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Fear Free Routine Preventive Care

When you’re in need of exceptional animal care in Franklin, TN, bring your pet to South Franklin Animal Hospital in Franklin, TN. Our office provides an extensive range of veterinary services to ensure your four-legged friend’s health is always optimal.

Whether you want to bring your pet in for a pressing issue or just a standard check-up, our vets are here to help!

Call 615-595-2337

Text 615-881-9924

Routine Preventative Care

It is important for your pet to receive routine checkups just like it is for you. A complete physical examination for your pet may uncover health issues or concerns. It allows us to make sure that your pet is healthy and also allows us to catch any health problems before they become serious. You should bring your dog or cat in for a checkup at least once a year, and once every 6 months for older pets. Especially when you think about how fast a pet’s metabolism and aging process occurs.

Bloodwork & Diagnostic Work

During the visit we will check your pets’ vitals, weight, make sure all vaccinations are up to date, and perform any necessary blood work. Blood work can help to diagnose heartworm and tick disease very common in our area. Tick borne diseases {Ehrlichia, Anaplasmosis, and Lyme disease} can be picked up by a simple 8 minute in house snap test {Idexx 4DX}. These diseases can be treated more easily when detected early. These diseases are 100% preventable with year round heartworm, flea, and tick prevention.

Blood work is also recommended to ensure our pet’s internal health. Routine, yearly blood work includes a complete blood count, chemistry panel, and urinalysis. Depending on age and/or concerns electrolytes, t4 level, or Cardiopet test may be performed.

Routine Fecal Flotation by Centrifugation & Fecal Giardia

Routine Fecal Flotation by Centrifugation and Fecal Giardia tests are needed not only for the health of your pet, but for the health of the family. Al ot of the parasites found in dogs, can be zoonotic {transferred to humans} in nature. Regular deworming is needed. The most important pet in the household that needs regular deworming is our feline friends. Cats come into contact with bugs, insects, and rodents that carry worms. NOT ONLY OUTDOOR CATS!!! INDOOR CATS ARE VERY UNDER DEWORMED!!

Starting in 2012, SFAH started doing all fecal flotations by a method called centrifugation. Although more samples are needed and may take 24 hours for results, this is the best method for intestinal parasite diagnosis. This is the method supported by the CDC for confirmation of parasites in animals.

Vaccinations

During this routine pet visit, vaccinations will be addressed as to each pet’s needs, environment, and age. This is called a risk assessment for vaccinations. Williamson County is an amazing place to live, but we are covered in wild life. Wild life brings diseases, such as Leptospirosis and Rabies. Leptospirosis is a bacteria shed in wildlife’s urine and in water. Rabies is a concern in all wildlife, but bats are a major risk for cats, indoors and outdoors. ticks, which bring all tick borne diseases. We want to ensure we protect our pets. Even small dogs can get these diseases. The only dog that would not be exposed is a 100% indoor dog, i.e. indoor grass. Only seen 2 maybe 3 in 20 years of practice. Young animal diseases become less important at geriatric ages, so communication with the veterinarian and owner team to agree which diseases are still of concern for vaccinations.

Heartworm, Flea & Tick Prevention

SFAH believes prevention is the key in taking care of our pets. Yearly, consistent prevention from parasites such as heartworm, flea, and ticks. Heartworms are 100% preventable. Transmitted by a mosquito, year a round coverage is a must. We are educated at SFAH on all preventatives and choose the superior products to offer to our clients. Most of our products are used by myself and my staff to see any side effects and results. Regardless, prevention for all 3 are needed year a round.

Preventative care as the best medicine will always be offered. If these tests/care cannot be performed now, consider at a later date.

Dog at a preventative check up at South Franklin Animal Hospital

Dog at an appointment at South Franklin Animal Hospital

Dog being vaccinated at South Franklin Animal Hospital

Dog Vaccinations

We use Boehringer Ingelheim vaccines for vaccines that offer a small volume {1/2 ml}, pure vaccine for our pets. SFAH vaccines are also 100% guaranteed by this company to prevent disease processes in our pets.

Nobivac®

Elanco

We see virtually no “true” reaction to our vaccines. Expected adverse reaction [s] for any vaccine[s] can be lethargy, anorexia, and/or fever for up to 72 hours.

Benadryl is the only pre and post medication recommended for mild/moderate/sensitive adverse reactions. Ask us for a dose for your pet!

Distemper

This is a viral disease that is easily spread through direct contact and contact with bodily fluids or contaminated food and water. Puppies are the most susceptible to the disease and also have the highest mortality rate from severe cases or complications from the disease. Vaccinations have proven to be effective, so it is important to have your puppy vaccinated in an appropriate time {3 to 6 weeks}, a series of minimum of 4.

Parvovirus

This disease is more commonly referred to as “parvo” and is one of the leading causes of viral infections in dogs. It is highly contagious and transmitted by direct or indirect contact with contaminated feces. There are cardiac and intestinal forms of the disease, both of which are fatal in most cases when left untreated. All dogs and breeds are susceptible, but German breeds, pit bulls, and chow chows seem to be at higher risk. The vaccination is needed in an appropriate timed booster series of 4.

Coronavirus

Coronavirus is very similar to the intestinal form of Parvovirus in its symptoms. It results in vomiting and diarrhea, mostly affecting puppies. The difference is that Coronavirus, while still dangerous to your dog, is usually not fatal. Your dog can also be vaccinated for this disease with 2 boosters, and it is usually good for their lifetime.

ParaInfluenza

This is another component or contributor to the Upper Respiratory Tract Complex in dogs. It is also very contagious and can lead to pneumonia if not vaccinated. Component of all puppy boosters and yearly in all dogs.

Adenovirus Type 2

This virus leads to the infection commonly known as “kennel cough” or Upper Respiratory Tract Complex in dogs. It is very contagious, and is characterized by a hacking cough and a foamy white discharge. This disease is vaccinated in two directions, via nose and injections.

Bordetella

Bordetella is a bacteria that can contribute to kennel cough or Upper respiratory Tract Complex. Bordetella is highly contagious but usually not deadly, unless underlying condition or low immunity. Bordetella is prevented by intranasal vaccination yearly.

**SFAH offers three routes from Bordetella. Intranasal is most common. Oral is used for fearful/anxious or dogs that have sneezing/reverse sneezing issues. Injectable for extremely fearful/anxious.

Leptospirosis

This disease brings on symptoms of fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, and depression and it could lead to chronic kidney or liver disease. This disease is transmitted by wildlife in their urine and therefore, can be harbored in any body of water. Williamson County is considered a high infected area. Vaccinations are a must for ALL dogs. 100% immunity is offered by two injections 3 to 6 weeks apart, then yearly.

For more information, visit https://stoplepto.com.

Rabies

Rabies required by Tennessee and Williamson County yearly for all pets. Highest risk is seen in cats, indoor and outdoor. Indoor cats exposed to bats is a real danger.

Canine Influenza Virus

This is a canine specific influenza seen in several states around us. Important to protect if high volume borders and/or traveling pets. This vaccine is two boosters 3 to 6 weeks apart, and then yearly.

For more information, please refer to our FAQs or visit https://www.dogflu.com/.

Cat Vaccinations

We use Boehringer Ingelheim vaccines for vaccines that offer a small volume {1/2 ml}, pure vaccine for our pets. SFAH vaccines are also 100% guaranteed by this company to prevent disease processes in our pets.

We see virtually no “true” reaction to our vaccines. Expected adverse reaction [s] for any vaccine[s] can be lethargy, anorexia, and/or fever for up to 72 hours.

All cats must be risk assessed for their vaccination [s] needs. Indoor cats are at risk for serious diseases, and must be vaccinated .

Sarcomas that were first thought to be vaccination induced, are now known to be genetic and trauma based.

Rabies

Rabies is required by Tennessee and enforced by Williamson County Animal Control. Williamson County is still seen as a very high risk county for rabies due to our wildlife. Even indoor cats need yearly rabies vaccines. No reason not to prevent disease and zoonotic risk and complications.

Panleukopenia Virus

The more common name for this virus is “distemper”. It is a highly contagious disease which is why vaccination is recommended. Symptoms include fever, seizures, loss of appetite, and possibly death. Kittens are born with a natural immunity for the first few weeks of their lives. Vaccinations are a must in a timely series of 3 to 4 boosters. Your cat should get this vaccine yearly.

Rhinotracheitis

Caused by the herpes virus, Rhinotracheitis is an upper respiratory infection that is highly contagious. The infection could prove to be fatal in young kittens, and chronic in adults. Kittens must be boostered in a series of 3 to 4 boosters, and yearly.

Calicivirus

Calicivirus is a virus that causes an upper respiratory infection. It is very contagious through contact with infected cats. Symptoms include fever, gum disease, mouth ulcers, sneezing, among others. More advanced forms of the virus are more severe and can cause fatality. Cats do not need to exhibit symptoms in order to transmit the disease to other cats. The contagious nature of this disease makes it important for your cat to receive a vaccination.

Chlamydiosis

This disease is much more prevalent in cats that live in a multiple cat environment. The most obvious symptom is usually conjunctivitis, and the disease is carried in the eye discharge of infected cats.

Feline Leukemia Virus

This is another virus that is spread through direct contact with an infected cat. For this reason the vaccine is highly recommended for outdoor cats, or cats that are frequently in contact with other cats. Indoor, solitary cats should still be vaccinated to prevent against the potentially fatal virus, but are not at as high a risk to contract it. FELV should be administered to ALL cats in a two series vaccine 3 to 6 weeks apart as a kitten, then annually for the first year minimum. Outdoor cats require testing yearly and vaccinated yearly.

Cat being vaccinated at South Franklin Animal Hospital

Microchip Identification

What is a Microchip? A microchip is a safe, simple and permanent form of pet identification to immediately identify lost pets and quickly reunite them with their owners. The microchip is injected under your pet’s skin over the shoulders. Each chip contains a unique barcode (much like those seen on products in stores). The chip is gentle to the tissues, and does not cause a reaction to the body. When a scanner is passed over the pet, the barcode is read.

At SFAH we use the Google or Save the life chip. This chip gives a number that is specific to prompt a Google app with specific information on your pet and pet’s location. Our chip is a one time fee for life registration. If you have a current chip, you can re register under Save the life chip or Google chip. Ask us!

For more information, please visit https://www.savethislife.com/.

Emergency Medical Care

We refer our emergencies to Nashville Veterinary Services {NVS}. Both of these facilities are equipped and staffed for any and all emergencies that might arise after hours. The doctors and staff are specialized in emergency care, and are available for 24 hour monitoring of the critical patient.

After hour assistance, non life threatening can be addressed by email or leaving a message on office number. At SFAH we want to assist you in pet care that may not be emergency warranted and/or ensure you know we are here as a team to help in your pet’s decisions.

Euthanasia Services

We are terribly sorry for this difficult time. South Franklin Animal Hospital offers euthanasia services at home and in our office. Our compassionate staff provides support for you and your pet throughout the process. We are partnered with Pet Angel Memorial Center for Cremation.We offer to create baked paw prints so that you and your loved ones may cherish your pet’s memory forever.

Remembrance Pawprints for a pet from South Franklin Animal Hospital

Memorial Pawprints from South Franklin Animal Hospital

Want to join the South Franklin Animal Hospital patient family? Send us a message or give us a call today!

South Franklin Animal Hospital
137 Alpha Dr
Franklin, TN 37064

Phone:
615-595-2337

SFAH Cell:
615-881-9924

Email:
southfranklinanimalhospital@gmail.com

Personal Email:
cherylssdvm@gmail.com

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Business Hours:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday:
7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Tuesday:
Closed

Thursday:
7:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Saturday:
7:00 AM to 12:00 PM
*Closed the first & last of the month

Sunday:
Only Boarding from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM