Non-core vaccinations include the kennel cough, Lyme, and flu vaccines. The kennel cough vaccine is recommended for dogs that will be boarded, kenneled, groomed, or attend doggy daycare. The Lyme vaccine is recommended for dogs that live in or frequently visit wooded areas, go hiking or camping, or are exposed to ticks. However, even if a dog goes for a walk outside, there may be ticks waiting in the grass for your dog to pass so they can latch on, so the Lyme vaccine is always recommended. The flu vaccine is especially important for dogs that will be boarding, grooming, or attending doggy daycare, as the flu can be deadly and easily transmitted in these environments.

No, the only mandatory vaccination is the rabies vaccination. However, it is highly recommended for dogs to receive all their core vaccinations, as they protect against serious diseases that can be easily transmitted.

No, it depends on your pet’s lifestyle. Core vaccinations are those that are considered to be either required or highly recommended for every dog. Examples include rabies, distemper parvo, and leptospirosis vaccines. The kennel cough vaccine, in my opinion, should be a core vaccine. Sometimes we hold off on this vaccine if a dog is truly never boarded or taken to a grooming facility, but there is always a risk of exposure.

Yes, spaying or neutering can help prevent or reduce the risk of illnesses like infections in the uterus, cancer of the mammary glands, and diseases related to the testicles and prostate.

Spaying or neutering can help with excessive urination. However, the effectiveness may depend on your pet's age, as older pets may have more ingrained marking habits. Nonetheless, spaying or neutering will not harm your pet in regards to excessive urination.

No, there is no reason or need for your dog to have a litter before being spayed. Depending on your dog's size, your veterinarian may determine a specific time to spay, but there is no benefit to letting her have a litter first.

Spaying or neutering is important for several reasons, such as preventing or reducing the risk of certain diseases like infections of the uterus, cancer of the mammary glands, and cancer of the testicles and prostate. It also prevents unwanted pregnancies, helps with aggression issues, and reduces the likelihood of your pet running away due to being attracted to intact pets.

No, spaying or neutering your dog or cat is ultimately your decision. However, it is highly recommended, even if you plan to breed. Spaying or neutering can extend your pet's life and help prevent certain diseases.

Your dog needs monthly medication to prevent heartworms, intestinal parasites, and fleas and ticks. Some of these medications come in the form of an injection that lasts a whole year, while others are available as a monthly or every three-month tablet. Your veterinarian will discuss the best option for you based on your needs and convenience.

During a preventative care appointment, your veterinarian will ensure that all vaccines are up to date and discuss any necessary vaccinations. They will also conduct a heartworm test and a fecal check to screen for intestinal parasites or heartworms. Additionally, your veterinarian may recommend blood work to detect any underlying health issues and establish a baseline for future comparisons.