At San Pablo Animal Hospital, we feel that a healthy pet is a happy pet. Your pet’s basic needs are relatively similar to yours: food, water, exercise, and lots of love. In addition, your pet also needs regular checkups, lab work, vaccinations, and age-appropriate medications to stay on the road to good health. Vaccinations are often the best means of preventing disease, and parasite and heartworm preventives are necessary to keep your pet free of fleas, ticks, and worms. Prevention is often far easier than the cure.
Say No to Parasites
Fleas and ticks flourish in Florida year round and often become resistant and difficult to treat with over-the-counter supplies. If your pet is constantly scratching, licking, or chewing a particular area, it is an indication that a visit to the veterinarian is in order. We can provide prescription strength flea and tick prevention, as well as treatment to break the itch cycle and treat secondary skin infections.
Heartworms can be transmitted to your pet year round by mosquitoes that are always present, indoors and out, in Florida. While easily prevented, heartworms can be deadly if left untreated. It is important for pets to receive heartworm prevention all year long and to have a heart worm test performed with their veterinarian annually.
San Pablo Animal Hospital carries a complete line of prescription strength, effective flea, tick, and heartworm preventives, including NexGard Plus, Simparica Trio, Heartgard Plus / Nexgard, Bravecto, and Revolution. For products we do not carry in house, you can shop our online store and have the added convenience of home delivery.
Dermatology
Florida, with its heat, humidity, and fleas, provides one of the worst environments for animals with skin diseases. Frequently, the cause of skin problems in pets is minor and easily treatable. Most skin problems are an allergic reaction to something in the pet’s environment, a reaction to a bite from a flea or other insect, or a reaction to something in the pet’s diet. We offer allergy testing, a complete line of prescription flea and tick preventives, and prescription diets for pets suffering from food allergies. If you see a hot spot developing, treatment with antibiotics and anti-microbials may be needed to stop the itching and resolve the infection. Allergy testing may be necessary to determine if a pet is allergic to something in his or her environment or food.
Microchipping
Although, it is not considered typical preventative care, microchipping is an important way to keep you pet safe and provides the best chance at re-uniting your beloved friend with you if your pet becomes lost or separated from you.
A microchip is small and is placed underneath your pet’s skin so that when it is scanned, it will identify you as the pet’s owner. Computer databases are maintained for the life of your pet and the information can be updated when you move or get a new phone number.
Health Certificates
If you are traveling with your pet to another state or country, you may need a certified health certificate. Some states (Hawaii) and countries require proof that your pet is up to date on his or her vaccinations and has an adequate rabies titer. In some cases, your pet must also have been examined by a veterinarian within 10 days prior to travel. This is to certify that your pet appeared free of any disease. If traveling to Hawaii or to a foreign country, these documents take considerable time and planning. We suggest you go on online to find the requirements for traveling with pets to your destination and also call our office well in advance to request assistance. For more information visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet...
In addition, many hotels, airlines, dog parks, and boarding and grooming facilities require proof of current vaccinations for rabies and kennel cough. You can access your pet’s health record on our website or request assistance from our office. If your pet needs an update on his or her vaccinations, please call and schedule an appointment.