease in cats is sudden death. It is not curable in cats, due to the damage from lung inflammation which ensues, so it must be prevented! 

Dogs often show signs of coughing, lethargy, exercise intolerance, or heart failure. Dogs can be treated with a parasiticide to kill the worms, but, although necessary, it is a risky treatment. Sometimes the damage to your dog's heart can prove fatal or can prevent treatment. A consultation with a cardiologist is always wise prior to heartworm treatment, especially if xrays show changes in the heart size.

We will be happy to discuss testing, treatment, and prevention for your pets. Monthly preventative medication is strongly recommended for all pets, indoor or outdoor, since mosquitoes, which spread the disease, are found everywhere. Please visit the American Heartworm Association for more information.

Fecal Parasite Screens
It is part of every annual exam to test a fecal sample for parasites. Unfortunately it is possible for some intestinal parasites to be zoonotic, or transmissible to humans from pets. Especially in homes where children, the elderly, or immune-suppressed individuals live, pets should be checked and/or treated annually per recommendation by the CDC.

Senior Wellness Visits
Thankfully, better diets, closer proximity to owners, and concerned veterinarians are ensuring that our pets live longer these days. At Palisades Veterinary Clinic, it is recommended that our pets over the age of 7 years be examined every 6 months to catch problems early and to screen for common old-age illnesses such as kidney disease, dental disease, and cancer.

 
The Senior Wellness Package offers geriatric screening diagnostics at a discount, and includes full labwork (urinalysis, bloodwork, and thyroid level), radiographs to check for abnormalities or tumors, and a thorough exam and consultation with a veterinarian regarding any problems or issues.