Vaccinations & Disease Testing for Dogs and Cats in Gilford, NH
Protecting Pets Across the Lakes Region with Thoughtful, Local Care
Preventive care plays a key role in keeping pets healthy for years to come. At Birch Bark Veterinary Clinic, vaccinations and disease testing are more than routine—they’re important tools we use to protect dogs and cats throughout the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Whether you’re visiting from Gilford, Meredith, or Laconia, we make it easy to build a health plan that fits your pet’s lifestyle.
As a locally owned, family-oriented practice, we focus on real conversations, honest recommendations, and care that balances advanced medical knowledge with small-town accessibility. Our team helps you make smart, informed choices—starting with core vaccines, lifestyle-specific protection, and reliable disease screening.
Protecting Pets with Core Vaccines
Certain diseases are too dangerous—and too preventable—to risk. That’s why core vaccinations are recommended for all dogs and cats, regardless of lifestyle. These vaccines offer critical immunity against highly contagious and sometimes fatal illnesses.
Core Vaccines for Dogs
- Rabies – Required by law in New Hampshire. Protects against a deadly virus transmissible to humans.
- Distemper combo (DHPP) – Combines distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. This vaccine is vital for both puppies and adult dogs.
Core Vaccines for Cats
- Rabies – Also legally required for all cats in the state.
- FVRCP – Covers feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.
We typically begin vaccination at 6–8 weeks of age and provide boosters based on age, health history, and risk factors. Rabies boosters are usually given annually at first, then every three years as permitted.
These dog vaccines in Gilford and cat vaccinations in Gilford form the foundation of our preventive care approach.
Lifestyle-Specific Vaccines for the Lakes Region
Pets living in or visiting the Lakes Region may encounter additional health threats—especially from wildlife, water, or tick exposure. We offer several lifestyle-specific vaccines tailored to the unique risks of this area.
Common Lifestyle Vaccines for Dogs
- Lyme – Ticks are a major concern in New Hampshire. The Lyme vaccine is recommended for most dogs who spend time outdoors
- Leptospirosis (Lepto) – Spread through wildlife urine or standing water. It’s zoonotic and seen regularly in the region.
- Bordetella (kennel cough) – Required by most boarding and daycare facilities. Helps protect social or active dogs.
- Anaplasmosis – Another common tick-borne disease in our area.
If your dog hikes, swims, travels, or mingles with other pets, these canine disease testing and vaccination options in Gilford help reduce risk and support long-term health.
Testing That Detects Disease Early
Vaccines prevent, but testing detects. Annual screenings help us catch hidden infections before they cause visible problems—especially vector-borne diseases that can fly under the radar.
Heartworm testing in Gilford is one of our most important screening tools. Spread by mosquitoes, heartworm can cause serious lung and heart damage in dogs. Prevention is monthly, but testing ensures it’s working.
We also recommend tick-borne disease screening for:
- Lyme
- Anaplasmosis
- Ehrlichiosis
These illnesses are found throughout the Lakes Region and can affect dogs without showing clear symptoms. A simple blood test helps us catch problems early.
For cats, feline disease testing includes:
- FeLV and FIV – Often recommended for outdoor cats or new rescues.
- Heartworm testing – Though less common in cats, infection can still be life-threatening.
Our in-house diagnostics provide quick answers, with most results available the same day. If something shows up, we explain everything and walk through the next steps together.
Vaccine & Testing Schedules for Every Stage of Life
Each life stage has its own needs. Puppies and kittens need a series of vaccines to build protection. Adult pets need annual boosters and disease screening. Senior pets may benefit from more frequent exams and adjustments to their prevention plans.
We personalize each schedule based on:
- Age and breed
- Medical history
- Lifestyle and exposure risk
- Travel or boarding plans
Our goal is simple: to make sure your pet has the protection they need without unnecessary treatment.
What Happens During Your Visit
Visits are designed to be calm and easy, even for nervous pets. Exams include:
- Nose-to-tail health checks
- Vaccinations based on schedule
- Testing for heartworm or tick-borne disease as needed
We talk through each step and explain why we’re recommending it. If your dog or cat needs extra time or reassurance, we’re happy to accommodate. Afterward, we’ll send you home with a printed summary and reminder schedule.
Serving Gilford and the Lakes Region with Genuine Car
Birch Bark Veterinary Clinic isn’t part of a chain—we’re your neighbors. Our clients include retirees who know every trail around Squam Lake, young families with brand-new puppies, and local business owners who want the best for their barn cats and companions.
We’re proud to offer:
- Point-of-care diagnostics
- Dentistry with extractions
- Cryotherapy for minor growths
- Advanced surgery (including TPLO) without leaving the region
- Trupanion direct pay
Whether you’re coming in for a rabies vaccine in Gilford or full veterinary vaccines in Gilford NH, you’ll find honest, informed care with a heart.
