Protection & Prevention

At Apricot Veterinary Hospital, we believe the best approach to your pet’s health is proactive care. Protection and prevention are designed to reduce the risk of disease, parasites, and other health concerns before they become more serious.

When combined with regular wellness examinations, vaccinations, parasite prevention, routine screening, and other preventive services form the foundation of your pet’s ongoing healthcare.

Preventive care may include:

  • Vaccinations and recommended boosters
  • Flea and tick prevention
  • Heartworm prevention
  • Intestinal parasite prevention and fecal testing
  • Microchipping
  • Dental care and prevention
  • Spay and neuter services
  • Nutrition and weight management
  • Age-appropriate health screenings

Every pet is unique, and their preventive care needs can vary based on their age, lifestyle, environment, breed, and overall health. Our veterinary team will work with you to create a personalized protection and prevention plan that fits your pet’s individual needs.

Prevention is an investment in your pet’s health and quality of life. Our goal is to help your companion stay healthy, comfortable, and protected at every stage of life.

Pet Vaccination Schedule

Kitten Vaccine

In the first months of their life, kittens need the following shots to protect them from serious diseases.

8 weeks:

  • FVRCP-Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus and Feline Panleukopenia

12 weeks:

  • FVRCP-Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus and Feline Panleukopenia
  • FELV: Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a virus that infects only cats. It depresses the immune system and cats tend to remain infected for life.
  • Rabies- required by law.

16 weeks:

  • FVRCP- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus and Feline Panleukopenia
  • FELV- Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a virus that infects only cats. It depresses the immune system and cats tend to remain infected for life.

Puppy Vaccine

In their first months, puppies need these shots to protect them from dangerous diseases.

6 weeks:

  • DHPP- Distemper, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and two types of adenovirus (hepatitis)

9-11 weeks:

  • DHPP- Distemper, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and two types of adenovirus (hepatitis)

12-15 weeks:

  • DHLPP- distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and bacterial infection leptospirosis
  • Bordetella- This vaccine helps to ward off a frequent illness that is known as kennel cough. Kennel cough is easily spread from one dog to another and is highly contagious.
  • Rabies- required by law.

16 weeks:

  • DHLPP- distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and bacterial infection leptospirosis

Parasite Prevention

Common Parasites We Help Prevent

Fleas
Fleas can cause intense itching and skin irritation and may contribute to flea allergy dermatitis and other health concerns. Consistent flea prevention helps protect your pet and your home.

Ticks
Ticks can attach to your pet and may transmit diseases. Regular tick prevention is an important part of protecting pets that spend time outdoors or in areas where ticks are present.

Heartworms
Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause serious damage to the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Prevention is much safer and easier than treating heartworm disease.

Intestinal Parasites
Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and other intestinal parasites can affect dogs and cats. Routine fecal testing and appropriate prevention help identify and manage these infections.

Protecting Your Family

Some parasites that affect pets are Zoonotic, meaning they can potentially be transmitted from animals to people. Children and individuals with certain health conditions may be more susceptible to some infections.

Keeping your pet on an appropriate parasite prevention program, practicing good hygiene, and promptly cleaning up pet waste can help reduce the risk to both your pet and your family.

Prevention Is Key

Many pets with parasites may show few or no obvious signs. Regular veterinary examinations, recommended parasite testing, and consistent prevention allow us to detect potential problems early and help keep your pet protected.

Our goal is simple: healthy pets, protected families, and fewer preventable parasite-related health concerns.

Talk with our veterinary team about the parasite prevention options that are right for your pet.