Lakeside Animal Hospital

Puppy and Cat Vaccinations in Broward County: What's Required, What's Recommended, and What It Costs

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 13:00:45 GMT

TL;DR

Broward County requires current rabies vaccination for all dogs and cats, and dog licensing is tied directly to rabies compliance.
Core vaccines (DA2PP for dogs, FVRCP for cats) aren't legally mandated by the county, but nearly every boarding, grooming, and daycare facility requires them.
A full puppy or kitten vaccine series usually runs three to four visits across the first sixteen to twenty weeks of life.
Knowing what's legally required versus medically recommended helps new pet owners in Plantation and across Broward County plan and budget for the first year accurately.

Bringing home a puppy or kitten means facing a vaccine schedule that can feel confusing fast. Between county rabies law, core vaccines, and the extra shots your vet recommends based on lifestyle, it's easy to lose track of what's actually required and what a full series will cost. Puppy vaccinations cost in Broward County varies by clinic and by which vaccines your pet needs, but the legal baseline is the same for every dog and cat in Plantation, Sunrise, Lauderhill, and Plantation Gardens. This guide breaks down what Florida and Broward County require by law, what Dr. Jennifer Frione recommends beyond that baseline, and what a realistic first-year budget looks like for new pet owners.

What Vaccines Are Legally Required for Dogs and Cats in Broward County?

Broward County requires current rabies vaccination for all dogs and cats. Dogs must also be licensed with the county, and a current rabies certificate is the document that makes licensing possible.

A lapsed rabies vaccination doesn't just create a gap in protection. It affects licensing status, boarding eligibility at most local facilities, and legal standing in the rare event of a bite incident. For a closer look at how these two requirements connect, what vaccines are legally required for dogs in Broward County walks through the licensing paperwork step by step.

Broward County Dog Licensing: What Rabies Compliance Means Practically

County licensing renews annually and requires proof of current rabies vaccination at the time of application. Many Plantation families don't realize their dog's license can lapse simply because a rabies booster date was missed, not because anything else changed.

Florida State vs. Broward County Requirements: Is There a Difference?

Florida state law requires rabies vaccination for dogs and cats over four months old. Broward County layers its own licensing requirement on top of that state law for dogs specifically, which is why the paperwork can feel duplicated for owners moving from another Florida county.

What Core Vaccines Do Vets Recommend for All Dogs and Cats?

Core vaccines for dogs include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus, typically combined into a single DA2PP vaccine. Core vaccines for cats include rabies, feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia, combined into the FVRCP vaccine.

These aren't recommended based on lifestyle. They're recommended for every dog and cat because the diseases involved are severe, spread easily, and can't be reliably avoided through environmental control alone. Parvovirus in particular survives in soil and on surfaces for extended periods, which matters in a region with as much shared outdoor space as South Florida.

The Puppy Core Vaccine Series: What Happens at Each Visit

Most puppies start the DA2PP series around eight weeks old, with boosters at twelve and sixteen weeks. Rabies is added once the puppy reaches the minimum age required by Florida law. Each visit builds on the last, since a single dose doesn't provide full protection on its own. For a walkthrough of what actually happens during that first appointment, what to expect at your puppy's first vaccination appointment covers the exam, the shots, and the questions Dr. Frione asks new owners.

The Kitten Core Vaccine Series: Timing and What to Expect

Kittens follow a similar pattern, with FVRCP starting around six to eight weeks and boosters continuing every three to four weeks until sixteen weeks. Indoor-only kittens still need this series, since several of the diseases it prevents can enter the home on shoes, clothing, or through contact with other pets.

What Non-Core Vaccines Should Broward County Pet Owners Consider?

Non-core vaccines are recommended based on a pet's individual lifestyle and risk profile rather than applied across the board. For dogs in Broward County, Bordetella and leptospirosis come up often given the region's climate and the popularity of dog parks and shared green space.

Bordetella: Why Boarding and Grooming Facilities Require It

Bordetella causes kennel cough, and because it spreads quickly in group settings, nearly every boarding and grooming facility in Plantation requires proof of vaccination before accepting a dog. If boarding is part of your plans, timing this vaccine early beats scrambling before a trip.

Leptospirosis in South Florida: Why the Risk Is Higher Than Many Owners Realize

Leptospirosis spreads through contaminated water and soil, and South Florida's frequent rain and standing water create more exposure than drier climates see. Dr. Frione recommends this vaccine for most dogs in the area, even those who don't spend much time at parks or trails, since exposure can happen in a backyard after heavy rain.

What Does a Full Puppy or Kitten Vaccine Series Cost in Plantation, FL?

A complete puppy or kitten vaccine series, typically three to four visits over the first four to five months, includes the exam fee at each visit plus the cost of the vaccines given that day. Budgeting for the full series, along with a heartworm test for puppies, a fecal parasite screening, and flea and tick prevention, gives new owners a realistic picture of what first-year preventative care actually costs.

Breaking Down First-Year Puppy Costs in Broward County

Costs shift depending on which non-core vaccines a puppy needs and whether spay or neuter surgery happens in that same window. A dog headed for regular boarding or daycare will need Bordetella factored in earlier than a dog who mostly stays home. Mapping out the full first year at the initial visit avoids surprises later.

What Payment Options and Wellness Plans Are Available

Many Plantation families space out preventative care costs using a wellness plan that bundles exams, vaccines, and routine screenings into a predictable schedule. Ask about options during your puppy or kitten's first appointment, since setting this up early makes the rest of the first year easier to plan around.

How Does Lakeside Approach Vaccination for New Patients in Plantation?

At Lakeside, every vaccination appointment starts with a complete physical exam, not just the shot itself. Administering a vaccine to a pet with an undetected health issue can cause complications, and the exam is where Dr. Frione builds the medical baseline she'll refer back to for the rest of that pet's life. This is the same standard covered in why eve ry vaccine visit includes a complete welln ess exam , and it's a big part of why Plantation families return to Lakeside year after year.

Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy and Cat Vaccinations in Broward County

What vaccines do dogs legally need in Broward County, FL?

Broward County requires current rabies vaccination for all dogs, and rabies certification is required to obtain a county dog license. Core vaccines like DA2PP aren't legally mandated by the county, but they're required by nearly every boarding, grooming, and daycare facility and recommended by veterinary standards of care.

How much does a puppy vaccine series cost in Broward County?

A full puppy vaccine series in the Plantation and Broward County area usually involves three to four visits over the first four to five months. Each visit includes an exam fee plus the cost of vaccines due at that stage. Total first-year costs vary depending on which non-core vaccines fit the puppy's lifestyle.

Do cats need vaccinations in Broward County?

Yes. Broward County requires current rabies vaccination for cats, and the FVRCP combination vaccine is recommended for all cats regardless of whether they go outdoors. Indoor cats remain at risk for several of the diseases FVRCP protects against.

Does my puppy need a physical exam at every vaccine visit?

Yes, and it's medically important rather than routine paperwork. "Vaccines shouldn't be given to a pet with a fever, an active infection, or an undetected health issue," Dr. Frione explains. "I find things at first puppy exams, heart murmurs, undescended testicles, bite abnormalities, parasites, that the owner had no way of knowing about."

Dr. Frione's Perspective

"New puppy and kitten owners often come in thinking the vaccine visit is the main event, and I understand why. But in my experience, the conversation we have at those first few appointments matters just as much as the vaccines themselves. I'm establishing a baseline for that animal that I'll refer back to for the rest of their life. I recommend treating those early visits as complete onboarding appointments, not just shot appointments."

— Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM, Lakeside Animal Hospital

Ready to Get Your Puppy or Kitten on Schedule?

Broward County's rabies requirement isn't optional, and most boarding and grooming facilities in the area won't accept pets who are behind on core vaccines. Getting a puppy or kitten on schedule from the first visit avoids gaps that turn into bigger problems later.

Dr. Frione has spent ten years caring for dogs and cats across Plantation, Sunrise, Lauderhill, and Plantation Gardens, and every vaccination appointment at Lakeside includes a full exam, access to on-site lab screening, and a plan built around each pet's specific lifestyle. New patients are always welcome.

Schedule your puppy or kitten's first vaccine visit at Lakeside Animal Hospital and get a full year of preventative care mapped out from day one.

Whether you're navigating a first puppy series or getting a new kitten current on core vaccines, Plantation families trust Lakeside to keep the schedule straightforward and the pet, and the paperwork, on track from the start.

Can an Old Cat Safely Undergo Dental Surgery? How Veterinarians Actually Decide

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 13:00:07 GMT

TL;DR: Most senior cats can safely undergo dental surgery once pre-anesthetic screening confirms their organ function can support it. The decision comes down to bloodwork and a physical exam, not the number of candles on the birthday cake.

For Plantation families with an aging cat, the word "anesthesia" tends to raise more concern than the word "dental." That reaction makes sense. But senior cat dental surgery is one of the more routine procedures performed on older patients, provided the right screening happens first. The real question isn't whether an old cat can handle surgery. It's whether this specific cat, on this specific day, is medically ready for it.

Is It Safe to Anesthetize a Senior Cat for Dental Surgery?

With thorough pre-anesthetic screening, most senior cats can safely undergo anesthesia for dental procedures. Age is one factor in the risk assessment, not a reason to rule surgery out on its own. The clinical question is whether the cat's kidneys, liver, and heart can support anesthesia, and bloodwork answers that question far more reliably than a birth year does.

This is part of the broader approach behind senior cat care and what to expect from dental procedures at Lakeside , where screening standards are built around the individual cat rather than a generic age cutoff.

What Pre-Anesthetic Screening Does a Senior Cat Need Before Dental Surgery?

Before anesthetizing a senior cat for any procedure, a comprehensive blood panel evaluating kidney and liver values, thyroid levels, and a complete blood count is required, along with urinalysis and a cardiac exam. Cats with elevated kidney values, cardiac abnormalities, or hyperthyroidism need additional evaluation and often a modified anesthetic protocol before anything proceeds.

This step matters more for Broward County cat owners than most realize. Feline hyperthyroidism and early kidney changes are common in cats over ten, and they're frequently silent until bloodwork uncovers them.

What Happens If a Senior Cat's Dental Disease Is Left Untreated?

Untreated dental disease in senior cats causes chronic oral pain that cats rarely show outwardly, along with progressive tooth loss and ongoing bacterial exposure that adds strain to kidneys and heart function already under age-related pressure. For many senior cats, the real risk isn't the procedure. It's what happens if treatment keeps getting postponed.

"Age is information, not a verdict," says Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM, of Lakeside Animal Hospital. "When I'm deciding whether a senior cat can safely have a dental procedure, I'm looking at bloodwork and heart function, not a birthday."

Quick Questions

Can an old cat safely have dental surgery?
Yes, in most cases. Once pre-anesthetic screening confirms adequate organ function, age alone isn't a reason to avoid treatment. A well-managed procedure in a properly screened senior cat is typically a smaller risk than leaving progressive dental disease untreated.

What bloodwork does a senior cat need before dental surgery?
A senior cat should have kidney and liver values, thyroid levels, and a complete blood count checked, along with urinalysis and a cardiac assessment. These results let the veterinarian tailor the anesthetic plan to that cat's actual health status.

How do I know if my senior cat is in dental pain?
Watch for reduced appetite, a preference for soft food, facial rubbing, less grooming, or visible tartar and red gums. Cats rarely vocalize dental pain, so behavior changes are usually the first clue.

Ready to Have Your Senior Cat's Teeth Evaluated?

If your older cat is due for a dental evaluation, the next step is a wellness visit built around senior cat care at Lakeside Animal Hospital in Plantation , where in-house pre-anesthetic bloodwork and Dr. Frione's soft tissue surgery experience guide every decision. Plantation, Sunrise, and Lauderhill families trust this process because it treats each cat as an individual case, never a routine.

Senior cat dental surgery isn't a one-size answer. It's a decision made one bloodwork panel at a time, with your cat's comfort as the deciding factor.

Senior Cat Arthritis in Plantation, FL: The Signs Most Owners Miss and What Treatment Actually Looks Like Today

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

TL;DR

Arthritis is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in senior cats, not because it's rare, but because cats are extraordinarily skilled at masking pain.
More than 90 percent of cats over age 12 have radiographic evidence of arthritis, yet most owners never suspect it.
The signs are subtle behavioral changes, not limping, and treatment options today can meaningfully improve a senior cat's quality of life.

If your cat has quietly stopped jumping onto the counter or the back of the couch, you may have chalked it up to age catching up with her. For most Plantation cat owners, that is exactly how feline arthritis shows up first, not as a limp, but as a series of small decisions a cat makes to avoid pain. Senior cat arthritis care in Plantation, FL starts with recognizing that cats communicate discomfort very differently than dogs do, and differently than most owners expect. A cat with sore hips or an inflamed elbow does not cry out. She adjusts her whole routine around the parts of her body that hurt, and does it gradually enough that most families do not notice until the change is dramatic. At Lakeside Animal Hospital, we see this pattern constantly in cats over age ten. An owner mentions, almost as an aside, that their cat "just does not jump much anymore." That sentence is often the first real clue. This article covers what arthritis actually looks like in senior cats, how it is diagnosed, and what treatment can do for cats living in Plantation and across Broward County today.

How Common Is Arthritis in Senior Cats, and Why Is It So Rarely Diagnosed?

Research indicates that more than 90 percent of cats over age 12 have detectable joint changes on X-ray, yet feline arthritis remains dramatically underdiagnosed compared to dogs. The gap exists because cats hide pain as an instinctive survival behavior, and because the signs they show are behavioral rather than physical.

Why Cats Hide Pain, and What That Means for Owners

In the wild, an animal that appears weak becomes a target. Cats carry that instinct into a Plantation living room even though no predator is nearby. A sore joint gets managed quietly: less movement, more rest, careful positioning around furniture, with no whimper and no obvious favoring of a leg. That leaves owners watching for absence rather than a clear symptom, the absence of jumping, of play, of the usual morning greeting at the top of the stairs.

The Difference Between Arthritis in Cats and Arthritis in Dogs

Dog owners often catch joint pain early because dogs limp, stiffen after walks, or struggle on stairs. Cats rarely limp even with significant joint disease. They need a different lens entirely, one built around routine and behavior rather than movement.

What Are the Behavioral Signs of Arthritis in Senior Cats?

The most reliable signs of arthritis in cats are changes to daily routine: hesitating before jumping, choosing lower resting spots, using the litter box less consistently, grooming less thoroughly, sleeping more, and pulling back from interaction. Limping is rare in arthritic cats, and its absence should never be used to rule out joint pain.

The Seven Behavioral Signs of Feline Arthritis

Dr. Frione looks for a cluster of these signs during senior wellness exams, and asks owners about each one specifically because most go unreported otherwise:

Hesitating or pausing before jumping onto furniture
Choosing the floor or a low cushion over a favorite high perch
Missing the litter box edges or avoiding it altogether
Grooming less around the lower back and hindquarters
Sleeping noticeably more hours per day than usual
Reduced interest in play or greeting family members at the door
A stiff, shortened stride right after resting

Any one of these on its own might mean nothing. Two or three together, especially in a cat over age ten, are worth a conversation with your vet.

How to Use a Feline Mobility Checklist at Home

Owners can track these behaviors for two weeks using a notebook or phone note, checking whether jumping, grooming, and litter box habits have shifted compared to six months earlier. Arthritis develops gradually enough that a cat's "normal" shifts without families realizing it. Bringing that two-week log to an exam gives Dr. Frione a far clearer picture than one office visit alone.

How Is Arthritis Diagnosed in Senior Cats?

Diagnosis combines a thorough physical and orthopedic exam, a detailed behavioral history from the owner, and digital X-rays to evaluate the joints directly. Bloodwork is also recommended before starting any pain plan, since it confirms organ function and guides which medications are safe.

What a Senior Cat Mobility Exam Looks Like at Lakeside

During a mobility exam, Dr. Frione palpates each joint individually, checking for swelling, reduced range of motion, and discomfort on flexion. She also watches the cat move around the room, since gait changes often show up more clearly when a cat is not restrained. Combined with the owner's notes on jumping and grooming, this builds a full picture before any imaging is taken.

Why X-Rays and Bloodwork Are Both Required Before Treatment

X-rays confirm which joints are affected and how advanced the changes are, which shapes whether laser therapy, medication, or a combination makes the most sense. Bloodwork checks kidney and liver function, since many senior cats have some degree of kidney disease alongside arthritis, and that affects which medications are safe to use. This same protocol overlaps with what we do before dental care for senior cats, anesthesia considerations , since anesthesia and pain medication both depend on kidney and liver function. It is also why families asking whether a senior cat can safely undergo dental surgery get the same answer: it depends on the bloodwork, not just the cat's age.

What Treatment Options Exist for Senior Cats With Arthritis in Plantation?

Treatment for feline arthritis now includes options that did not exist a decade ago. Solensia, a monthly injection that targets the primary pain signaling protein in cats, is one of the most significant advances in feline pain management in recent years, and it is often paired with laser therapy, weight management, and home changes that reduce strain on the joints.

Solensia: What It Is and How It Works in Cats

Solensia is a monthly injectable medication that blocks nerve growth factor, the protein primarily responsible for transmitting pain signals from arthritic joints. It is given in office once a month, and most cats tolerate it well with no sedation. Owners typically notice a difference in mobility within the first few weeks of treatment.

Laser Therapy for Cats: Protocol and Expectations

Therapeutic laser therapy uses focused light to reduce inflammation and ease pain in arthritic joints, and most cats tolerate the sessions well since there is no needle and no sedation. Sessions run about ten minutes and are typically scheduled weekly for the first month, then tapered based on response. Many families combine laser sessions with Solensia.

Environmental Modifications That Reduce Pain Load Daily

Small changes at home help too: a ramp or steps to a favorite window perch, a litter box with a lower entry point, food and water bowls raised slightly off the floor, and orthopedic bedding placed where she already prefers to rest. None of these replace medical treatment, but they cut down on the number of painful movements a cat makes across an average day.

How Does Lakeside Approach Senior Cat Care in Plantation and Broward County?

Lakeside's approach to senior cats combines twice-yearly wellness exams, in-house digital imaging, Dr. Frione's background in rehabilitation, and access to current feline pain management options, giving Plantation and Broward County cat owners a level of access to modern feline arthritis care that many general practices cannot match.

Cats over age ten are seen twice yearly rather than annually at Lakeside, because arthritis, kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism all progress faster than a once-a-year visit can reliably track. Each senior visit includes a full orthopedic assessment, weight and body condition scoring, and a direct conversation about behavior changes at home, not just a quick look and a vaccine.

Families throughout Plantation, Sunrise, Lauderhill, and Plantation Gardens bring their senior cats in specifically for this kind of thorough look, and many arrive after noticing exactly the kind of subtle changes described earlier in this article. That local familiarity matters. Dr. Frione has spent ten years treating cats in this community and has a strong sense of what normal aging looks like here versus what is actually a joint problem asking for attention.

Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Cat Arthritis

How do I know if my senior cat has arthritis?

Watch for behavioral changes rather than limping, which is uncommon in arthritic cats. Common signs include hesitating before jumping, choosing lower resting spots, inconsistent litter box use, reduced grooming, more sleep, and social withdrawal. If your cat is over ten and showing any of these, a mobility assessment is a reasonable next step.

What is Solensia for cats?

Solensia is a monthly injectable medication approved to control pain from osteoarthritis in cats. It works by targeting nerve growth factor, the protein most responsible for pain signaling in arthritic joints. It is given by a veterinarian once a month, and clinical trials have shown meaningful improvement in feline mobility and comfort.

Can cats have laser therapy for arthritis?

Yes. Therapeutic laser therapy is used in cats for arthritis pain with a strong safety record. Sessions are short, non-invasive, and well tolerated by most cats. It reduces joint inflammation and eases pain without the side effects that come with some medications.

How often should a senior cat see the vet?

Most veterinarians recommend twice-yearly wellness exams for cats over age ten. Senior cats are prone to conditions, including hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, dental disease, and arthritis, that can progress faster than an annual visit catches. Twice-yearly exams improve early detection and give treatment a better chance of working well.

Dr. Frione's Perspective

"Cats are the patients I worry about missing, because they are so good at not telling us when something is wrong. I have examined cats who had not jumped onto the couch in six months, and their owners genuinely thought she had just decided to prefer the floor. When I showed them the X-rays, they were stunned at how much joint change was there. The good news is that we have better tools for managing feline arthritis now than we did five years ago. Solensia has changed what I can offer cats who used to be very difficult to manage. I recommend asking about it if your cat is over ten and you have noticed any change in how she moves."

— Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM, Lakeside Animal Hospital

Schedule a Senior Cat Mobility Exam in Plantation

If your cat over age ten has stopped jumping, changed her litter box habits, or seems less interactive lately, arthritis is the first thing we want to rule out, not the last. A senior cat mobility exam at Lakeside includes a full physical and orthopedic assessment, X-rays when indicated, and a pain management conversation built around your cat specifically.

Dr. Frione's background in rehabilitation, combined with in-house digital X-rays and access to treatments like Solensia and laser therapy, means Plantation families do not need a referral elsewhere for this kind of care. We see cats from Plantation, Sunrise, Lauderhill, and Plantation Gardens for exactly this reason, families who want a vet who takes subtle changes seriously the first time they are mentioned.

If you have noticed any of the signs described above, senior cat care at Lakeside Animal Hospital in Plantation is the right place to start. Schedule a senior cat exam and let's find out what is actually going on before her mobility declines any further.

Feline arthritis is common, quiet, and treatable when it is caught early. The cats who do best have owners who noticed the small stuff: the skipped jump, the shorter litter box visits, the extra hours of sleep. Senior cat arthritis care in Plantation, FL is not about waiting for a limp that may never come. It is about paying attention now, while there is still a lot we can do to help her feel like herself again.

Is It Safe for an Old Dog to Get Their Teeth Cleaned Under Anesthesia? How Veterinarians Actually Assess the Risk

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

TL;DR: Most senior dogs can safely undergo anesthesia for a dental cleaning once proper pre-anesthetic screening confirms their organ function can support it. Age alone is not a reason to skip a cleaning. Untreated dental disease is usually the bigger risk.

Plantation pet owners with senior dogs ask this question more than almost any other: is it actually safe to put an older dog under anesthesia just to clean their teeth? It's a fair question, and a smart one to ask before scheduling anything. The honest answer is that anesthesia risk in a senior dog depends far more on what's happening inside their body than on the number of birthdays they've had.

Is Anesthesia Safe for an Older Dog's Dental Cleaning?

With thorough pre-anesthetic screening, most senior dogs can safely undergo anesthesia for a dental cleaning. That screening includes bloodwork assessing kidney and liver function, a complete blood count, and a physical exam. The decision comes down to organ function and cardiovascular status, not the dog's age printed on the chart.

Age still matters. It shapes the protocol, the monitoring, and sometimes the medications chosen. But age by itself has never been a valid reason to withhold a procedure a dog medically needs. A ten-year-old Labrador with clean bloodwork and a strong heart is often a lower-risk anesthetic candidate than a much younger dog with an undiagnosed heart murmur.

What Pre-Anesthetic Screening Does an Older Dog Actually Need?

Before anesthetizing any senior dog, a comprehensive blood panel evaluating kidney and liver values, a complete blood count, and a full physical exam including cardiac auscultation come first. This isn't a formality. It's how a veterinarian decides whether to proceed as planned, adjust the anesthetic protocol, or hold off until an issue is stabilized.

Dogs with elevated kidney values or a newly detected heart murmur don't automatically get turned away. They get a modified plan built around what their bloodwork and exam actually show. This is what Lakeside does to keep senior dogs safe during dental cleanings , and it's the same standard applied to every senior patient walking through the door, whether they're from Plantation, Sunrise, or Lauderhill.

What Happens If You Skip the Cleaning for an Older Dog?

Untreated dental disease in senior dogs causes chronic oral pain most dogs never show outwardly, progressive tooth loss, and a steady release of bacteria into the bloodstream. That bacterial load places additional strain on the kidneys, liver, and heart, organs already working harder simply because of age.

For most senior dogs, the cumulative damage of years of untreated dental disease outweighs the risk of one carefully screened anesthetic procedure. Owners often picture the anesthesia as the risk. In practice, the disease left unaddressed is usually the larger one.

Quick Questions

Is it safe to put an older dog under anesthesia for a dental cleaning?
Yes, with appropriate pre-anesthetic screening. The key is confirming kidney and liver function, cardiovascular status, and overall health can support the procedure. Age shapes the protocol. It isn't a reason on its own to skip treatment for active dental disease.

What is the risk of anesthesia in senior dogs?
The risk is higher than in younger dogs, but it's manageable with screening and monitoring. The real comparison isn't whether anesthesia carries risk. It does. It's whether that managed risk is smaller than the risk of leaving dental disease untreated, which it usually is.

What happens if a senior dog's dental cleaning gets skipped?
Periodontal disease progresses to tooth loss, abscesses, and chronic pain, all of which lower a senior dog's quality of life. Bacteria from the diseased gums also reach the bloodstream and affect organs already changing with age.

As Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM at Lakeside Animal Hospital, puts it: "I tell owners that age is information, not a verdict. When I'm deciding whether a senior dog can safely have a dental procedure, I'm looking at their bloodwork and their heart, not their birthday."

Ready to Get Your Senior Dog's Teeth Evaluated?

Lakeside Animal Hospital runs in-house pre-anesthetic bloodwork and continuous monitoring for every senior patient, backed by Dr. Frione's background in soft tissue surgery. For Plantation families weighing this decision for an aging dog, the full picture on what a safe process looks like is worth reading before you book anything. Read the full dental guide for a deeper look at how senior dental care works from start to finish, or go ahead and schedule a dental evaluation at Lakeside Animal Hospital to get your dog's bloodwork started.

Your pet is family, and that's exactly how we approach every senior dental decision, one careful screening at a time.

How to Choose the Right Veterinary Clinic for Your Pet's Teeth Cleaning Near Plantation, FL

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 13:00:11 GMT

TL;DR

Not all veterinary dental cleanings are the same, even when the price tag looks similar.
A clinic worth choosing requires pre-anesthetic bloodwork, takes full-mouth dental X-rays, has a licensed veterinarian perform every extraction, and monitors anesthesia continuously from start to recovery.
A lower price that skips these steps points to a different, less complete procedure, not a real discount.

Plantation pet owners searching for a veterinary teeth cleaning near me will find no shortage of options between Plantation, Sunrise, and Lauderhill. What's harder to find is a clear answer on what actually separates one clinic's dental program from another. Some clinics advertise a flat, low price. Others include a list of diagnostics that sound optional but aren't. The gap between those two approaches is where confused pet owners often end up, usually after a friend mentions their dog needed a second procedure months later because something got missed the first time.

A veterinary dental cleaning is a medical procedure, not a cosmetic one. Plaque and tartar above the gumline are only part of what's happening in your pet's mouth. The disease that actually threatens teeth, jawbone, and comfort develops below the gumline, where it can't be seen or treated without anesthesia and imaging. This guide walks through what to ask before booking, and why those questions matter more than the number on the estimate.

What Should You Look for When Choosing a Vet for Your Pet's Teeth Cleaning Near Plantation?

The five clearest signs of a thorough veterinary dental program are mandatory pre-anesthetic bloodwork, full-mouth digital dental X-rays, continuous anesthesia monitoring by a licensed technician, a veterinarian performing all extractions, and same-day extraction capability so your pet isn't put under anesthesia twice.

The Five Questions to Ask Before Booking a Pet Dental Appointment

Before booking anywhere, ask these five questions directly. Do you require pre-anesthetic bloodwork? Do you take full-mouth dental X-rays as a standard part of every cleaning? Is a veterinarian, not just a technician, performing the exam and any extractions? How is anesthesia monitored throughout the procedure? Can extractions be done the same day if something is found? A clinic that answers yes to all five is following the standard most veterinary dental groups recommend. A clinic that hesitates on any of them is telling you something too.

What "Anesthesia-Free" Dental Cleanings Don't Include, and Why It Matters

Anesthesia-free cleanings only address the visible, above-the-gumline surface of the teeth. They can't include dental X-rays, and no real exam can happen below the gumline on an awake pet. Veterinary dental groups don't recognize anesthesia-free cleaning as equal to a full prophylaxis. It can make teeth look cleaner without treating the disease actually causing damage.

Why Does Pre-Anesthetic Bloodwork Matter So Much?

Pre-anesthetic bloodwork identifies organ function abnormalities, particularly kidney and liver values, that change how anesthesia is dosed and monitored. Skipping this step doesn't remove the risk. It removes your veterinarian's ability to manage it.

What the Bloodwork Panel Tests For

A standard pre-anesthetic panel checks kidney values, liver enzymes, blood cell counts, and blood glucose. These numbers tell your veterinarian whether your pet's body can process and clear anesthesia normally. An on-site laboratory means results come back the same day, often within the hour, so anesthesia decisions get made with current information instead of guesswork.

When Bloodwork Results Change the Dental Plan

Occasionally, results show a kidney or liver value outside the normal range. When that happens, your veterinarian may adjust the anesthesia protocol, add IV fluids during the procedure, or recommend addressing the underlying issue before scheduling dental work. This is also where anesthesia safety for older pets becomes relevant. Owners of senior dogs often ask is it safe for a senior dog to be put under for a dental cleaning , and bloodwork is the first step in answering that honestly for your specific pet.

How Far Should You Travel for a Veterinary Dental Cleaning Near Plantation?

For a routine dental cleaning, proximity matters less than protocol. A clinic twenty minutes away that includes dental X-rays, pre-anesthetic screening, and extraction capability is a better choice than the nearest option that skips those steps.

Lakeside Animal Hospital serves Plantation, Sunrise, Lauderhill, and Plantation Gardens, so comprehensive veterinary dental care doesn't require a long commute for most pet owners in western Broward County. A clinic that's five minutes closer but doesn't image below the gumline isn't actually saving you anything if a problem gets missed.

Serving Pet Owners in Plantation, Sunrise, and Lauderhill

Families across these communities bring dogs and cats to Lakeside specifically because the dental program doesn't cut corners on the diagnostic side. Cost is a fair question to ask alongside protocol, and pet owners weighing both can review what a pet dental cleaning costs in Plantation and Broward County to understand what's typically included at each price point.

What Happens After a Pet Dental Cleaning, and What Should You Watch For?

After a dental cleaning, most dogs and cats are fully recovered within 24 to 48 hours. Mild grogginess, reduced appetite, and slight mouth sensitivity are normal for the first day.

Post-Dental Home Care Instructions

Soft food for a day or two, fresh water, and a quiet space to rest are usually all a pet needs. Avoid hard chews or toys for about a week if any teeth were extracted, and follow the medication schedule your veterinarian sends home with you.

When to Call the Clinic After a Dental Procedure

Contact the clinic if you notice excessive bleeding, facial swelling, difficulty eating after 48 hours, or behavior suggesting ongoing pain. These signs are uncommon but worth a same-day call rather than a wait-and-see approach.

Why Do Plantation and Sunrise Pet Owners Choose Lakeside for Dental Care?

Lakeside combines an on-site laboratory, digital dental radiographs, Dr. Frione's soft tissue surgery background for complex extractions, and a full post-procedure monitoring routine, making it one of the more complete veterinary dental programs in western Broward County.

Every dental cleaning at Lakeside starts with the same standard, not a stripped-down version for a lower price point. That consistency is part of why Plantation and Sunrise families keep coming back for wellness exams and dental care alike. Pet owners who want a fuller picture of the exam process can also review the complete guide to dog and cat teeth cleaning in Plantation before their appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Veterinary Teeth Cleaning Near Plantation, FL

What should I look for in a vet for my dog's teeth cleaning?

Dr. Frione recommends confirming four things before booking: pre-anesthetic bloodwork, full-mouth dental X-rays, a veterinarian (not just a technician) performing extractions, and continuous anesthesia monitoring. These are standard components of a safe, thorough cleaning, not optional add-ons. Ask directly whether X-rays are included and whether same-day extractions are possible if something is found.

Is anesthesia-free pet dental cleaning a safe alternative?

Anesthesia-free cleaning only addresses the visible tooth surface and skips the area below the gumline where periodontal disease actually develops. It also rules out dental X-rays and a full oral exam. In Dr. Frione's experience, clinics that skip X-rays are often the ones missing the disease actually causing a pet's discomfort, so anesthesia-free cleaning shouldn't replace a full veterinary prophylaxis.

How do I find a good vet for pet dental care near Plantation, FL?

Look for a full-service clinic with on-site laboratory capability for pre-anesthetic screening, digital dental radiography, and a veterinarian experienced in extractions. Lakeside Animal Hospital in Plantation serves pet owners from Plantation, Sunrise, Lauderhill, and Plantation Gardens with a complete veterinary dental program built around those standards.

How long does a pet dental cleaning take?

A routine cleaning typically takes one to three hours, depending on tartar buildup, whether X-rays are taken, and whether extractions are needed. Most pets go home the same day. Your veterinarian will give you a time estimate at drop-off and call if the scope of the procedure changes.

Dr. Frione's Perspective

Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM, of Lakeside Animal Hospital, offers this perspective directly:

"When owners ask me what to look for in a clinic for their pet's dental care, I always start with the same question: do they take dental X-rays? In my experience, the clinics that skip X-rays are also the ones most likely to miss the disease that's actually causing the problem. Roughly 60 percent of a tooth's structure sits below the gumline, and that's where root resorption, abscesses, and bone loss happen. If a clinic isn't imaging below the gumline, it isn't fully cleaning or diagnosing there either."

Ready to Schedule Your Pet's Dental Cleaning at Lakeside?

The right clinic for your pet's dental care is rarely the closest one. It's the clinic whose protocol gives your pet the best chance at a complete, safe outcome. At Lakeside Animal Hospital, every dental cleaning includes on-site pre-anesthetic bloodwork, full-mouth digital X-rays, and continuous anesthesia monitoring from start to recovery. Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM, brings ten years of experience and a soft tissue surgery background to every extraction, so pets that need more than a routine cleaning are never referred elsewhere mid-procedure.

We welcome dog and cat owners from Plantation, Sunrise, Lauderhill, and Plantation Gardens, and same-day extraction capability means your pet is only put under anesthesia once. If you're ready to book, schedule a pet dental cleaning at Lakeside Animal Hospital and give your pet's teeth the complete exam they deserve.

Plantation, Sunrise, and Lauderhill pet owners deserve more from a veterinary teeth cleaning than just a low price and same-day pickup. The clinics that ask the right questions, run the right diagnostics, and let a veterinarian handle every extraction are the ones protecting your pet's long-term health, not just their smile. Lakeside Animal Hospital built its dental program around that standard, and it's ready whenever you are.

What Are the Side Effects of Laser Therapy for Dogs, and Are There Any Real Risks to Know About?

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

TL;DR: Laser therapy for dogs has very few side effects. The most common response is mild, temporary soreness at the treatment site within the first 24 hours, and serious complications are rare outside of a small list of contraindications, including active cancer at the treatment site, pregnancy, and active hemorrhage.

Laser therapy has become a routine recommendation for dogs recovering from surgery, managing arthritis, or healing from soft tissue injuries. Pet owners across Plantation often ask about the side effects of laser therapy for dogs before agreeing to a treatment plan, and that caution makes sense. The treatment is non-invasive, but knowing what a normal response looks like helps owners tell the difference between expected soreness and something that needs a call to the vet.

What Side Effects Can Dogs Experience From Laser Therapy?

The most common side effect of laser therapy in dogs is mild, temporary soreness at the treatment site, usually appearing after the first one or two sessions. The feeling is similar to the muscle fatigue a person notices after a hard workout, and it typically fades within 24 hours. This response reflects photobiomodulation at the cellular level, the same mechanism that drives the healing benefits of the treatment.

Dogs with chronic conditions, like long-term arthritis or old injuries, tend to notice this more, since their tissue is reacting to increased circulation and cellular activity. As the treatment protocol continues, most dogs show less soreness over time, and the majority have no reaction at all.

"In my experience, the dogs who do worst with laser therapy are the ones whose owners stop after the first session because the dog seemed a little sore the next day. That temporary response is actually a sign the treatment is working, not a reason to stop," says Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM at Lakeside Animal Hospital.

For a full walkthrough of how the treatment works from the first appointment onward, our complete guide to laser therapy for dogs in Plantation covers the entire process.

Are There Dogs Who Should Not Receive Laser Therapy?

Laser therapy should not be applied directly over active cancer sites, over unprotected eyes, over actively hemorrhaging tissue, or on pregnant dogs. These are specific, situational contraindications, not a reason to avoid the treatment as a whole.

A dog with a history of cancer elsewhere in the body, for example, may still be a good candidate for laser therapy on an unrelated joint or injury. The limits apply to the treatment site and the animal's current condition, not to laser therapy as a category. This is why a clinical assessment happens before every new patient starts treatment. Owners bringing pets in from Sunrise and Lauderhill for rehabilitation care at Lakeside ask about these limits often, and it's a fair question to raise before the first session.

How Does Lakeside Ensure Laser Therapy Is Administered Safely?

At Lakeside, every laser therapy patient gets a clinical assessment before treatment begins, and protective eyewear is worn by the dog and everyone in the room during each Class IV laser session. Protocols are set for the individual, not applied at one fixed setting for every patient.

Coat thickness, treatment area, and the underlying condition all shape how a session is set up. A senior dog with hip arthritis and a young dog recovering from a soft tissue injury are not treated the same way, even on the same afternoon. This individualized approach is a large part of why side effects stay minimal in practice. Pet owners considering laser therapy consultations at Lakeside Animal Hospital can expect that same evaluation before a single session is scheduled.

Quick Questions

Are there any side effects of laser therapy for dogs? Side effects from laser therapy in dogs are uncommon and usually mild. The most frequent response is temporary soreness at the treatment site in the first 24 hours after initial sessions, a normal reaction to increased circulation that resolves quickly. Serious adverse effects are rare when treatment follows proper veterinary protocols.

Is laser therapy safe for senior dogs? Yes. Laser therapy is generally well tolerated by senior dogs and is a preferred pain management option for older patients who cannot take NSAIDs long term due to kidney or liver concerns. A veterinary assessment beforehand confirms the protocol fits the dog's current health status.

Can laser therapy make a dog's condition worse? Laser therapy does not worsen the underlying condition being treated. Dogs may feel more soreness after initial sessions as tissue responds, but this is temporary and expected. If symptoms worsen significantly after treatment, a follow-up visit is worth scheduling to reassess the plan.

Ready to Find Out if Your Dog Is a Candidate for Laser Therapy?

Most dogs tolerate laser therapy well, and the side effects of laser therapy for dogs are limited to mild, short-lived soreness in the majority of cases. Dr. Frione's background in rehabilitation medicine, paired with a clinical assessment before every first session, means the treatment plan is built around your dog specifically, not a standard protocol. Families across Plantation, Sunrise, Lauderhill, and Plantation Gardens trust this Broward County animal hospital because every laser therapy session follows the same protective standards, session after session. If your dog is dealing with arthritis, a slow-healing injury, or post-surgical recovery, a conversation with the team is the next step.

What Is Laser Therapy for Dogs, and When Does a Veterinarian Actually Recommend It?

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

TL;DR

Laser therapy for dogs, also called photobiomodulation or cold laser therapy, uses specific wavelengths of light to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and speed tissue healing at the cellular level.
It is non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical, commonly used for arthritis, post-surgical recovery, soft tissue injuries, chronic wounds, and certain skin conditions.
It doesn't replace surgery or medication in every case, but for the right patient it's one of the most effective tools available for managing chronic pain without side effects.

If you've noticed your dog hesitating at the stairs, slower to get up after a nap, or just not quite themselves after a recent surgery, you're probably looking into every option before reaching for another prescription. Laser therapy for dogs has become one of the more requested treatments at pet clinics across Plantation, Sunrise, and Lauderhill, and for good reason. It offers a way to manage pain and speed healing without adding another pill to the daily routine. At Lakeside Animal Hospital, Dr. Jennifer Frione uses laser therapy as part of a personalized treatment plan for dogs dealing with everything from early arthritis to post-operative recovery. This guide covers what the treatment actually does, which conditions respond best, what to expect during a session, and how to know if it's the right fit for your dog.

What Is Laser Therapy for Dogs and How Does It Work?

Therapeutic laser therapy uses concentrated light energy at specific wavelengths to penetrate tissue and stimulate the body's own repair processes. At the treatment site, it increases circulation, reduces inflammation, and triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain relieving compounds. This process is called photobiomodulation, and it has a solid body of veterinary research behind its clinical use.

Class IV vs. Class III Laser: What the Difference Means for Treatment Depth

Class IV lasers deliver higher power and penetrate deeper into tissue, which makes them better suited for larger dogs or conditions affecting deeper structures like joints and discs. Class III lasers work at a lower intensity and are often used for more surface level applications, such as skin conditions or small wound sites. The choice depends entirely on what's being treated and how large the patient is.

What a Laser Therapy Session Looks Like at Lakeside

A typical session takes between five and fifteen minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. The dog lies comfortably on a treatment table while the handheld device is moved over the affected area in a slow, methodical pattern. Most dogs find it relaxing rather than stressful. Protective eyewear is worn by the patient and the technician throughout.

What Conditions in Dogs Respond Best to Laser Therapy?

The conditions with the strongest evidence base for laser therapy response in dogs are osteoarthritis, post-surgical incision healing, soft tissue injuries, intervertebral disc disease, and chronic wounds. Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and general joint degeneration are among the most common reasons Dr. Frione recommends this treatment to dog owners in Plantation.

Arthritis and Joint Disease: How Laser Therapy Fits Into the Treatment Plan

For dogs with arthritis, laser therapy is rarely a standalone solution. It's typically layered into a broader plan that might include joint supplements, weight management, and in some cases medication. The laser's role is to reduce the inflammatory response in the joint itself, which can ease pain and improve mobility over time. Owners searching whether laser therapy is effective for dogs with hip dysplasia often find that it becomes one of the more consistent parts of long-term joint management, particularly for dogs who aren't yet ready for or aren't good candidates for surgery.

Post-Surgical Recovery: When Laser Therapy Accelerates Healing

After surgery, laser therapy is frequently used to support incision healing and reduce post-operative swelling. Many Plantation area pet owners bringing a dog home after a spay, neuter, or orthopedic procedure ask about it specifically because it shortens the visible discomfort window without adding medication.

Skin and Wound Applications, Including Allergy-Related Inflammation

Chronic skin inflammation, hot spots, and slow-healing wounds also respond well to laser treatment. For dogs dealing with ongoing allergy flare-ups, laser sessions can calm the inflamed tissue and support faster resolution alongside a broader dermatology plan. This is part of why laser therapy for chronic skin inflammation in allergic dogs comes up so often in consultations with owners managing recurring skin issues in Broward County's warm, humid climate.

What Are the Side Effects of Laser Therapy for Dogs?

Therapeutic laser therapy has an extremely favorable safety profile. Side effects are rare and typically limited to temporary increased soreness at the treatment site within the first 24 hours, similar to how a person feels after a workout. A closer look at what are the side effects of laser therapy for dogs covers what to expect in more detail. Protective eyewear is worn by all personnel and the patient during every session to guard against direct beam exposure.

Who Should Not Receive Laser Therapy

Dogs with certain cancers, pregnant dogs, and animals with specific eye conditions may not be candidates for laser treatment over particular areas of the body. This is something Dr. Frione screens for during the initial consultation before any session begins.

What to Watch for After a First Treatment Session

Most dogs show no reaction at all beyond a bit of drowsiness, which is common and not a cause for concern. Mild soreness, if it occurs, typically resolves within a day and does not require intervention.

How Many Laser Therapy Sessions Does a Dog Typically Need?

Acute conditions, including post-surgical recovery and fresh soft tissue injuries, typically respond within three to six sessions. Chronic conditions like arthritis require an ongoing maintenance protocol, often starting with more frequent visits and tapering to monthly or bimonthly sessions once a response is established.

What a Typical Treatment Protocol Looks Like

A chronic case might start with two to three sessions per week during the first month, then shift to a maintenance schedule based on how the individual dog responds. Every plan is adjusted to the patient, not applied as a fixed template.

How We Measure Whether It's Working

Improvement is tracked through mobility changes, willingness to engage in normal activity like stairs or walks, and reduced reliance on other pain management tools. Owners are usually the first to notice the shift, often describing a dog who seems more like themselves.

Is Laser Therapy Worth the Investment for Dogs in Plantation?

For dogs with chronic pain conditions where long-term pharmaceutical management carries side effect risks, particularly NSAID use in dogs with liver or kidney concerns, laser therapy offers a real quality of life improvement without adding systemic risk. For post-surgical patients, it measurably reduces recovery time. This is especially relevant for older dogs, where laser therapy as part of senior dog pain management often becomes one piece of a larger wellness plan built around aging joints, reduced mobility, and medication sensitivity. The value depends on the individual patient, the condition being treated, and how consistent the owner is with the recommended schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Therapy for Dogs

What are the side effects of laser therapy for dogs?

Laser therapy for dogs has very few side effects. The most common response is mild, temporary soreness at the treatment site within the first 24 hours, particularly after early sessions for chronic conditions. Serious adverse effects are rare, and protective eyewear is worn by all personnel and the patient during every session.

How many laser therapy sessions does a dog need?

The number of sessions depends on the condition. Acute injuries and post-surgical recovery typically need three to six sessions over one to two weeks. Chronic conditions like arthritis usually begin with a more intensive schedule, often two to three sessions weekly for the first month, followed by maintenance visits tailored to the dog.

Is cold laser therapy effective for dogs with hip dysplasia?

Yes. Laser therapy is one of the most commonly used supportive treatments for hip dysplasia in dogs. It reduces joint inflammation, relieves pain, and supports the soft tissue around the affected joint. It doesn't reverse the structural changes of dysplasia, but it can meaningfully improve mobility and comfort, especially in dogs who aren't surgical candidates.

Can laser therapy replace medication for a dog with arthritis?

In some cases, particularly mild to moderate arthritis in an otherwise healthy dog, laser therapy combined with joint supplements and weight management can reduce or eliminate the need for pharmaceutical pain control. In more advanced cases, it works best as part of a broader plan that may still include medication. Dr. Frione evaluates each patient individually before making that call.

Dr. Frione's Perspective

"Laser therapy is one of the tools I reach for most often in dogs I'd describe as not sick enough to need surgery but not comfortable enough to just manage with supplements. It's a meaningful middle ground that owners don't always know exists. I recommend it often for senior dogs where long-term NSAID use raises kidney concerns, and for post-surgical patients where I want to speed healing without adding more medication to the recovery plan. In my experience, the dogs who respond best are the ones whose owners stay consistent with the treatment schedule. It's not a one-session fix."

— Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM, Lakeside Animal Hospital

Schedule a Laser Therapy Consultation at Lakeside

If your dog is slowing down, reluctant to climb stairs, or showing early signs of joint discomfort, laser therapy may offer real relief without adding another pharmaceutical to their daily routine. Every treatment plan at Lakeside starts with a full evaluation from Dr. Frione, whose focus on rehabilitation and preventative care means the recommendation is built around your dog specifically, not a general protocol. Lakeside Animal Hospital has served pet families throughout Plantation, Sunrise, Lauderhill, and Plantation Gardens for over a decade, and laser therapy is one of the more requested additions to senior and post-surgical care plans.

Your pet is family, and we treat them as if they are ours. If you're ready to explore whether laser therapy for dogs at Lakeside Animal Hospital in Plantation is right for your companion, our team is ready to walk you through what a personalized plan would look like.

Laser therapy for dogs in Plantation isn't a trend. It's a clinically supported tool that, in the right hands and with the right patient, can change how a dog moves through their day. Dr. Frione and the Lakeside team are here to help you figure out if it's the right next step for yours.

How Do I Know If My Dog's Scratching Is From Fleas or Environmental Allergies, and Does It Matter?

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:00:28 GMT

TL;DR: The location of your dog's itching is the fastest way to tell the two apart. Flea allergy dermatitis concentrates at the base of the tail and lower back, while environmental allergies usually show up as paw licking, face rubbing, and recurring ear infections, and in Plantation dogs the two often overlap since fleas and pollen are both present year round.

If your dog has been chewing at the same spot for weeks, you have probably already tried a flea comb, a bath, maybe an oatmeal shampoo from the pet store. Plantation dogs deal with two allergy sources that never fully go away: fleas that survive our mild winters and pollen that circulates through every season. Figuring out which one is driving your dog's scratching, or whether both are involved, changes how the problem should be treated.

Where Is Your Dog Itching, and What Does Location Tell You?

Flea allergy dermatitis almost always concentrates at the base of the tail, the rump, the inner thighs, and the lower abdomen, the areas where fleas feed most. Environmental allergies, known clinically as atopy, tend to show up differently. Dogs with atopy lick their paws raw, rub their faces against furniture, scratch their bellies, and develop ear infections that keep coming back.

A dog scratching in both zones at once is common in South Florida. That pattern usually means more than one allergy type is contributing, not that the diagnosis is unclear. Skin cytology, a quick test a vet can run in office, identifies any secondary infection that has developed on top of the original allergy and helps narrow down the cause.

Why Are Both So Common in Plantation and Broward County Dogs?

South Florida's climate does not give dogs the seasonal break that colder regions get. Fleas stay active all year here, since there is no hard freeze to interrupt their life cycle. At the same time, grass pollen, mold spores, and dust mites are present in Broward County in every month of the calendar.

That constant allergen load is why single-cause scratching is less common in Plantation than a textbook case might suggest. A dog can be current on flea prevention and still develop atopic symptoms from pollen, or a dog with mild environmental sensitivity can tip into a full flare the moment flea exposure adds to the total burden.

When Does Scratching Require a Veterinary Visit Rather Than Home Management?

Occasional scratching after a walk is normal. Persistent scratching, hair loss, thickened skin, hot spots, or ear infections that return every few weeks mean the allergen load has outpaced what home care can manage. Humidity in South Florida also allows secondary bacterial and yeast infections to take hold quickly on irritated skin, and those infections need veterinary treatment regardless of the original allergy trigger.

Our dog allergy diagnosis and treatment in Plantation guide walks through the full workup, including intradermal testing and dietary elimination trials, for dogs whose scratching has moved past what flea prevention alone can solve.

Quick Questions

Can a dog have both flea allergies and environmental allergies at the same time?
Yes, and it is common in South Florida. Year round flea pressure combined with year round pollen exposure means multiple allergy triggers often stack on top of each other, producing more severe symptoms than either allergy would cause alone.

What does a vet do to diagnose which type of allergy a dog has?
Diagnosis starts with a physical exam and skin cytology to check for infection. From there, a vet may run a dietary elimination trial for suspected food allergy, intradermal testing for environmental triggers, or a strict flea prevention trial as the simplest first step.

"In Plantation, I almost always start with flea prevention as the first diagnostic step, because year round flea exposure here is so consistent that ruling it out completely saves a significant amount of time and money," says Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM, of Lakeside Animal Hospital.

Ready for an Answer Instead of a Guess?

Persistent scratching deserves a real diagnosis, not another round of shampoo and guesswork. Dr. Frione's on-site laboratory allows same-visit skin cytology, so you find out what is actually driving your dog's symptoms before you leave the appointment.

Schedule a dermatology consultation at Lakeside Animal Hospital and get your Plantation dog started on a plan built around what is actually causing the itch.

Why Do So Many Plantation Dogs Have Allergies, and How Do You Find Out What's Actually Causing Them?

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 13:00:15 GMT

TL;DR: Dogs in South Florida deal with allergens year round. Grass, mold, dust mites, and fleas do not take a winter break in Broward County. The three most common allergy types in dogs are environmental, food related, and flea allergy dermatitis, and figuring out which one (or which combination) is driving your dog's symptoms requires a systematic diagnostic approach, not guesswork.

If you own a dog in Plantation, you have probably noticed the scratching does not really stop. Maybe it eases up for a few weeks, then comes right back. That pattern is not your imagination, and it is not bad luck. South Florida's climate keeps allergens active in every month of the year, which means dog allergy treatment in Plantation, FL looks different from what a vet in Ohio or Minnesota might recommend. A dog with seasonal allergies up north might get four good months. A dog here often does not.

This article walks through why allergies are so persistent in Broward County, the three main types your dog could be dealing with, how a proper diagnosis actually happens, and what treatment looks like once you know what you are managing. By the end, you should have a clear picture of where to start.

Why Are Dog Allergies So Common in South Florida?

South Florida's subtropical climate means allergen seasons overlap and rarely fully end. Grass pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and fleas are present year round in Broward County, creating a chronic allergen load that dogs in northern climates only experience seasonally. That is the core reason so many Plantation dogs show symptoms in every month of the calendar.

In cooler regions, a dog's immune system gets a break in winter while allergen counts drop. Here, mold spores thrive in our humidity, grass pollinates nearly continuously, and fleas survive comfortably outdoors all year. Layer those on top of each other and a dog's skin barrier rarely gets time to fully reset.

The Broward County Allergen Calendar, What's Active When

Grass pollen tends to peak in spring and again in early fall, but it never fully disappears. Mold spore counts climb with our rainy season from roughly June through October, which lines up with when a lot of owners notice their dogs scratching more. Dust mites are indoor allergens, so they stay fairly constant regardless of season, particularly in homes with carpet and upholstered furniture.

Why Humidity Worsens Skin Conditions in Allergic Dogs

Humidity keeps a dog's skin and coat damp longer after walks or yard time, which creates a more hospitable environment for the yeast and bacteria that cause secondary infections. A dog with an underlying allergy in a dry climate might stay relatively clear. The same dog in Plantation's humidity is more likely to develop the hot spots and odor that bring owners into the clinic.

What Are the Three Types of Allergies in Dogs, and How Are They Different?

Environmental allergies, also called atopy, cause itching, paw licking, and ear infections triggered by outdoor and indoor allergens. Food allergies cause gastrointestinal and skin symptoms tied to a specific protein or ingredient. Flea allergy dermatitis is triggered by flea saliva and causes intense itching at the base of the tail and lower back, sometimes from a single bite.

Environmental Allergies, Symptoms, Triggers, and What Testing Looks Like

Dogs with atopy tend to lick or chew their paws, rub their faces on furniture, and develop recurring ear infections. Symptoms often correlate loosely with the allergen calendar above, though our overlapping seasons make that correlation harder to spot than it would be elsewhere. Intradermal allergy testing, where small amounts of suspected allergens are introduced under the skin, can help identify specific triggers when a dog's case is severe or recurring.

Food Allergies vs. Food Sensitivities, Why the Distinction Matters for Treatment

A true food allergy involves the immune system reacting to a specific protein, while a food sensitivity is a digestive intolerance without that immune response. Both can cause itching and gastrointestinal upset, but they are managed differently. Identifying a true food allergy generally requires a strict elimination diet trial lasting eight to twelve weeks, not a quick switch to a different bag of kibble.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis, Why Year Round Prevention Is Non Negotiable in Broward County

Because fleas survive year round in our climate, a dog with flea allergy dermatitis needs consistent prevention every single month, not just in warmer seasons. One missed dose can be enough to trigger a flare in a sensitive dog. If you're trying to figure out whether what you're seeing is fleas or something else entirely, our guide on how to tell if your dog's scratching is fleas or allergies breaks down the visible differences. This is one of the more common issues our team flags during skin conditions we identify during grooming appointments , since matted or irritated coats often surface during a bath before an owner notices at home.

How Does a Veterinarian Diagnose What Your Dog Is Allergic To?

Diagnosing allergies in dogs begins with a thorough history and physical exam, followed by skin cytology to identify secondary infections, and potentially intradermal testing or a dietary elimination trial depending on the suspected allergy type. There is no single test that diagnoses every allergy type at once, which is why guessing rarely works.

What Happens at a Dermatology Consultation at Lakeside

A consultation starts with a detailed history. When did the scratching start, where on the body, does it follow a seasonal pattern, has anything in the diet changed. From there, a physical exam and skin cytology help determine whether a secondary infection is present. Depending on what we find, we may recommend dog and cat allergy treatment at Lakeside in Plantation that includes further testing or an immediate treatment plan if the infection needs addressing right away.

Why Treating the Secondary Infection First Is Often the Right Starting Point

A dog with a raw, infected hot spot needs that infection treated before allergy testing will produce reliable results. Inflamed, infected skin can mask or distort the underlying allergic picture. Clearing the infection first, then reassessing, gives a clearer view of what is actually driving the reaction.

What Treatment Options Exist for Dogs With Chronic Allergies?

Treatment for chronic allergies in dogs may include targeted medications such as Cytopoint or Apoquel for environmental allergies, strict dietary protocols for food allergies, and allergen specific immunotherapy for long term desensitization. Secondary infections are treated alongside whichever underlying allergy is identified.

Cytopoint and Apoquel, How They Work and When Each Is Appropriate

Cytopoint is an injectable antibody therapy that targets the itch signal directly and typically lasts four to eight weeks per dose. Apoquel is a daily oral tablet that works faster but requires consistent dosing. Which one fits better depends on a dog's specific history, other medications, and how an owner prefers to manage administration.

Allergen Immunotherapy, What It Is and Who It's Best For

Allergen specific immunotherapy introduces small, gradually increasing amounts of an identified allergen to reduce the immune system's sensitivity over time. It is best suited to dogs with confirmed environmental allergies who need a long term management plan rather than ongoing medication alone.

The Role of Nutrition in Managing Allergy Related Skin Disease

Diet plays a direct role in skin barrier health, even for dogs whose primary allergy is environmental rather than food related. Omega fatty acids and a properly balanced diet support the skin's ability to resist secondary infection. For dogs with chronic inflammation that has not fully resolved with medication, laser therapy for chronic skin inflammation in allergic dogs can be a useful addition to a broader treatment plan.

When Should You See a Vet for Your Dog's Scratching, and What Can't Wait?

Occasional scratching is normal. Persistent scratching, constant paw licking, recurring ear infections, hair loss, hot spots, or thickened skin are signs your dog's allergy management has gone past what home care can handle. In our climate, secondary bacterial and yeast infections tied to allergies can progress quickly, so it is worth coming in sooner rather than waiting it out. If you are not sure whether what you are seeing is a flea issue or something environmental, the location and pattern of the itching are usually the clearest clue, and a quick exam with our team can confirm it either way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Allergies in Plantation

How do I know if my dog's scratching is allergies or fleas?

The location of the itching is a useful starting point. Flea allergy dermatitis typically causes intense itching at the base of the tail, lower back, and inner thighs. Environmental allergies more commonly cause paw licking, face rubbing, and recurrent ear infections. A veterinary skin exam is the most reliable way to tell the two apart.

Can dogs develop allergies later in life even if they were fine before?

Yes. Environmental allergies in dogs typically develop between ages one and three, but they can emerge or worsen at any point. Repeated exposure gradually sensitizes the immune system, so a dog can live in the same environment for years before symptoms show up.

Is there a cure for dog allergies?

There is no cure for environmental allergies in dogs, but symptoms can be effectively managed with the right combination of medications, environmental controls, and sometimes immunotherapy. Food allergies, on the other hand, can be fully resolved once the offending ingredient is identified and removed.

How does South Florida's climate affect dogs with allergies?

"Allergies are one of the most frustrating conditions I treat, for owners and for me, because there's rarely a single answer," says Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM. Broward County's warmth and humidity mean dogs here face a continuous allergen load with no real seasonal break, which makes allergy management a year round commitment rather than a seasonal one.

Dr. Frione's Perspective

"In my experience, most dogs I see with chronic skin issues in Plantation have more than one allergy trigger working at the same time. They might have a low grade food sensitivity that's manageable on its own, but combine that with peak grass pollen season and a single flea bite, and the immune system tips into a full flare. I recommend approaching allergy workups systematically rather than trying one thing at a time. Guessing is expensive and slow, and the dog suffers while we figure it out."

— Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM, Lakeside Animal Hospital

Schedule a Dermatology Consultation for Your Dog

In South Florida, untreated allergies do not resolve on their own. They compound. Secondary skin infections from chronic scratching are one of the most common reasons dogs end up needing antibiotics, and the longer a flare goes unaddressed, the more uncomfortable your dog stays.

A dermatology consultation at Lakeside includes a full skin exam, on-site cytology, and a personalized treatment plan built around what we actually find, not a one-size-fits-all protocol. Dr. Frione brings ten years of experience treating Plantation pets, with particular focus on nutrition and preventative care, and our on-site laboratory means we can often get cytology results the same visit. We see families from Plantation, Sunrise, Lauderhill, and Plantation Gardens, and we treat every patient like they are our own.

If your dog has been scratching, licking, or dealing with recurring ear infections, a proper diagnosis is the fastest path to relief. Plantation's climate is not going to give your dog's skin a break, but with the right plan, you can.

My Dog Had a Seizure at a Grooming Chain: What Should I Do and How Do I Find a Safer Groomer?

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:00:40 GMT

TL;DR: If your dog had a seizure or health episode during grooming, get a veterinary evaluation before booking another appointment anywhere. For dogs with a known or suspected seizure history, vet-supervised grooming is the appropriate standard of care going forward.

It's terrifying. Your dog went in for a routine groom and came out with a health scare. If this happened to your pet, you are not alone, and the questions you're asking right now are exactly the right ones. Pet owners across Plantation, Lauderhill, and Broward County have faced this same situation, and the path forward starts with one clear step: a veterinary evaluation before anything else.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Grooming-Related Health Incident?

If your dog had a seizure, collapsed, or struggled to breathe during a grooming session, schedule a veterinary evaluation as soon as possible, even if your dog appears to have fully recovered by the time you picked them up.

Grooming-related stress can trigger or reveal underlying conditions that have nothing to do with the groomer's technique. Cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory compromise, primary seizure disorders, and syncopal (fainting) episodes triggered by vagal responses to restraint can all present during a grooming appointment. Without a diagnosis, you have no way to know which of these your dog experienced, and that matters enormously for what happens next.

Bring any documentation the grooming facility gave you. Note the approximate time the episode occurred, how long it lasted, and what your dog was doing immediately before it happened. That detail helps your veterinarian work through the differential and identify what actually occurred.

Book a post-incident veterinary evaluation at Lakeside Animal Hospital so your dog gets a full workup before another grooming appointment is considered.

Why Do Some Dogs Have Health Episodes During Grooming?

Grooming is physically and emotionally demanding for certain dogs, and the conditions at many retail grooming chains create a real risk for vulnerable animals.

Dogs with brachycephalic anatomy (bulldogs, pugs, French bulldogs, shih tzus) are at elevated risk because their upper airway anatomy makes sustained exertion and heat exposure genuinely dangerous. Dogs with undiagnosed cardiac conditions may experience arrhythmias under restraint. Dogs with anxiety or a history of trauma can escalate to a full stress response when confined in an unfamiliar, high-noise environment.

At a retail grooming chain, there is no one present who is medically equipped to recognize the difference between a stress response and a cardiac event, or between a seizure disorder and a syncopal episode. The average groomer is trained in coat care, not clinical triage. That gap is exactly what makes the vet-supervised model different.

How Do You Find a Vet-Supervised Grooming Facility Near Plantation, FL?

A true vet-supervised grooming facility operates inside a licensed veterinary clinic where a doctor is physically present during grooming appointments. That is not the same as a grooming salon that says it works alongside a nearby clinic.

Lakeside Animal Hospital in Plantation offers full-service grooming within its veterinary facility. Groomers work with a veterinary team on-site, which means that if your dog shows any sign of distress during the appointment, clinical response is immediate. For dogs coming in after a grooming-related health incident, that on-site medical capability is not a perk. It is the reason to be there.

Lakeside serves pet owners in Plantation, Lauderhill, Sunrise, and surrounding Broward County communities. To understand what vet-supervised grooming means for medically complex dogs in Plantation , the full guide walks through how these appointments are structured and what to ask before you book anywhere.

Quick Questions

Can grooming stress cause seizures in dogs?
Yes. In dogs with underlying seizure disorders, the stress of grooming can act as a trigger. Some episodes that appear seizure-like are actually syncopal events caused by cardiac arrhythmias or vagal responses to restraint. A veterinary evaluation after any grooming-related episode is the only way to distinguish between these and determine the safest path forward for your specific dog.

Is it safe to groom my dog again after a seizure incident?
Not until a veterinarian clears them. Depending on the diagnosis, your vet may recommend medication, modified grooming protocols, or grooming only in a supervised veterinary setting. Returning to the same type of environment without a workup puts your dog at risk of another episode.

What should I tell the vet when I bring my dog in after a grooming incident?
Bring any written documentation from the grooming facility. Note the time, duration, and nature of the episode. Describe your dog's behavior in the days leading up to it, any medications your dog takes, and whether anything like this has happened before. The more specific your account, the faster your veterinarian can narrow down what occurred.

"A dog who has had a health episode during grooming should never go back to an unsupervised grooming environment. That is not a preference. That is a medical recommendation."

— Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM, Lakeside Animal Hospital

Ready to Take the Next Step for Your Dog?

After a grooming-related health incident, the next two steps are straightforward: a veterinary evaluation first, then supervised grooming going forward.

Lakeside Animal Hospital's veterinary team is on-site every day, and our grooming facility operates inside the clinic. Plantation families trust us with their pets because we treat every animal as if they were part of our own. Whether your dog needs a post-incident workup or you are looking to transition to a safer grooming environment, we are here.

What Is Medical Dog Grooming and Why Are Lauderhill Pet Owners Choosing Vet-Supervised Facilities?

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:00:24 GMT

TL;DR

Medical dog grooming happens inside or alongside a licensed veterinary facility, with a doctor present and available during the appointment.
It differs from salon grooming because skin issues, cardiac stress, or respiratory distress can be caught and treated on the spot, not discovered later at home.
For brachycephalic breeds, senior dogs, and pets with a history of grooming incidents, vet-supervised grooming is the appropriate standard of care, not an upgrade.

Plantation and Lauderhill pet owners hear the warnings every year. A grooming chain incident makes the local news, a Facebook group lights up with stories, and suddenly the question everyone is asking is whether their own dog's groomer would know what to do if something went wrong. Medical dog grooming exists to answer that question before it ever needs asking. At Lakeside Animal Hospital in Plantation, grooming happens with veterinary staff in the building and a clinical eye on every pet that comes through the door. For families in Lauderhill weighing a retail chain against a facility that can actually respond to a medical event, that distinction tends to settle the decision fast.

What Makes Grooming "Medical" and How Is It Different From a Standard Salon?

Medical grooming means a licensed veterinarian is present and available during the appointment, not simply affiliated with the building down the street. At a standard salon, a groomer who notices something concerning has one option: call the owner and wait. At Lakeside, that same finding goes straight to a veterinarian who can examine the pet immediately. Owners who've experienced the alternative can read more about what to do if your dog had an incident at a grooming salon .

This matters more than it sounds like on paper. A skin mass, an inflamed ear, or a dog suddenly panting heavily mid-groom are all things a trained groomer can spot. What a salon groomer cannot do is diagnose or treat any of it. Veterinary-supervised grooming environments allow integration with the clinical team, meaning any finding can be escalated immediately to a veterinarian rather than postponed until the next available appointment. We cover why vet-supervised grooming matters for your dog's safety in more depth, including what to ask any facility before you book.

The Clinical Difference: What Happens When Something Goes Wrong at Each Setting

In a retail salon, a medical event during grooming means stopping the appointment and contacting the owner, who then has to find emergency care, often with no medical history on hand. In a vet-supervised setting like Lakeside, the same event is handled in the building, by a team that already has access to the pet's records.

What a Veterinary Grooming Team Looks for That a Salon Team Doesn't

A veterinary grooming team is trained to notice early signs of dermatological disease, dental issues exposed during a face trim, and behavioral stress responses that may point to pain rather than simple anxiety.

Which Dogs Need Medical or Vet-Supervised Grooming?

Brachycephalic breeds, senior dogs, dogs with a history of seizures or cardiac conditions, dogs with severe grooming anxiety, and dogs with active skin conditions are the primary candidates for vet-supervised grooming. Any dog that has had a health incident during a previous grooming appointment should not go back to an unsupervised setting. Not sure which category fits your dog? This guide on how to choose between a retail groomer and a vet-supervised facility breaks it down by risk factor.

Brachycephalic Breeds: Why Heat and Stress Are Amplified Risks

Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Boston Terriers have airway anatomy that makes them far more sensitive to heat, restraint, and the general stress of a grooming appointment than longer-nosed breeds. A dryer running too long or a stressful wait in a kennel can push a brachycephalic dog into respiratory distress faster than most owners expect.

Grooming and Skin Conditions: What We Find and What We Do With It

Grooming visits frequently surface skin conditions an owner hasn't noticed under a thick coat. At Lakeside, those findings can move directly into a dermatology evaluation the same day, rather than requiring a second appointment weeks later.

Why Are Lauderhill and Plantation Pet Owners Switching to Vet-Supervised Grooming?

Rising awareness of grooming chain incidents, including stress-related deaths and injuries that go unreported publicly, has pushed Broward County pet owners toward veterinary facilities for grooming. Plantation is a short, practical drive from most Lauderhill neighborhoods, which removes the usual excuse for staying with a chain out of convenience.

What Plantation and Lauderhill Families Are Telling Us

Families who switch often say the same thing: they didn't realize how much they were trusting an unknown groomer's judgment until they had an alternative. Plantation Gardens and Sunrise pet owners describe the same shift once they understand a doctor is actually on-site during their dog's appointment.

The Convenience Question: Is the Drive Worth It?

For most Lauderhill addresses, the drive to Lakeside runs 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the specific neighborhood. That is a small tradeoff for a grooming environment where a medical issue does not have to wait for a phone call.

What Services Are Included in Medical Grooming at Lakeside?

Grooming at Lakeside includes a full-service bath, dry, breed-appropriate haircut, nail trim, ear cleaning, and anal gland check, all performed with veterinary staff available and a clinical eye on your pet's skin, coat, and overall condition throughout. Every groom doubles as an informal wellness check, which is something a retail chain simply cannot offer.

For dogs already established at Lakeside, grooming notes can be added directly to the same record reviewed during routine wellness exams , giving Dr. Frione's team a fuller picture of your pet's health over time.

How Do I Book Medical Grooming at Lakeside From Lauderhill or Plantation?

Lakeside Animal Hospital accepts grooming appointments from pet owners across Plantation, Lauderhill, Sunrise, and the surrounding Broward County area. New patients are welcome and do not need to be established veterinary clients to book a grooming appointment.

Booking is straightforward. Pet owners can call the Plantation office directly or request an appointment through Lakeside's medical and vet-supervised dog grooming at Lakeside in Plantation page, where current availability and intake requirements are listed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Dog Grooming

What is medical dog grooming?

Medical dog grooming is grooming performed in a veterinary facility where a licensed doctor is present and available during the appointment. It differs from standard salon grooming because medical issues found during grooming, including skin conditions, ear infections, and stress reactions, can be assessed and treated immediately rather than reported after the fact.

Is medical grooming more expensive than regular grooming?

Vet-supervised grooming is typically priced somewhat higher than a standard retail salon appointment. The added cost reflects the clinical environment and veterinary oversight, along with the assurance that your pet can receive immediate medical attention if something comes up during the visit.

Which dog breeds should always be groomed at a veterinary facility?

Brachycephalic breeds, including Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Boston Terriers, face elevated risk during grooming due to compromised airways and heightened sensitivity to heat and stress. Senior dogs and dogs with cardiac conditions, seizure histories, or significant anxiety are also strong candidates for a supervised environment.

How far is Lakeside Animal Hospital from Lauderhill?

Lakeside Animal Hospital sits in Plantation, FL, roughly 8 to 12 minutes from most Lauderhill neighborhoods depending on your specific location. The clinic regularly serves pet owners from Lauderhill, Plantation, Sunrise, and Plantation Gardens.

Dr. Frione's Perspective

"I've had grooming appointments where our team found a mass the owner hadn't noticed, an ear infection that had gone undetected for weeks, and one case where a dog began showing signs of respiratory distress mid-appointment. In a salon, that last case ends with a phone call to a panicked owner. In our facility, it ends with the dog receiving immediate care. Most grooming appointments are completely uneventful, and I want to be clear about that. But the difference between a clinic and a chain isn't aesthetic. It's whether someone with a medical degree is in the building when it matters."

— Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM, Lakeside Animal Hospital

Book Grooming With Veterinary Oversight in Plantation

For Lauderhill and Plantation pet owners who have been hesitant about grooming chains, a full veterinary alternative sits less than 10 minutes away. Lakeside's grooming team works alongside Dr. Frione and a full clinical staff, with services available to families across Plantation, Lauderhill, Sunrise, and Plantation Gardens.

Your pet is family, and that standard does not change for a grooming appointment. Lakeside has served Plantation families for 10 years with board-certified oversight and a personalized treatment plan approach that carries into every part of your pet's care, including grooming.

Call to book a grooming appointment with Lakeside Animal Hospital and bring your dog into an environment built around more than just a haircut.

My Vet Quoted $900 for a Dog Dental With Extractions. Is That Normal or Too Much?

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:00:51 GMT

TL;DR: A $900 estimate for a dog dental that includes deep scaling, anesthesia, dental X-rays, and extractions falls within the normal range for a full-service veterinary clinic in South Florida. It is not a sign you are being overcharged. It reflects what a medically complete dental procedure actually costs.

Plantation pet owners hear a number like $900 and immediately wonder if something went wrong in the conversation. It did not. A dog dental cleaning with extractions costs more than a basic cleaning because it involves more medicine, not more markup. Anesthesia, monitoring, X-rays, and surgical extraction time each carry their own cost, and each one exists to protect your pet, not pad the invoice. Once you see what is actually included, the number stops feeling random and starts feeling accurate.

Is $900 for a Dog Dental With Extractions Reasonable in Florida?

Yes. For a procedure that includes general anesthesia, continuous monitoring, full-mouth dental X-rays, scaling below the gumline, and one or more extractions, $900 sits squarely within a realistic range for a full-service clinic in South Florida. The same components that raise the price are the components that make the procedure medically complete rather than cosmetic.

A bargain quote for the same scope of work is the thing worth questioning, not this one. Dogs cannot hold still for X-rays or tolerate scaling below the gumline while awake, so anesthesia is not optional. Once a dog is under anesthesia, a responsible clinic does not stop at a surface polish. It evaluates what the X-rays show and addresses disease that a visual exam alone would miss.

What Specifically Drives a Dental Estimate From $400 to $900?

The jump from a basic cleaning quote to $900 usually comes down to three additions: full-mouth dental X-rays, the surgical work of extractions, and pre-anesthetic bloodwork. Each one exists for a clinical reason, and a lower quote that skips them is not necessarily a better deal, it is a different and less thorough procedure.

Dental X-rays frequently reveal disease hiding below the gumline that a visual exam cannot catch, including bone loss around tooth roots in dogs that show no outward symptoms at all. Extractions take real surgical time and skill, particularly on multi-rooted teeth, and that time is billed separately from the cleaning itself. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork confirms a dog's organs can safely process anesthesia before the procedure ever begins. Strip any of these three out and the price drops, but so does how much the clinic actually knows about your dog's mouth before treating it.

What Questions Should You Ask Before Approving a $900 Dental Estimate?

Ask whether dental X-rays are included in the quoted price or billed separately, whether pre-anesthetic bloodwork is part of the estimate, and whether you will be contacted for approval before any extractions beyond what was already estimated. A clinic confident in its pricing answers all three without hesitation.

"When I give an estimate that surprises an owner, I always walk through every line item, because once they understand what they're paying for, the number almost always makes sense. What I'm quoting is a medical procedure, not a cosmetic cleaning," says Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM of Lakeside Animal Hospital. A vet who will not commit to contacting you before performing unestimated extractions is one worth questioning, regardless of the number on the page.

Quick Questions

Is $900 too much for a dog dental cleaning with extractions?
No. That figure for a procedure including anesthesia, monitoring, full-mouth X-rays, scaling, and extractions is normal for a full-service clinic in South Florida. A quote well below this for identical scope is worth asking about.

Why can't vets give a firm price before the procedure?
The true extent of dental disease is not visible until a vet examines the mouth under anesthesia and reviews X-rays. Reputable clinics give a base estimate, then contact you before any work beyond it.

How do I know if my dental estimate is fair?
Ask for an itemized breakdown covering anesthesia, scaling, X-rays, bloodwork, and extractions separately, plus the clinic's protocol if more extractions turn out to be needed.

Get a Transparent Dental Estimate in Plantation

A $900 estimate should come with a clear explanation of every line, not just a total. At Lakeside Animal Hospital, every dental estimate is itemized before the procedure begins, and Dr. Frione's team will not perform additional extractions without contacting you first for approval.

Owners who want the full picture before their dog's procedure can look at what a complete dog dental cleaning involves at Lakeside , where every step from the pre-anesthetic exam through recovery is laid out in detail. When you are ready to see what your own dog's mouth actually needs, you can request a dental estimate at Lakeside Animal Hospital and get an itemized breakdown before anything is scheduled. Lakeside serves Plantation, Sunrise, Lauderhill, and Plantation Gardens families who want to understand the cost before they commit to it.

A $900 dog dental with extractions is not a red flag in Plantation. It is what thorough, medically complete dental care costs.

What Does a Dog or Cat Teeth Cleaning Really Cost in Plantation, FL, and What Are You Actually Paying For?

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:00:25 GMT

TL;DR:

A routine dog or cat teeth cleaning in the Plantation and Broward County area typically ranges from $300 to $700 for a standard prophylaxis.
Extractions, dental X-rays, and pre-anesthetic bloodwork are common add-ons that increase the total.
Understanding what each line item covers, and why it's there, is the clearest way to evaluate whether an estimate is reasonable.

If you've recently asked your vet about a dental cleaning for your dog or cat and walked away with an estimate that felt higher than you expected, you're not alone. Plantation families bring their pets in for dental work every week, and the question we hear most often is some version of "what am I actually paying for?"

The honest answer is that a dental cleaning estimate is really a packaging of several distinct services: anesthesia, monitoring, imaging, the cleaning itself, and sometimes surgery in the form of extractions. Each one exists for a reason, and each one has its own cost. By the end of this guide, you'll understand exactly what goes into a dog teeth cleaning cost in Plantation, what can make that number go up, and how to tell whether an estimate from any clinic in Sunrise, Lauderhill, or Plantation Gardens reflects thorough care or a shortcut.

What Does a Typical Pet Dental Cleaning Estimate Include?

A standard veterinary dental estimate includes the anesthesia fee, monitoring during the procedure, the cleaning itself (scaling and polishing), and a pre-procedure oral exam. Dental X-rays and pre-anesthetic bloodwork are often listed separately, and both are strongly recommended components of a thorough dental appointment.

Think of the base estimate as the floor, not the ceiling. The anesthesia fee covers the medication and the time your pet spends under sedation. Monitoring covers the veterinary technician tracking heart rate, oxygen levels, and breathing throughout the procedure, which is what keeps anesthesia safe for pets of any age. The cleaning portion is the scaling and polishing most owners picture when they think "teeth cleaning."

The Line Items on a Dental Estimate, and What Each One Covers

A typical breakdown for a dog teeth cleaning cost in Plantation might separate the anesthesia fee, IV catheter and fluids, monitoring, the prophylaxis (scaling and polishing), pre-anesthetic bloodwork, and dental X-rays. Each line represents a distinct part of patient safety or diagnostic information, not an upsell.

Pre-anesthetic bloodwork checks organ function before your pet goes under anesthesia. This matters most for older pets, but Dr. Frione runs it for patients of all ages because it gives a clear picture of how the body will handle sedation. IV fluids support blood pressure during the procedure and help with recovery afterward.

What "Full-Mouth Radiographs" Mean and Whether They're Worth It

Full-mouth dental X-rays show what's happening below the gumline, where most dental disease actually lives. Roughly two-thirds of a tooth's structure is hidden beneath the gum, so a visual exam alone misses abscesses, bone loss, and resorptive lesions that X-rays catch.

For a Plantation family weighing whether to add X-rays to an estimate, the practical answer is that skipping them often means treating dental disease blind. A tooth can look stable on the surface and have significant disease at the root. X-rays are the difference between a cleaning and a real diagnostic dental appointment.

What Drives Pet Dental Costs Higher Than the Base Estimate?

The most common reason a dental estimate increases is the need for extractions discovered after X-rays or once the veterinarian can examine the mouth under anesthesia. Advanced periodontal disease, root abscesses, and fractured teeth are frequently invisible during a pre-anesthetic exam while your pet is awake.

This is one of the most misunderstood parts of veterinary dental pricing, and it's worth slowing down on. When your pet is awake, even a cooperative one, a full oral exam is limited. Pets won't hold still for a thorough look at every tooth surface, and gum disease hiding under the gumline doesn't show up to the naked eye at all. That's part of why anesthesia is required for a thorough pet dental cleaning. The real diagnostic work happens once your pet is under anesthesia and the veterinary team can probe each tooth and take X-rays.

Why Vets Can't Always Give a Final Price Before the Procedure

A clinic cannot give a guaranteed final price before a dental procedure because extractions and periodontal treatment depend on findings made during the exam under anesthesia. What a reputable clinic can do is give you a realistic range and call you before proceeding with anything beyond the original estimate.

At Lakeside, this means Dr. Frione or a member of her team will reach you by phone if X-rays or the oral exam reveal teeth that need extraction. You'll hear what was found, what's recommended, and what it will cost, and nothing proceeds without your approval. This is also why being reachable by phone on the day of your pet's dental is part of the prep process, not just a courtesy.

Is $700, or $900, for a Dog Dental Reasonable in Broward County?

Yes, for a dental procedure that includes full-mouth X-rays, anesthesia monitoring, scaling and polishing, and one or more extractions, $700 to $900 is within the normal range for a full-service veterinary clinic in South Florida. An estimate significantly below this range for the same scope of work is worth asking about, specifically what's included and what isn't.

The variation between clinics usually comes down to what's bundled into the base price versus what's billed separately, and whether diagnostics like X-rays and bloodwork are included at all. Two estimates that look different on paper can represent very different levels of care. If you've seen posts online from owners comparing wildly different quotes, you're not imagining the gap. We've broken down is $900 for a pet dental with extractions normal in Florida in more detail.

What's the Cost of NOT Getting Your Pet's Teeth Cleaned?

Untreated dental disease progresses from gingivitis to periodontal disease to tooth loss and systemic infection. Treating advanced dental disease, which often means multiple extractions, oral surgery, and addressing secondary kidney or cardiac involvement, costs significantly more than the cost of routine annual cleanings.

This progression isn't abstract. Gingivitis, the earliest stage, is reversible with a cleaning. Left alone, it becomes periodontal disease, where the bone and tissue supporting the teeth start to break down. At that point, teeth that could have been saved often need extraction, and the bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, liver, and kidneys.

The Real Long-Term Cost Comparison

A pet that gets annual or biannual dental cleanings typically faces predictable costs in the $300 to $700 range per visit, with extractions handled early when they're simpler and less expensive. A pet whose dental care is delayed for years often needs a single large procedure with multiple extractions, sometimes requiring oral surgery, plus management of any secondary health issues that developed along the way.

For Plantation pet owners thinking about budgeting, the math tends to favor consistency. Routine cleanings spread the cost over time and catch problems while they're still small.

What Insurance Covers for Veterinary Dental Care

If you have pet insurance, reviewing the dental section of your policy before scheduling is worth the ten minutes it takes. Some owners are surprised to learn that the extraction itself is covered while the cleaning that revealed the problem isn't, or vice versa, depending on the plan.

How Does Lakeside's Dental Pricing Compare to Other Clinics in the Plantation Area?

Lakeside's dental pricing reflects the full clinical investment in your pet's safety, including in-house pre-anesthetic bloodwork, continuous anesthesia monitoring, digital dental X-rays, and Dr. Frione's soft tissue surgery expertise for any extractions required. Every estimate is itemized so you can see exactly what you're paying for and why.

This matters because dental pricing across Broward County isn't standardized, and the lowest number on paper doesn't always represent the same scope of care.

Why the Lowest Estimate Isn't Always the Most Economical Choice

An estimate that excludes pre-anesthetic bloodwork, dental X-rays, or continuous monitoring will often look lower upfront, but it may mean problems go undiagnosed or that your pet undergoes anesthesia without the same safety oversight. If dental disease is missed because X-rays weren't taken, you may be back for a second procedure sooner than expected.

The most economical choice over the life of your pet is usually the one that catches problems early and treats them completely the first time.

What Questions to Ask Any Clinic Before Booking a Dentala

Before booking a dental cleaning anywhere in Plantation, Sunrise, or Lauderhill, ask whether the estimate includes pre-anesthetic bloodwork, whether dental X-rays are standard or optional, what anesthesia monitoring looks like, and how the clinic handles communication if extractions are needed during the procedure. The answers to these questions tell you more about the value of an estimate than the total dollar amount alone.

How to Prepare Your Pet for a Dental Appointment at Lakeside

Pre-dental preparation includes fasting your pet from midnight the night before, completing any recommended pre-anesthetic bloodwork, and being available by phone during the procedure so your veterinarian can reach you if unexpected findings require a same-day decision.

Fasting reduces the risk of complications under anesthesia, so your veterinary team will give you specific timing based on your pet's appointment. If bloodwork hasn't already been done, Lakeside's on-site laboratory allows results to come back quickly, often the same day, so there's no delay in moving forward with the dental.

On the day of the procedure, keeping your phone nearby matters more than people expect. If Dr. Frione finds a tooth that needs extraction during the exam, you'll get a call with the findings and the added cost before any additional work happens.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Dental Cleaning Costs in Plantation

How much does a dog teeth cleaning cost in Florida?

In the Plantation and Broward County area, routine dog dental cleanings typically range from $300 to $700 for a standard prophylaxis. Extractions add cost per tooth depending on complexity. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork and dental X-rays are additional line items most veterinarians strongly recommend. Total costs for a cleaning with multiple extractions can range from $700 to $1,200 or more.

Is $900 for a dog dental cleaning with extractions normal?

Yes. For a dental procedure that includes full-mouth X-rays, anesthesia monitoring, scaling and polishing, and multiple extractions, $900 is within the normal range for a full-service veterinary clinic in South Florida. An estimate significantly below this range for the same scope of work warrants questions about what is, and isn't, included.

Can I get a dental estimate before the procedure?

Veterinary clinics can provide a pre-procedure estimate for the base cleaning and monitoring costs. However, extractions and advanced periodontal treatment cannot always be fully estimated until the veterinarian examines the mouth under anesthesia and reviews dental X-rays. "I always call the owner before doing anything beyond what we discussed," says Dr. Frione. "Nobody should be surprised by their final bill."

Does pet insurance cover dog teeth cleanings?

Coverage varies significantly by policy. Most standard pet insurance plans cover dental disease treatment, including extractions, but not routine prophylactic cleanings. Wellness add-on plans may cover a portion of routine cleaning costs. "I tell clients to read the dental section of their policy closely," Dr. Frione notes. "It's usually more specific than people expect."

Dr. Frione's Perspective

"I understand why a $700 or $900 estimate feels alarming if you weren't expecting it. What I try to explain to every owner is that the cost isn't arbitrary, it reflects a medical procedure with anesthesia, continuous monitoring, imaging, and a veterinarian performing surgery-level work in your pet's mouth. When I'm doing an extraction on a dog's carnassial tooth, that is a surgical procedure, not a dental cleaning in the cosmetic sense. I'd rather have that honest conversation upfront than have an owner choose the lowest-priced option and find out later that it didn't include the diagnostics that would have caught the real problem."

— Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM, Lakeside Animal Hospital

Ready for a Transparent Dental Estimate for Your Pet?

The cost of a dental cleaning is a known, manageable number. The cost of treating advanced periodontal disease, with multiple extractions and possible secondary health complications, is not.

Lakeside Animal Hospital has served Plantation families for 10 years, with in-house pre-anesthetic bloodwork, digital dental radiographs, and Dr. Frione's soft tissue surgery expertise for any extractions your pet may need. Families throughout Plantation, Sunrise, Lauderhill, and Plantation Gardens trust Lakeside for itemized estimates that explain exactly what each line item covers, with no surprises after the fact.

If you've been putting off a dental cleaning because you weren't sure what to expect on the bill, the team at dog and cat dental care at Lakeside Animal Hospital can walk you through a personalized treatment plan and a clear estimate before you commit to anything. For a broader look at keeping your pet's mouth healthy year-round, check out our complete guide to pet dental cleanings in Plantation .

Do Dogs Need a Physical Exam Every Year Just to Get Vaccines or Is That Overkill?

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:00:30 GMT

TL;DR: Yes, dogs need a physical exam at every vaccine visit, and the exam is the more medically important part of the appointment. Florida veterinary law requires an established veterinarian-client-patient relationship before vaccines can be legally administered, and that relationship is built and maintained through a physical examination.

Many Plantation dog owners assume the annual vet visit is really about the shots. They picture a quick appointment, a couple of injections, and out the door. The physical exam feels like an add-on. It is not. For dogs at every life stage, from puppies to seniors, the exam is where the real preventative work happens.

Do Dogs Legally Need a Physical Exam to Receive Vaccines?

Yes. Florida veterinary law requires a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship before vaccines can be legally administered, and a physical examination is how that relationship is established and maintained. A clinic offering vaccines without an exam is not operating within the standard of care.

This is not a technicality. The requirement exists because administering vaccines without first assessing the patient's health creates real medical risk. Vaccines cannot be safely given to a dog with an undetected fever, an active infection, or an immune-compromising condition. The exam confirms your dog is healthy enough to receive them and mount a proper immune response.

If you have ever seen a vaccine clinic that skips the physical assessment, that should raise a question, not save you time.

What Does the Exam Catch That the Vaccine Visit Would Otherwise Miss?

At what owners often think of as a routine shot appointment, veterinarians regularly identify conditions that have no outward symptoms. This is one of the most consistent findings in preventative care.

A thorough physical exam covers the eyes, ears, teeth and gums, heart, lungs, lymph nodes, abdomen, skin, and weight. Each system tells a story your dog cannot tell you. Early-stage heart murmurs are frequently detected this way. Dental abscesses can progress significantly before a dog shows any visible discomfort. Weight changes that seem minor month to month can signal early kidney or thyroid changes that bloodwork, ordered during the same visit, can confirm.

None of these are vaccine-preventable conditions. Every single one of them is caught through examination.

"I've found early-stage heart disease, undetected dental abscesses, and tumors that hadn't changed the dog's behavior at all — all at what the owner thought was a routine shot appointment. The exam is the reason we do this."

— Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM, Lakeside Animal Hospita l

Why Can't You Skip the Exam and Just Get the Vaccines?

Vaccines protect against a specific list of diseases. Dental disease, heart conditions, skin infections, obesity-related illness, and early organ changes are not on that list. The physical exam is the only diagnostic tool that addresses those conditions during a standard annual visit.

For dogs in Plantation, Sunrise, and Lauderhill, the annual wellness visit is often the one guaranteed opportunity each year to assess the full picture of a dog's health. A vaccine-only visit uses that appointment on a narrow intervention and leaves the broader picture unexamined.

Skipping the exam also removes your vet's ability to track changes year over year. A dog whose weight was healthy at age three and has crept up at age five needs that context. The exam builds the longitudinal record that makes good veterinary decisions possible.

Quick Questions

Do dogs need a physical exam every year just to get vaccines? Yes, and the exam is the more medically important part. Florida veterinary law requires an established veterinarian-client-patient relationship before vaccines can be administered. Beyond the legal requirement, the exam is the only opportunity to catch the conditions vaccines cannot prevent, which is the majority of health issues dogs develop over their lifetime.

What happens if I skip the exam and just get vaccines at a vaccine clinic? Vaccine-only visits that skip the physical exam risk administering vaccines to a dog with an undetected health condition, which can cause vaccine failure or an adverse reaction. You also lose the diagnostic window the annual exam provides for catching early disease before it becomes a more complex problem.

How long does a dog's annual wellness exam typically take? A thorough annual wellness exam typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. That includes the full physical assessment, vaccine administration, discussion of any concerns you have noticed, and any follow-up recommendations. Senior exams and new patient appointments may run a bit longer.

Ready to Schedule? Here Is Your Next Step

If you want to understand the full picture of what a wellness exam and vaccination visit looks like at Lakeside, read why wellness exams and vaccines go together at Lakeside before you book.

When you are ready, call for a wellness exam in Plantation with Dr. Jennifer Frione and her team at Lakeside Animal Hospital. Every visit includes a thorough head-to-tail physical exam, on-site lab access for same-day bloodwork when indicated, and a personalized treatment plan built around your dog's age, breed, and health history.

Plantation families have trusted Lakeside for a reason. Your pet is family, and every appointment is handled accordingly.

What Does a Routine Pet Wellness Exam Include and Why Can't You Just Get the Vaccines Without One?

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:00:26 GMT

TL;DR

A routine wellness exam is a head-to-tail physical assessment of your pet's overall health, not a vehicle for administering vaccines.
Veterinarians use it to catch early signs of disease, assess weight and nutrition, check dental health, and build a personalized treatment plan.
Vaccines are one component of the visit, not the reason for it.

Most Plantation pet owners come in thinking the annual visit is about the shots. That's understandable. The exam happening before those shots is where the actual medicine gets practiced. The vaccines take seconds. The 20 minutes before them are what your pet's long-term health depends on.

At Lakeside Animal Hospital, Dr. Jennifer Frione and her team see dogs and cats across Plantation, Sunrise, Lauderhill, and Plantation Gardens every day. One of the most persistent misconceptions they encounter is that the physical exam is a formality. It isn't. For cats and dogs especially, animals who cannot tell you when something feels off, the annual wellness visit is often the only diagnostic opportunity available before a problem becomes serious.

Here is exactly what that visit includes and why it matters.

What Does a Routine Wellness Exam Actually Include?

A standard wellness exam covers a full physical assessment of eyes, ears, teeth, skin, coat, lymph nodes, heart and lung sounds, abdomen, joints, and weight, along with a conversation about your pet's diet, behavior, and any changes since the last visit. Vaccines and parasite prevention are administered based on what is due at that appointment.

The Head-to-Tail Assessment: What We're Checking and Why

Every system gets evaluated. Dr. Frione checks your pet's eyes for cloudiness, discharge, and pressure changes. She palpates the lymph nodes for swelling. She assesses coat and skin condition, which can signal anything from allergies to hormonal dysfunction. She evaluates joint mobility, particularly in older dogs. She checks the abdomen for organ size and abnormal masses. The mouth gets its own careful assessment, because dental disease is one of the most under-diagnosed conditions in pets and rarely announces itself with obvious symptoms.

This is why the visit takes time. It is a systematic screen of every body system your pet has.

What Your Vet Learns From Listening to Your Pet's Heart and Lungs

Auscultation (listening with a stethoscope) reveals murmurs, arrhythmias, and abnormal lung sounds that owners have no way to detect at home. Heart murmurs in dogs are graded on a scale of one to six. Catching a Grade 2 murmur at an annual exam gives you options. Catching a Grade 5 murmur after a collapse gives you fewer of them. Early detection means earlier intervention and, in most cases, a better outcome.

Do Dogs and Cats Really Need a Physical Exam Every Year, or Just Vaccines?

Vaccines cannot tell a veterinarian whether your dog has early heart disease, a dental abscess, a growing lump, or the beginning of kidney dysfunction. The physical exam is the diagnostic window. Skipping the exam to get vaccines only means missing the entire point of preventative care.

What Gets Caught at Annual Exams That Owners Don't Notice at Home

Pets are remarkably good at hiding discomfort. It is instinct. A cat with early-stage kidney disease drinks a little more water, sleeps a little more, and eats slightly less. Those changes are easy to attribute to aging or weather. A dog with a Grade 2 heart murmur may show no symptoms for years. A dental abscess can exist with no obvious signs of pain.

Dr. Frione has found tumors, undetected abscesses, and early-stage cardiac conditions at what owners described as a routine shot appointment. This happens regularly at full-service practices that conduct thorough physical exams. Not because those owners were negligent, but because these conditions are genuinely difficult to detect without the right tools and training.

For a deeper look at exactly why that annual exam cannot be replaced by a vaccine-only visit, why pets need an exam every year, not just vaccines walks through the clinical reasoning in full.

Why Florida Law and Most Boarding Facilities Require a Current Exam

Florida veterinary law requires a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship before any veterinary service can be legally provided, including vaccine administration. That relationship is established through a physical examination. Most boarding facilities in Broward County require proof of current vaccinations, and many now require proof of a recent wellness exam as well. There is a practical reason for that requirement: it protects the health of every animal in the facility.

What Vaccines Do Dogs and Cats Need in Broward County, FL?

Broward County requires rabies vaccination for all dogs and cats. Core vaccines recommended for all pets regardless of lifestyle include distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus for dogs, and feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia for cats. Non-core vaccines are recommended based on each pet's environment and individual risk profile.

Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines: What's Required vs. Recommended

Core vaccines protect against diseases that pose a serious risk to virtually every pet, regardless of lifestyle. For dogs, the DA2PP combination covers distemper, adenovirus types 1 and 2, and parvovirus. For cats, the FVRCP covers feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. Rabies is core for both species and required by law in Broward County.

Non-core vaccines cover diseases relevant based on exposure risk. Leptospirosis, bordetella, and lyme vaccines may be recommended for dogs that spend time outdoors, visit dog parks, or board regularly. Feline leukemia vaccination is recommended for cats with outdoor access or contact with unknown cats. Dr. Frione reviews each pet's lifestyle at every visit and makes specific recommendations rather than applying a one-size-fits-all protocol.

Broward County Licensing Requirements and What They Mean for You

Dogs in Broward County must be licensed annually. Current rabies vaccination is required for licensure. A dog found without a current rabies tag can be impounded. The simplest way to stay current is the annual wellness visit, where vaccination status is reviewed and updated as part of the appointment.

What Should I Expect at My Puppy or Kitten's First Wellness Visit?

A first wellness visit for a puppy or kitten includes a full physical exam, a fecal parasite check, the first round of core vaccines, and a conversation about nutrition, socialization, spay and neuter timing, and the vaccine schedule for the coming months.

The Puppy and Kitten Vaccine Schedule: What Happens at Each Visit

Puppies and kittens require a series of vaccines spaced three to four weeks apart, typically starting between six and eight weeks of age. Maternal antibodies, protection passed from the mother, gradually wane during this window. Timing the vaccines correctly ensures protection transfers before that immunity gaps out.

For puppies, the typical schedule runs from eight weeks through 16 weeks, covering DA2PP boosters and rabies at the appropriate ages. Kittens follow a similar pattern with FVRCP boosters and a rabies vaccine. After the initial series, your pet transitions to an adult schedule reviewed at each annual visit.

Questions to Bring to Your First Appointment

First-time pet owners often leave wishing they had asked more. A few worth raising at that first visit: What should I feed and how much? When should I schedule spay or neuter? What parasite prevention do you recommend for a pet in South Florida? What behavioral changes should I expect in the coming months?

What to expect at your puppy's first appointment covers this in more detail if you want to go deeper before the visit.

How Does Lakeside Approach Preventative Wellness for Plantation Pets?

At Lakeside, wellness exams are the foundation of every patient relationship. They are how Dr. Frione builds the baseline that makes every future diagnosis and treatment decision more accurate and more personalized.

Lakeside Animal Hospital is a full-service facility. On-site laboratory capability means baseline bloodwork can be drawn and analyzed at the same visit, with no waiting on outside lab results when time matters. This is especially relevant for senior pets, where bloodwork at the annual exam can catch kidney, liver, and thyroid changes before they become emergencies. The dental assessment included in every wellness visit connects directly to long-term systemic health in ways most pet owners do not expect.

Dr. Jennifer Frione's Perspective on the Annual Wellness Visit

"I think the biggest misconception I encounter is that the annual visit is about the vaccines that owners are just coming in to get the shots and leave. The vaccine takes about thirty seconds. The exam before it is where I'm actually practicing medicine. I've found early-stage heart disease, undetected dental abscesses, and tumors that hadn't changed the dog's behavior at all, all at what the owner thought was a routine shot appointment. I recommend not skipping the exam. It's the reason we do this."

- Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM

Frequently Asked Questions About Routine Pet Wellness Exams

Do dogs need a physical exam every year just to get vaccines?

Yes, and the exam is the more important part of the visit. Vaccines protect against specific diseases, but the physical exam catches the conditions vaccines cannot prevent: dental disease, heart murmurs, early kidney changes, and weight-related health issues. Florida veterinary law also requires a valid client-patient relationship, established through an exam, before vaccines can be legally administered.

What vaccines do dogs legally need in Broward County?

Broward County requires current rabies vaccination for all dogs and cats. Rabies tags are required for dog licensing in the county. Core vaccines (distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus, known as DA2PP for dogs) are strongly recommended by veterinary standards of care and required by most boarding and grooming facilities in the area.

How much do pet vaccinations cost in Plantation, FL?

Vaccination costs vary depending on which vaccines are due, whether a wellness exam is included, and any additional preventatives recommended at the visit. At a full-service veterinary clinic, pet owners should expect the exam fee plus individual vaccine costs. Taken together, these represent the most cost-effective preventative investment available for a pet's long-term health.

What should I expect at my puppy's first vet appointment?

Your puppy's first appointment includes a full physical exam, fecal parasite screening, the first round of core vaccines, and a detailed conversation about nutrition, socialization, training, and the schedule for follow-up visits. Plan for approximately 30 to 45 minutes and bring any records from the breeder or shelter. Dr. Frione recommends arriving with questions, because that first visit sets the foundation for everything that follows.

Schedule a Wellness Exam at Lakeside Animal Hospital

A wellness exam is the one appointment where we look for problems your pet cannot tell you about. It is not about the vaccines. It is about the 20 minutes before them.

Lakeside Animal Hospital serves pet owners throughout Plantation, Sunrise, Lauderhill, and Plantation Gardens. Dr. Frione has spent 10 years building patient relationships with Plantation families through thorough, personalized preventative care. The clinic's on-site laboratory means baseline bloodwork can be completed same-day when it's needed. Every wellness visit includes a complete vaccine review, parasite screening, nutrition discussion, and a full head-to-tail physical exam.

Routine wellness exams at Lakeside in Plantation .

Call Lakeside Animal Hospital to schedule your pet's annual exam. New patients are welcome.

How Often Should Senior Dogs Go to the Vet and What Changes After Age 7?

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 13:00:53 GMT

TL;DR: Most veterinarians recommend twice-yearly wellness exams for dogs over age 7. Senior dogs experience health changes more rapidly than younger animals, and the conditions most common in older dogs (kidney disease, arthritis, dental disease, and cardiac changes) progress faster than a once-yearly exam cycle can reliably catch.

If your dog has crossed the seven-year mark, you have probably noticed small things. The stairs take a second longer. The gray is spreading around the muzzle. Maybe breakfast disappears a little less eagerly than it used to. These changes feel gradual, but inside an aging dog's body, the pace of physiological change picks up considerably. For Plantation families with senior dogs, understanding how veterinary visit frequency should shift with age is one of the most straightforward ways to protect the years you have left together.

How Often Should Senior Dogs See a Veterinarian?

Dogs over age 7 should see a veterinarian twice per year. One calendar year in a senior dog's life is equivalent to several human years, and conditions like kidney disease, heart disease, and arthritis can move from manageable to advanced within a single annual exam gap. Twice-yearly visits create a monitoring rhythm that matches a senior dog's actual rate of change.

This is not about being overly cautious. It is about math. A dog who comes in every twelve months gives the disease twelve months of unmonitored runway. A dog who comes in every six months gives early kidney compromise, a grading heart murmur, or a developing dental infection far less time to quietly worsen. The visit cadence is the intervention.

For large and giant breed dogs, some veterinarians recommend beginning twice-yearly exams as early as age 5 or 6, since larger dogs age faster than small breeds. Your dog's breed, size, and current health history will shape the exact schedule Dr. Frione recommends for your specific animal.

What Does a Twice-Yearly Senior Exam Catch That an Annual One Might Miss?

Between annual exams, kidney values can shift from normal to early compromise, dental disease can advance from gingivitis to significant periodontal disease, and a previously mild heart murmur can grade up. These are not rare edge cases. They are predictable progressions in aging dogs that a twice-yearly exam schedule is designed to intercept.

Kidney disease is a strong example. Dogs in early kidney disease often show no outward symptoms at all. A bloodwork panel that comes back borderline at the January visit, rechecked in July, tells a very different story than one that goes unchecked for a full year. Catching kidney compromise at stage one rather than stage two or three changes the entire treatment picture and the long-term prognosis.

Dental disease follows the same pattern. Significant periodontal disease causes chronic pain that most dogs never show clearly. It also creates a direct pathway for oral bacteria to affect the heart, kidneys, and liver. A dental assessment at every wellness visit is not a bonus. For senior dogs it is a core diagnostic step.

What Should a Senior Dog Exam Include That a Standard Annual Visit Doesn't?

A senior wellness exam typically includes a comprehensive bloodwork panel, urinalysis, a mobility and pain scoring assessment, a detailed dental evaluation, and a blood pressure check for dogs with relevant risk factors. These additions reflect the conditions most likely to emerge at this life stage and are not standard components of a routine adult wellness visit.

At Lakeside Animal Hospital, the senior exam protocol is run with on-site laboratory diagnostics, which means bloodwork and urinalysis results are available the same visit rather than waiting days for results. The mobility and pain assessment matters because arthritis in dogs is significantly underdiagnosed. Most owners assume a slower dog is just getting older when in fact the dog has been quietly managing pain for months.

The goal of a senior wellness exam is not to search for problems. It is to build a clear picture of where your dog is today so that any drift from baseline becomes visible and actionable early.

Quick Questions

How often should a senior dog see the vet?

Most veterinarians recommend twice-yearly wellness exams for dogs over age 7. Senior dogs age more rapidly than younger animals, and the conditions most common in older pets (kidney disease, arthritis, dental disease, and cardiac changes) progress faster than an annual exam cycle can reliably monitor. Twice-yearly visits allow earlier detection and better outcomes.

At what age is a dog considered senior?

Dogs are generally considered senior at age 7, though large and giant breeds may reach senior status by age 5 or 6. Small breeds tend to age more slowly and may not show significant health changes until age 8 to 10. Your veterinarian will adjust exam frequency recommendations based on your dog's breed, size, and individual health history.

What happens at a senior dog wellness exam?

A senior wellness exam includes a complete physical assessment, a comprehensive bloodwork panel evaluating kidney, liver, and thyroid function, urinalysis, a mobility and pain assessment, a dental evaluation, and a conversation about any behavioral or lifestyle changes you have noticed at home. The goal is to catch emerging conditions while they are still fully manageable.

"I recommend twice-yearly exams for every patient over age seven. Not to find problems for the sake of it, but because the conditions I most want to catch in senior dogs are the ones that are completely manageable when we find them early."

 — Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM, Lakeside Animal Hospital

Ready to Schedule Your Senior Dog's Next Exam?

If your dog is seven or older and due for a wellness visit, the most useful next step is understanding what a complete senior care program actually looks like. The complete guide to senior dog wellness in Plantation covers the full exam protocol, what conditions to watch for by age and breed, and how to work with your veterinarian as your dog's needs change.

When you are ready to book, senior pet care at Lakeside Animal Hospital in Plantation includes on-site diagnostics, a thorough mobility and pain evaluation, and Dr. Frione's personalized treatment plan for every patient. Call us or request an appointment online to schedule your dog's twice-yearly exam.

What Changes in Your Dog's Healthcare After Age 7 and What Senior Wellness Exams Actually Catch

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:00:14 GMT

TL;DR

Dogs and cats enter their senior years around age 7, and annual wellness visits are no longer enough for most of them.
Senior pets need twice-yearly exams, expanded bloodwork panels, mobility and pain assessments, and dental evaluations with anesthesia considerations factored in.
Catching age-related conditions early is the single most effective way to extend your pet's healthy, comfortable years.

There is a version of aging that happens gradually, quietly, and in plain sight. Your dog still meets you at the door, still eats well, still seems fine. Then one day you notice the hesitation at the bottom of the stairs. The way they take longer to stand up after a nap. The subtle shift from "energetic" to "mellow" that you wrote off as maturity.

For Plantation families with dogs and cats over age 7, that shift is often the first signal that their pet's healthcare needs have changed. Senior pets develop conditions that don't announce themselves loudly. They manage discomfort, adapt their behavior, and carry on until the problem has progressed well past the point where early intervention was the easiest option.

Senior dog wellness exams in Plantation exist for exactly this reason. What follows is a plain-language guide to what changes in your pet's health after age 7, what a comprehensive senior exam actually includes, and why twice a year matters more than most owners realize.

When Is a Dog or Cat Considered "Senior" and Why Does It Matter?

Dogs are generally considered senior at age 7, though large breeds age faster and may reach geriatric status by age 6. Cats enter their senior years around age 10 to 12. The designation matters because the conditions most likely to affect your pet's health shift significantly at this life stage, and the standard of veterinary monitoring needs to shift with them.

This is not a symbolic milestone. It marks a real physiological transition. The body's ability to compensate for developing disease starts to narrow. Organ function, joint health, dental disease, and hormonal balance all behave differently in senior patients than in younger ones, and they change faster. A condition that would take years to become apparent in a 3-year-old dog can progress meaningfully between annual visits in a 9-year-old.

How Breed and Body Size Affect Aging Rate in Dogs

Large and giant breeds such as Great Danes, Mastiffs, and Rottweilers are considered senior by age 6 and may be geriatric by age 8. Small breeds like Chihuahuas and Toy Poodles often don't hit their senior years until age 8 or 9. Medium breeds generally fall in between. If you're unsure where your dog lands, your veterinarian can walk you through what the life stage means for their specific breed.

The Difference Between Senior and Geriatric and Why It Changes the Exam

A senior pet is in the early stage of the aging transition. A geriatric pet is further along, and the monitoring requirements are more intensive. The distinction matters because geriatric patients often need more frequent diagnostics, a closer eye on organ function trends over time, and more careful anesthesia planning for any procedures. Knowing which category your pet falls into helps your veterinarian build a monitoring schedule that actually keeps pace with how your pet is aging.

What Does a Senior Pet Wellness Exam Include That a Standard Exam Doesn't?

A senior wellness exam goes well beyond a standard physical to include a comprehensive bloodwork panel assessing kidney, liver, and thyroid function, a urinalysis, a mobility and pain scoring assessment, and a detailed dental evaluation. Most veterinarians recommend moving to twice-yearly exams for senior patients rather than annual.

The standard annual exam that served your pet well at age 3 is not the right tool for a 9-year-old. The scope of what needs to be evaluated expands, and some of the most important findings come from diagnostics rather than physical observation alone.

Senior Bloodwork: What We're Screening For and Why

A complete senior bloodwork panel typically includes a complete blood count (CBC) and a comprehensive metabolic panel that assesses kidney function, liver enzymes, blood glucose, and electrolytes. Thyroid function testing is added for cats and often for dogs as well. Together, these results give a baseline picture of internal organ health that a physical exam alone cannot provide.

The value of bloodwork compounds over time. A single panel tells you where your pet stands today. A second panel six months later tells you whether things are stable or trending in a direction that warrants action. That trajectory is often more informative than any single data point, and it's also one of the core reasons why. How often senior dogs need veterinary exams is a question worth understanding before your pet reaches that life stage, not after.

Mobility and Pain Assessment: What It Looks Like in Practice

Pain scoring in senior pets involves evaluating gait, posture, range of motion in the joints, and behavioral responses to palpation. Your veterinarian will also ask what you're observing at home, because behavioral changes between visits are often the earliest indicators of pain. How does your dog move after rest? Do they hesitate on stairs? Have they stopped jumping onto the couch? Those answers matter as much as anything the exam itself reveals.

What Are the Early Signs That a Senior Dog Is in Pain?

Senior dogs rarely vocalize pain. Instead, they slow down, hesitate on stairs, stop jumping onto furniture, sleep more, or become reluctant to play. Changes in gait, stiffness after rest, and reduced appetite are all pain signals that owners frequently attribute to normal aging.

This is one of the most important things to understand about senior dog care. Dogs are biologically inclined to mask discomfort. In the wild, showing weakness invites vulnerability. In your home, that same instinct means your dog may be managing significant joint pain while still wagging their tail at dinner time.

The Seven Subtle Signs Pet Owners Miss

These are the behavioral changes that warrant a conversation with your veterinarian, even if your dog seems otherwise fine.

Hesitation before standing up from a lying position is one of the most common early arthritis signals. Reluctance to climb stairs or jump onto furniture they previously used without a second thought is another. You may also notice changes in sleep, including more of it, frequent position shifts, or a preference for hard surfaces when they used to choose soft ones. Reduced enthusiasm for walks or play, a change in posture when standing, licking or chewing at a specific joint, and increased irritability when touched around the hips or back are all worth noting. None of these alone is a diagnosis. Together, they are a clear signal that a mobility and pain assessment is overdue.

Why Dogs Hide Pain and What That Means for Their Care

The instinct to mask pain is deeply wired, and it means that by the time a dog shows obvious signs of discomfort, the underlying condition has usually been present for some time. Twice-yearly exams with a formal pain scoring component exist to catch what behavior alone won't reveal. When your veterinarian can assess range of motion, joint symmetry, and pain response directly, they can identify conditions your dog is quietly compensating for at home.

How Should Senior Pet Care Change for Cats Specifically?

Senior cats are even more skilled than dogs at masking illness. Hyperthyroidism, chronic kidney disease, dental disease, and high blood pressure are the four conditions most commonly diagnosed in cats over age 10, and all four are fully manageable when caught early through routine screening.

Cats are also exceptionally good at maintaining normal-looking behavior until a condition is quite advanced. Weight loss in a senior cat is frequently overlooked because it happens slowly. Changes in litter box habits, increased thirst, altered sleep patterns, and reduced grooming are signs that warrant a veterinary evaluation, but they are easy to write off as personality or age.

Senior Cat Bloodwork: The Four Conditions We Test For

A senior cat panel screens specifically for thyroid hormone levels (hyperthyroidism is extremely common in cats over 10), kidney values including BUN and creatinine, blood glucose, and complete blood count findings that can indicate infection or anemia. Blood pressure measurement is also recommended for senior cats, as hypertension frequently accompanies both hyperthyroidism and kidney disease.

All four of these conditions are manageable with early intervention. Hyperthyroidism responds well to medication or dietary management. Early-stage kidney disease can be slowed significantly with dietary modification and supportive care. Catching these conditions at the screening stage rather than the crisis stage makes a real difference in prognosis and quality of life. For cat owners specifically wondering whether senior cats can safely undergo dental procedures , that question deserves its own careful answer, and we cover it in detail.

Arthritis in Cats: Why It's Underdiagnosed and How We Address It

Arthritis in cats is significantly underdiagnosed because cats don't limp the way dogs do. Instead, they stop jumping to high surfaces, become less active, groom inconsistently, and may grow more reclusive. Studies suggest that more than 90 percent of cats over age 10 have radiographic evidence of arthritis, yet most owners don't identify it as the cause of the behavioral changes they're seeing. A mobility assessment and targeted imaging can confirm what physical observation alone may not reveal.

How Does Lakeside Animal Hospital Approach Senior Pet Care in Plantation?

Lakeside's approach to senior pets combines comprehensive in-house diagnostics, including bloodwork, urinalysis, and digital X-rays, with Dr. Frione's focus on rehabilitation and pain management, including laser therapy as a non-pharmaceutical option for mobility issues.

Plantation families benefit from the fact that most diagnostics your senior pet needs don't require an outside referral. Bloodwork runs in-house with same-day results, and imaging is available during the same visit. That matters for senior patients in particular, because minimizing trips while maximizing the information gathered is both kinder to the animal and more practical for the family.

On-Site Imaging for Senior Diagnostics

Digital X-rays allow the team to evaluate joint health, organ size, and structural changes that bloodwork alone wouldn't reveal. For a senior dog showing early signs of arthritis, X-rays can confirm the degree of joint involvement and help guide a treatment plan. For a cat with suspected kidney disease, imaging adds context to bloodwork values. Having this capability in-house means your pet can have a full senior workup in a single appointment.

Laser Therapy as Part of Senior Pain Management

For senior dogs and cats managing arthritis or post-surgical recovery, laser therapy for senior dog pain and mobility is an option that addresses inflammation and discomfort without pharmaceutical side effects. Dr. Frione incorporates laser therapy into senior care plans when appropriate, particularly for patients where long-term NSAID use raises organ function concerns. It is a practical, evidence-supported tool that fits naturally into a comprehensive senior care plan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Pet Wellness

How often should a senior dog go to the vet?

Most veterinarians recommend twice-yearly wellness exams for dogs over age 7. Senior pets experience health changes more rapidly than younger animals, and conditions like kidney disease, dental disease, and arthritis progress faster than an annual exam cycle can reliably catch. Twice-yearly visits allow for earlier intervention and meaningfully better outcomes over your pet's lifespan.

What does a senior pet wellness exam cost?

Senior wellness exams are typically priced similarly to standard annual exams, though the recommended diagnostic workup, including a comprehensive bloodwork panel and urinalysis, adds to the total. The investment in early detection routinely prevents significantly more expensive emergency treatment down the line. A bloodwork panel that identifies early kidney disease at a manageable stage costs a fraction of what a crisis requires.

What are signs that a senior dog is hiding pain?

Watch for hesitation before standing, reluctance to climb stairs or jump onto familiar furniture, changes in gait or posture, increased sleep, reduced appetite, and withdrawal from activities your dog previously enjoyed. "I recommend taking note of any behavioral change that doesn't have an obvious explanation," says Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM. "That note is often the most useful thing an owner brings to a senior exam."

Can senior dogs and cats still have dental cleanings?

Yes, with appropriate pre-anesthetic screening. Senior pets often have more significant dental care for senior dogs and cats needs than younger animals, and the risk of untreated dental infection frequently outweighs the carefully managed risk of anesthesia in a healthy senior patient. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork helps identify any organ function concerns before proceeding, and on-site diagnostics mean that screening happens before any anesthesia decision is made.

Dr. Jennifer Frione's Perspective on Senior Pet Care

"I find that owners of senior pets often interpret slowing down as a normal part of aging, and sometimes it is. But in my experience, slowing down is also one of the most reliable early indicators of pain that we have. A dog who used to greet you at the door and now stays on the couch may be managing joint pain every time they stand up. I recommend twice-yearly exams for every patient over age seven, not to find problems for the sake of finding them, but because the conditions I most want to catch are the ones that are completely manageable when we find them early."

— Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM, Lakeside Animal Hospital

Ready to Schedule Your Senior Pet's Wellness Exam in Plantation?

If your dog or cat is over 7 and still on an annual exam schedule, they may be missing the monitoring window where the most common senior conditions are still fully manageable. Kidney disease, dental disease, thyroid dysfunction, and arthritis don't wait for a yearly appointment to progress. The twice-yearly schedule exists because that's the interval that actually matches how quickly senior pets change.

Senior pet care at Lakeside Animal Hospital in Plantation includes a comprehensive physical exam, in-house bloodwork panel, urinalysis, mobility and pain assessment, and digital imaging when indicated, all in a single visit. Dr. Frione brings ten years of experience serving Plantation, Sunrise, Lauderhill, and Plantation Gardens families, with specific expertise in rehabilitation, preventative care, and soft tissue surgery for senior patients.

Call Lakeside Animal Hospital or book online to schedule your senior pet's wellness exam. Broward County families trust us with the pets who matter most.

How Much Does Dog Grooming at a Vet Office Cost Compared to a Regular Salon and Is the Difference Worth It?

Thu, 28 May 2026 15:00:14 GMT

TL;DR: Vet-supervised dog grooming typically costs 15 to 30 percent more than a standard retail salon. That difference reflects a clinical environment, veterinary oversight throughout the appointment, and the ability to catch and address medical issues on the spot.

If you're a pet owner in Plantation or the surrounding Broward County area, you've probably noticed that grooming at a vet clinic is priced differently than your nearest retail chain. The question most owners ask is simple: what exactly am I paying for? The answer depends on your dog and knowing the difference helps you make the right call.

What Does Dog Grooming Cost at a Vet Office vs. a Regular Salon?

Grooming at a veterinary clinic is typically priced 15 to 30 percent higher than a comparable appointment at a standard retail salon, reflecting the clinical environment and professional medical oversight included in the visit.

The base services are the same on both sides: bath, blow dry, breed-appropriate haircut, nail trim, ear cleaning, and anal gland check. What differs is the setting and what happens if something goes wrong during the appointment. At a retail salon, a skin reaction, a stress episode, or a suspicious lump gets you a phone call. At a veterinary grooming facility, it gets immediate clinical attention from a licensed doctor who is already there.

For most healthy adult dogs, the price gap is modest in real dollars. For dogs with any complexity at all, it can be the difference between a routine appointment and a scary one.

What Do You Get at a Vet Clinic That You Don't Get at a Salon?

At a veterinary grooming facility, a licensed doctor is on-site and available throughout your pet's entire appointment. That single fact changes the experience considerably.

Groomers at vet clinics are trained to flag what they find and escalate it immediately. A patch of inflamed skin, early signs of an ear infection, a new lump along the rib line, these are things a groomer at a retail salon will note and pass along to you after the fact. At Lakeside Animal Hospital in Plantation, the same finding goes directly to Dr. Frione or a member of the veterinary team before your dog leaves the table.

That's the core value proposition. You're not paying more for a fancier bath. You're paying for a medical professional being present and available if your pet needs one.

For Plantation families with brachycephalic breeds such as Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs, this matters especially. These dogs are more vulnerable to heat stress and respiratory difficulty during grooming. Having veterinary support in the room is not a luxury for them; it's a reasonable precaution.

Which Dogs Are Worth the Extra Cost for Vet-Supervised Grooming?

Any dog with a known health condition, a brachycephalic breed, a history of grooming-related anxiety or incidents, or a senior dog whose stress tolerance has decreased is a strong candidate for vet-supervised grooming regardless of price.

For young, healthy dogs with no grooming concerns, the decision is more personal. The peace-of-mind argument is legitimate, but it's fair to say the clinical benefit is less urgent for a two-year-old healthy Labrador than it is for a ten-year-old Shih Tzu with a heart condition.

The honest answer: if your dog has ever had an incident at a groomer, if your vet has ever used the phrase "monitor closely," or if your dog belongs to a breed with known respiratory or skin sensitivities, the price difference is not something to negotiate around.

Quick Questions

Is grooming at a vet office more expensive than a salon? Yes, typically 15 to 30 percent more than a comparable retail appointment. The difference reflects the clinical environment, veterinary presence throughout the appointment, and the ability to identify and treat medical issues discovered during grooming. For medically complex dogs, this premium is a genuine safety investment.

Is it worth paying more for vet-supervised dog grooming? For brachycephalic breeds, senior dogs, dogs with health conditions, or any dog with a history of grooming incidents, yes. For healthy adult dogs with no grooming concerns, it's a personal decision but the added clinical oversight is real value, not a marketing claim.

What services are included in grooming at a vet office? A full-service appointment at Lakeside includes bath, dry, breed-appropriate haircut, nail trim, ear cleaning, and anal gland check, with a trained clinical eye assessing your pet's skin and coat throughout. Any finding of concern goes directly to the veterinarian.

"The price difference between grooming at a salon and grooming at a veterinary clinic is real but so is the difference in what you're buying. You're not just paying for a bath; you're paying for a medical professional being present if your pet needs one."

— Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM, Lakeside Animal Hospital

Ready to See What Vet-Supervised Grooming Actually Looks Like?

If you're weighing this decision for your dog, the full guide covers everything Plantation pet owners ask before booking. Read it and you'll know exactly what to expect, what questions to ask, and whether your dog is a strong candidate for the clinical grooming environment.

Lakeside Animal Hospital has served Plantation families for over 10 years. Every grooming appointment takes place with a full veterinary team on-site. All breeds are welcome.

Why vet-supervised grooming matters for Plantation pet owners.

What Is Vet-Supervised Dog Grooming and Why Does It Matter for Your Pet's Safety?

Tue, 26 May 2026 15:00:08 GMT

TL;DR

Vet-supervised dog grooming means your pet is groomed inside a fully licensed veterinary facility with a doctor on-site and available throughout the appointment.
Unlike retail grooming chains, any medical issue found during the appointment like a skin condition, a stress response, a cardiac episode, can be addressed immediately by a veterinarian.
For senior dogs, brachycephalic breeds, and medically complex pets, this distinction is clinical, not cosmetic.

Plantation families take their pets seriously. If you've ever dropped your dog off at a grooming salon and spent the next two hours wondering whether everything was okay, that instinct is worth paying attention to. Dog grooming in Plantation, FL looks the same from the outside whether you're walking into a retail chain or a full-service veterinary clinic. The experience inside is a different story entirely. This article explains what vet-supervised grooming actually means, which dogs benefit most from it, what the real risks of a standard salon are, and what your pet's grooming appointment looks like at Lakeside Animal Hospital.

What Does Vet-Supervised Grooming Actually Mean?

Vet-supervised grooming means your dog is groomed inside a veterinary clinic where a licensed doctor is present and available throughout the entire appointment. It is not a groomer who occasionally passes by an exam room. It means medical response capability exists in the same building, during the same appointment, from start to finish.

At a standard grooming chain, the grooming staff is trained in grooming. That's their specialty, and many are skilled at it. But if a dog shows signs of respiratory distress, has a seizure, or goes into cardiac stress mid-appointment, the options are limited to calling 911 or rushing the animal to a vet clinic across town. Time is the variable that matters in those moments.

Which dogs benefit most from veterinary-supervised grooming?

Senior dogs top the list. As dogs age, their cardiovascular systems become less reliable under stress, and grooming (particularly drying and restraint) is physiologically stressful even for calm animals. Brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs, French bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, shih tzus) face respiratory challenges under ordinary conditions that can be compounded by heat, stress, and positional restraint during grooming. Dogs with diagnosed heart conditions, diabetes, epilepsy, or undiagnosed conditions their owners don't yet know about also fall into this category. For any of these animals, having a DVM in the building is the difference between a grooming appointment and a medical event that becomes a crisis.

What Are the Real Risks of Grooming at a Retail Chain?

Grooming-related incidents at retail chains, including stress-induced cardiac events, seizures, hyperthermia, and respiratory distress in brachycephalic breeds, are more common than most Plantation pet owners realize. Without a veterinarian on-site, grooming staff have limited options when a dog's condition deteriorates, regardless of how well-intentioned or experienced they are.

The grooming environment itself introduces stress factors that don't exist at home: unfamiliar smells, sounds from other animals, restraint, the dryer, and the handling of sensitive areas like ears, paws, and the anal gland region. Most dogs tolerate this fine. But dogs with underlying health vulnerabilities often don't show symptoms at home because their home environment doesn't trigger the same physiological load.

Brachycephalic and flat-faced breeds carry specific risks at standard salons.

Bulldogs, pugs, and French bulldogs have anatomically narrowed airways. When they overheat or experience stress, their ability to self-regulate drops quickly. Groomers at retail chains are trained to identify some warning signs, but they are not trained to intervene medically. They don't have oxygen, they don't have IV access, and they can't administer medication. A veterinary facility can do all of those things within seconds of a dog's condition changing.

Stress responses during grooming are real and sometimes severe.

Elevated cortisol, panting, pacing, trembling, and whale-eye are early signals. Vomiting, loss of bladder control, and collapse are later ones. In a vet-supervised environment, the team is watching for these signals with clinical training behind their eyes, not just grooming experience.

What Services Are Included in Grooming at Lakeside Animal Hospital?

Grooming at Lakeside includes everything in a standard full-service appointment (bath, blow dry, breed-appropriate haircut, nail trim, ear cleaning, and brushing), plus a trained clinical eye on your pet's skin, coat condition, ears, and overall physical presentation throughout the visit.

That last part is worth spelling out. Groomers at Lakeside are working in a veterinary environment where skin abnormalities, unusual lumps, ear odor, coat thinning, and other early indicators of health issues are recognized as clinically relevant, not just cosmetic concerns. When something is flagged, the path to a veterinarian is immediate.

Groomers find things owners don't.

Owners see their dogs every day. That familiarity makes gradual changes easy to miss. A groomer handling your dog's entire body in a systematic, thorough way is often the first person to notice a new lump, a patch of hair loss, abnormal skin coloration, a tick that was missed at home, or an ear canal that smells wrong. At a retail salon, that observation typically ends with a note on your receipt. At Lakeside, it can turn into a same-day veterinary consult.

Anal gland expression, groomer or veterinarian?

A trained groomer can perform external anal gland expression as part of a grooming appointment. For most dogs, this is appropriate and sufficient. But if your dog has a history of impaction, infection, or recurring anal gland issues, veterinary expression and examination is the correct standard of care. At Lakeside, the proximity of the grooming and medical teams means this distinction is handled correctly every time, without requiring a second appointment at a separate facility.

How Much Does Dog Grooming at a Vet Office Cost Compared to a Salon?

Vet-supervised grooming is typically priced somewhat higher than a standard retail salon appointment. That difference reflects the clinical environment, professional veterinary oversight throughout the visit, and the medical response capability present during every appointment.

The honest framing is this: you are not paying more for a fancier shampoo. You are paying for the infrastructure behind the appointment. A licensed veterinarian on-site. A team trained to recognize medical distress. Equipment and medications available if your dog needs them. For pet owners in Plantation whose dogs fall into any medically vulnerable category, that cost difference is straightforward to justify.

For healthy, young dogs with no underlying conditions, the calculus is more personal. Many owners who have experienced a grooming incident at a retail chain, or who simply want to consolidate their pet's care under one roof, find the choice easy. Others see it as the right preventive standard regardless of their dog's current health status.

How Does the Grooming Appointment Process Work at Lakeside?

The appointment process at Lakeside is designed around your dog's comfort and your peace of mind. When you arrive, your dog is checked in by a team that knows the difference between a dog who's a little nervous and a dog who's showing signs of clinical anxiety and knows what to do about it.

Grooming is performed in a clean, calm environment inside the veterinary facility. The medical team is available throughout. When the appointment is complete, your dog is returned to you clean, calm, and assessed by people with clinical training, not just grooming credentials. [LINK TO: /grooming]vet-supervised dog grooming at Lakeside in Plantation[/LINK] is available for dogs and cats, and new patients are welcome.

For dogs with specific coat types, breed-related grooming needs, or anxiety histories, it's worth mentioning those details when you book. The team can prepare accordingly.

Lakeside serves Plantation, Sunrise, Lauderhill, and Plantation Gardens. If your dog's last grooming experience left you uneasy or if you've simply been looking for a way to bring grooming and veterinary care under one roof, this is the straightforward solution.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vet-Supervised Dog Grooming

Is grooming at a vet office more expensive than a regular salon?

Vet-supervised grooming is typically priced somewhat higher than a standard retail salon appointment. The difference reflects the clinical environment, veterinary oversight throughout the appointment, and the ability to identify and address medical issues, like skin conditions or ear infections, discovered during grooming. For many Plantation pet owners, that added layer of safety is the deciding factor.

Can a groomer express a dog's anal glands, or should a vet do it?

A trained groomer can perform external anal gland expression as part of a standard appointment. If your dog has a history of impaction, infection, or recurring anal gland problems, veterinary expression and examination is the appropriate standard of care. At Lakeside, the proximity of our grooming and medical teams means this is handled correctly every time, without a second trip to a separate facility.

What should I do if my dog had a bad experience at a grooming chain?

Start with a veterinary evaluation to rule out underlying conditions that may have been triggered or worsened during the appointment. A seizure, respiratory episode, extreme anxiety response, or physical injury all warrant clinical assessment before any future grooming appointment. Choosing a vet-supervised facility significantly reduces the risk of a repeat event, especially for medically vulnerable dogs. What to do after a grooming incident at a chain salon.

How often should I have my dog professionally groomed?

Most dogs benefit from professional grooming every four to eight weeks, depending on breed, coat type, and activity level. Dogs with continuously growing coats like poodles, doodles, shih tzus, and bichons, typically need more frequent appointments to prevent matting and the skin issues that develop underneath an overgrown coat.

Dr. Frione's Perspective on Grooming Safety

"I've seen grooming-related incidents walk through our door more times than I'd like. What strikes me every time is that the owners had no idea their dog was at risk, they thought they were dropping off for a bath and a trim. In my experience, brachycephalic dogs, senior dogs, and dogs with undiagnosed cardiac conditions are the most vulnerable in a standard salon environment. Having a veterinarian in the building isn't a luxury for those animals, it's a genuine safety net. I recommend our grooming services specifically because I know what's in place if something goes wrong."

— Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM, Lakeside Animal Hospital

Ready to Book a Grooming Appointment Your Dog Will Actually Be Safe For?

Every grooming appointment at Lakeside is backed by a full veterinary team and not just a groomer with a phone number for emergencies. If your dog is a senior, a brachycephalic breed, or has any history of health complications, that distinction matters more than most pet owners know before something goes wrong.

Dr. Frione and the Lakeside medical team have served Plantation families for over 10 years from our full-service veterinary facility. We welcome new patients from Plantation, Sunrise, Lauderhill, and Plantation Gardens. All breeds and sizes are welcome. Our grooming team works inside the same facility where your dog could receive veterinary care within minutes if anything changed.

You can explore our vet-supervised dog grooming at Lakeside in Plantation services or call us directly to book. You can also learn more about skin conditions we identify during grooming appointments and how early detection protects your pet's long-term health.

Your pet is family. We treat them like they're ours.

How Much Does a Dog Teeth Cleaning Cost in Florida and What Are You Actually Paying For?

Thu, 21 May 2026 14:59:08 GMT

TL;DR: A routine dog teeth cleaning in Florida typically costs between $300 and $700 for a standard prophylaxis. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork, dental X-rays, and extractions are the most common factors that push the total higher — and the items most likely to be missing from a low-ball estimate.

If you have asked your vet about scheduling a dental cleaning and gotten back a number that surprised you, you are not alone. Pet owners across Broward County hear a wide range of prices for what sounds like the same procedure. That gap almost always comes down to what is actually included. Here is what those numbers mean.

What Does a Dog Teeth Cleaning Cost in Florida in 2026?

A routine dog dental cleaning at a full-service veterinary clinic in Florida ranges from $300 to $700 for a standard prophylaxis. That number climbs when dental X-rays reveal extractions are needed, when pre-anesthetic bloodwork is included, and when periodontal treatment is required. In Broward County, costs with extractions and full diagnostics can reach $700 to $1,200 or more.

The base range assumes teeth that are already in reasonable shape. A dog with heavy tartar buildup, loose teeth, or signs of periodontal disease requires more time and often oral surgery. That is a more involved medical procedure, not a surprise charge.

The final number frequently cannot be confirmed before the cleaning begins. Dental X-rays taken under anesthesia regularly reveal problems that were invisible during the pre-procedure exam. A good clinic reviews findings with you before proceeding with anything additional.

What Does That Price Actually Include and What Might Be Extra?

A complete dental estimate should cover anesthesia, continuous monitoring, full-mouth scaling and polishing, and a veterinary oral exam. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork and dental radiographs are often listed as separate line items. If an estimate does not mention them, ask directly.

Pre-anesthetic bloodwork checks kidney and liver function before your dog goes under. For an older dog, it can reveal organ changes that affect how anesthesia is safely administered. Skipping it to reduce cost is a risk most full-service clinics are not willing to take.

Dental radiographs show what is happening below the gumline, where roughly half of each tooth's structure lives. Bone loss, root resorption, and fractured roots are invisible without imaging. A cleaning without X-rays is a cleaning done partially blind.

Extractions , when needed, are billed separately. A simple extraction may add $50 to $150. Surgical extractions involving root sectioning add more.

Why Do Two Clinics Quote Such Different Prices?

Price differences between clinics most often reflect differences in what is included, not differences in the procedure. A quote that omits pre-anesthetic screening, radiographs, or extraction capability is a different scope of care. It is not simply a better deal.

When comparing estimates, ask each clinic whether bloodwork, full-mouth X-rays, dedicated anesthesia monitoring, and extraction capability are included. A clinic with on-site lab and radiology can often complete everything in a single appointment, which matters because it reduces the number of times your dog goes under anesthesia.

Quick Questions

How much does a dog teeth cleaning cost in Florida?

A routine cleaning at a full-service clinic typically ranges from $300 to $700. When extractions, dental X-rays, and pre-anesthetic bloodwork are included, totals can reach $700 to $1,200 or more depending on what is found.

Is $700 for a dog teeth cleaning normal in Broward County?

Yes. A cleaning that includes anesthesia monitoring, full-mouth X-rays, pre-anesthetic bloodwork, and scaling is within the normal range for a full-service Broward County clinic. An estimate well below that for the same scope warrants specific questions about what is left out.

Does pet insurance cover dog teeth cleanings in Florida?

Most standard plans cover dental disease treatment, including extractions, but not routine prophylactic cleanings. Wellness add-ons may cover a portion of preventative costs. Review your policy's dental section before scheduling.

"The number I quote for a dental cleaning always represents the cost of doing it correctly. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork, X-rays, monitoring, and extraction capability. Anything less is not a complete dental procedure in my view."

— Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM, Lakeside Animal Hospital

Ready to Get a Transparent Dental Estimate for Your Dog?

At Lakeside Animal Hospital, every estimate is itemized before you commit. Cat and dog dental care at Lakeside Animal Hospital includes on-site bloodwork, full-mouth radiographs, continuous anesthesia monitoring, and Dr. Frione's soft tissue surgery expertise when extractions are needed.

For a fuller picture of what dental disease looks like in dogs and cats and how often it develops without visible symptoms, start with the complete guide to dog and cat teeth cleaning in Plantation .

Lakeside serves Plantation, Sunrise, Lauderhill, and surrounding Broward County communities. Call the clinic or request an appointment online.

What Does a Professional Dog or Cat Teeth Cleaning Actually Involve, and Is It Worth It?

Tue, 19 May 2026 14:39:10 GMT

TL;DR

A professional veterinary teeth cleaning places your pet under general anesthesia, then scales plaque and tartar from every tooth surface, including below the gumline where periodontal disease actually develops.
The procedure includes dental X-rays and a full oral health assessment. It is a medical procedure, not a cosmetic service, and for most dogs and cats it is one of the most important preventive steps you can take for their long-term health.

Most Plantation pet owners are diligent about the things they can see: annual vaccines, regular grooming, monthly parasite prevention. But there is one area of your dog or cat's health that stays out of sight, and out of mind, until the problem has progressed far enough to cause real damage. Dental disease is the most common chronic condition in companion animals. It begins below the gumline, in a space no amount of home brushing can reach.

This article answers the question Plantation, Sunrise, and Lauderhill families ask most often: is a professional dental cleaning genuinely necessary, or is it just an upsell?

What Happens During a Professional Pet Teeth Cleaning?

A veterinary dental cleaning places your pet under general anesthesia, then removes plaque and tartar from every tooth surface, above and below the gumline, using hand scalers and ultrasonic instruments. The procedure also includes dental radiographs and a complete oral exam.

This is not the same as the gentle brushing your pet tolerates at the grooming salon. That service cleans visible surfaces and does nothing to the area where disease actually starts.

Above vs. Below the Gumline: Why Both Matter

The visible portion of your pet's tooth, called the crown, shows you tartar buildup and staining. What it does not show you is what is happening at the root level, inside the gingival sulcus. Bacteria colonize this space, produce toxins, and trigger an inflammatory response that breaks down the ligaments and bone supporting the tooth. By the time you can see gum recession or loose teeth, that process has typically been running for months or years.

Supragingival cleaning (above the gumline) makes your pet's teeth look cleaner. Subgingival cleaning (below the gumline) is what actually treats and prevents periodontal disease. A thorough dental prophylaxis requires both, and both require anesthesia.

What Dental X-Rays Reveal That a Visual Exam Can

Dental radiographs are part of every cleaning at Lakeside Animal Hospital. They allow Dr. Frione to evaluate tooth roots, surrounding bone density, and the presence of resorptive lesions. That last condition is especially common in cats and is completely invisible to the naked eye.

Full-mouth X-rays frequently change the treatment plan for the visit. A tooth that looks intact at the crown can have an abscessed root. Bone loss under what appears to be a healthy gum margin shows up only on imaging. Treating only what is visible is an incomplete exam, full stop.

Why Does My Pet Need Anesthesia for a Teeth Cleaning?

Anesthesia is required because a thorough cleaning must reach below the gumline, an area that is painful when inflamed and impossible to access safely in a conscious, moving animal. It also protects your pet's airway from inhaling bacteria-laden water during the procedure.

Some facilities offer what they call "anesthesia-free" teeth cleanings. These services scale the visible crown surface of each tooth. They cannot clean below the gumline without causing pain, and they cannot safely take dental X-rays. The American Veterinary Dental College has formally stated that anesthesia-free dental procedures are not a substitute for professional veterinary dental care. A clean-looking tooth can still have advanced disease at the root, and without anesthesia and imaging, that disease goes undetected.

How Lakeside Monitors Anesthesia Safety

Every anesthetized patient at Lakeside Animal Hospital is monitored by a trained technician throughout the procedure. Monitoring includes pulse oximetry, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and temperature. An IV catheter is placed before induction to allow immediate medication administration if needed and to support fluid balance during the procedure.

Pre-Anesthetic Bloodwork — What We're Looking For

Before your pet goes under anesthesia, bloodwork screens for conditions that affect anesthetic risk: kidney disease, liver dysfunction, anemia, and clotting abnormalities. For younger patients, a basic panel is typically sufficient. For senior patients or those with known health concerns, a more comprehensive screen is appropriate.

This bloodwork is drawn at Lakeside's on-site laboratory . Results are available before your pet enters the procedure room, not the following day.

How Much Does a Dog or Cat Teeth Cleaning Cost in Plantation, FL?

A routine veterinary dental cleaning in the Plantation and Broward County area typically ranges from $300 to $700 for a straightforward prophylaxis. Costs increase when extractions, advanced periodontal treatment, or additional diagnostics are required.

That range reflects a basic clinical reality: dental procedures are priced on what is found, not just what is scheduled. A healthy three-year-old dog with mild tartar and no radiographic findings will have a very different total than a ten-year-old dog with three mobile teeth and bone loss on X-ray.

What Drives Cost Up: Extractions, X-Rays, and Pre-Op Lab Work

Expect your estimate to include the anesthetic procedure itself, pre-anesthetic bloodwork, full-mouth dental radiographs, the scaling and polishing, and any extractions or periodontal treatment found necessary during the exam. Extractions are the most variable line item. A single-rooted tooth is a different procedure than a multi-rooted molar, and families are contacted during the appointment if significant findings require a treatment decision.

Why Two Estimates for the Same Procedure Can Look Very Different

A quote that does not include dental X-rays, pre-anesthetic bloodwork, or IV fluids may look lower on paper. Those are not optional add-ons. They are the components that make the procedure safe and diagnostically complete. When comparing estimates between Plantation veterinary practices, ask specifically what each line item covers.

How Often Should Dogs and Cats Get a Professional Dental Cleaning?

Most dogs and cats benefit from a professional cleaning once every 12 months, though some breeds and individuals need more frequent care depending on their oral health baseline.

Annual cleanings are a starting point, not a universal prescription. Dr. Frione reviews each patient's oral health at their wellness exam and adjusts the recommendation from there. A small-breed dog with crowded teeth and fast tartar accumulation may need attention every six to eight months, while a dog with excellent home care and a clean mouth at four years old may not need a cleaning for another 18 months.

Breed and Size Factors That Affect Cleaning Frequency

Toy and small breeds, including Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Shih Tzus, consistently show the fastest tartar accumulation. Their teeth are crowded into smaller jaws, creating more surface area for plaque to attach. Brachycephalic breeds, including Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs, present additional complexity due to jaw structure.

In cats, Persians and other flat-faced breeds are prone to crowded teeth and dental resorption. Outdoor cats, cats on exclusively wet diets, and any cat over age seven are candidates for more frequent dental monitoring regardless of breed.

What You Can Do at Home Between Cleanings

Home dental care does not replace professional cleaning, but it slows accumulation enough to matter. Daily toothbrushing with a pet-formulated toothpaste is the most effective home option. Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)-approved dental chews, water additives, and oral rinses are useful supplements. If your pet will not tolerate a toothbrush, ask about alternatives at your next visit.

What Are the Signs Your Pet Is Overdue for a Dental Cleaning?

Persistent bad breath, yellow or brown tartar buildup, red or swollen gums, dropping food while eating, or pawing at the mouth are all signs that your dog or cat likely needs professional dental care soon.

Halitosis in dogs and cats is not normal. It is a clinical sign. The bacteria responsible for periodontal disease produce volatile sulfur compounds, and consistent, noticeable odor at conversational distance indicates active disease.

Other signs Plantation families bring to our attention: a pet who was previously an enthusiastic eater and has become slow or reluctant at the bowl; chewing on only one side of the mouth; visible blood on chew toys or in the water bowl; increased salivation, especially in cats. Any of these findings calls for a full oral health assessment before anything else is scheduled.

What Makes Lakeside Animal Hospital the Right Choice for Pet Dental Care in Plantation?

Lakeside combines full in-house laboratory services, on-site anesthesia monitoring, and Dr. Frione's soft tissue surgery expertise. Your pet's dental appointment is supported by the same diagnostic and surgical capability as any other medical procedure performed here.

Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is processed in our own laboratory before your pet goes under, not sent to an outside facility with a 24-hour turnaround. If a dental radiograph reveals a complicated extraction, Dr. Frione has the surgical training to handle it in the same appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cat and Dog Teeth Cleaning

How much does a dog teeth cleaning cost in Florida?

In the Plantation and Broward County area, a routine dog teeth cleaning typically costs between $300 and $700 for a standard prophylaxis. If dental X-rays reveal extractions or advanced periodontal treatment is needed, costs will be higher. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is often an additional line item and is strongly recommended for safety.

Is anesthesia required for a dog or cat teeth cleaning?

Yes. General anesthesia is required for a safe and thorough veterinary dental cleaning. It allows the veterinarian to clean below the gumline, where periodontal disease develops, and protects your pet's airway during the procedure. Anesthesia-free cleanings address only visible surfaces and cannot treat the disease where it actually occurs.

How often should a dog get their teeth professionally cleaned?

Most dogs benefit from a professional dental cleaning once a year. Small and toy breeds often need more frequent cleanings because of crowded teeth and faster tartar accumulation. In my experience, the right interval depends on the individual patient, which is why I evaluate every dog's oral health at their annual wellness exam rather than giving the same recommendation to every family. — Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM

What happens if I never get my dog's teeth cleaned?

Without professional cleaning, plaque hardens into tartar, which causes gingivitis, then periodontal disease, and eventually tooth loss. Bacteria from untreated dental disease can also enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, kidneys, and liver over time.

Is it safe to put a senior dog under anesthesia for a dental cleaning?

With proper pre-anesthetic screening, including bloodwork and a physical exam, most senior dogs can safely undergo anesthesia for a dental cleaning. The risk of untreated dental disease typically outweighs the carefully managed risk of anesthesia in a medically supervised setting. Age is not a contraindication. Underlying organ function is what we evaluate. — Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM

Dr. Jennifer Frione's Perspective

"In my experience, dental disease is the single most undertreated condition I see in otherwise well-cared-for pets. I regularly examine dogs and cats whose owners brush their coats weekly and bring them in for every vaccine on schedule, but whose mouths have not had a professional cleaning in years. By the time I am seeing visible tartar and inflamed gums, the disease below the gumline has usually been progressing for a long time. I recommend a dental evaluation at every annual wellness visit, not because it generates a procedure, but because catching periodontal disease early is genuinely the least expensive and least invasive path for your pet."

— Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM, Lakeside Animal Hospital

Schedule a Dental Evaluation at Lakeside Animal Hospital

Most dogs over age three already have some degree of periodontal disease. The question is not whether your pet needs a dental evaluation. It is how far the disease has progressed and what the right next step looks like for them specifically.

If you have noticed bad breath, visible tartar, changes in eating habits, or your pet simply has not had a dental exam in the past year, this is the right time to book one. Dr. Frione will perform a complete oral health assessment, review your pet's individual risk factors, and give you a clear picture of what treatment, if anything, is needed.

Lakeside Animal Hospital serves families in Plantation, Sunrise, Lauderhill, Plantation Gardens, and throughout Broward County. With Dr. Frione's soft tissue surgery training and 10 years serving Plantation families, you are not managing a referral chain if a more complex extraction turns out to be necessary.

Bringing an Aggressive or Reactive Dog to the Vet in Plantation. Here's How We Handle It

Fri, 01 May 2026 19:29:17 GMT

How Much Does a Pet Dental Cleaning Cost in Plantation, FL? A Transparent Breakdown

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 20:07:14 GMT

If you've asked your vet about scheduling a dental cleaning and walked away unsure what you'd actually be paying for, you're not alone. Dog dental cleaning cost in Plantation, FL varies more than most pet owners expect — and the gap between a $200 quote and a $700 estimate isn't always what it seems. Some of that difference reflects the scope of care included. Some of it reflects corners being cut.

This article gives you a clear, honest picture of what a professional pet dental cleaning involves, what drives the cost up or down, and what the long-term consequences of skipping it actually look like. By the end, you'll have what you need to evaluate any estimate and make a confident decision for your pet's health.

What Makes a Cat-Friendly Vet? What Plantation Cat Owners Should Know Before Booking

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:50:32 GMT

Frequently Asked Questions About Cat-Friendly Veterinary Care

What Are the Signs of a Good Vet? A Veterinarian's Honest Guide

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:23:47 GMT

Dr. Jennifer Frione shares what separates a great vet from a mediocre one. Know the signs, spot the red flags, and find the right fit in Plantation, FL.

Spirit Week 2025

Alex@wingmandigital.net (Alex Lymber) — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 22:03:43 GMT

Celebrating Our Team for Veterinary Staff Appreciation Week

At Lakeside Animal Hospital, we believe every member of our team deserves to be celebrated, not just for their hard work but for the care and compassion they bring to every patient.

From October 12 through October 18, 2025, we combined Veterinary Technician Week and Team Appreciation Week for a full week of fun, themed dress-up days, and delicious treats to show our gratitude.

From trading scrubs for style to showing off team spirit, our staff went all out to make the week one to remember. Here’s a look back at how we celebrated.

Monday, October 13, 2025 – Dress to Impress Day

We started the week by trading in scrubs for style. The team came dressed in their Sunday best for Dress to Impress Day, bringing fashion and flair to the clinic while caring for our furry patients. It was a great kickoff to the week’s festivities and a reminder that confidence looks good on everyone.

Tuesday, October 14, 2025 – Nerd Day

Geeking out over good health and happy pets! Nerd Day brought out everyone’s inner genius, with clever T-shirts, suspenders, and plenty of laughter. Breakfast from Dechra kept the team energized as we celebrated the smarts behind great veterinary care.

Wednesday, October 15, 2025 – Hoedown Day

We went country for the day with boots, hats, flannels, and all. Hoedown Day had the clinic saying “yeehaw” as the team embraced their inner cowboys and cowgirls. Southern comfort treats made the day even sweeter as we celebrated the hardworking crew that keeps Lakeside running.

Thursday, October 16, 2025 – Sports and Jersey Day

We hit it out of the park in both veterinary care and team spirit on Jersey Day. Staff sported their favorite team colors while Merck’s espresso bar kept the energy high. The competition was friendly, but the pride in our work and one another was clear across the board.

Friday, October 17, 2025 – Pajama Day

After a busy week, comfort took over with Pajama Day. The team stayed cozy while enjoying an Italian lunch from Pumpkin, making Friday the perfect mix of relaxation and appreciation before heading into the weekend.

Saturday, October 18, 2025 – Wacky Tacky Day

We closed out the celebration with bold colors, clashing patterns, and plenty of laughter for Wacky Tacky Day. The week ended with a pizza party, wrapping up six days of joy, camaraderie, and appreciation for the people who make Lakeside Animal Hospital such a special place.

Thank You to Our Veterinary Technicians and Team

Veterinary Technician Week is more than a celebration; it’s a reminder of the heart and dedication behind every appointment, every patient, and every success story. Thank you to our amazing technicians and entire Lakeside team for your skill, compassion, and teamwork. You make a difference every single day.

For more information about our veterinary technicians or staff, please contact us .

WSVN 7 News: Dog Abandoned and Adopted at Lakeside Animal Hospital

Alex@wingmandigital.net (Alex Lymber) — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 20:47:03 GMT

Oscar's Story of Overcoming Adversity at Lakeside

A local Miami news station came out to Lakeside Animal Hospital to tell Oscar the dog’s story. He was abandoned outside our Plantation veterinarian office and has found his fur-ever home.

A Shocking Discovery

It was a regular weekend when a security camera at Lakeside captured a heartbreaking scene. A black sedan pulled up to our parking lot, and the driver took Oscar out of the car, carelessly placing him on the ground before speeding away.

As Oscar chased after the car, he ran onto a busy road, narrowly avoiding being hit by a passing vehicle. One of our staff members was at the right place at the right time, rushing to bring Oscar inside before further harm could come to him.

“I was mortified. I really thought he was going to get killed,” said Estee Froehlich, our Kennel Supervisor, who witnessed the close call. It was an act of cruelty that none of us could comprehend.

Oscar’s abandonment was not just heart-wrenching, but also potentially illegal. We continue to hope for justice as authorities investigate whether the person who left Oscar may face misdemeanor charges for their actions.

Watch the full video of Oscar’s rescue after abandonment on WSVN .

A New Beginning

Despite the pain and trauma of being abandoned, Oscar was given a second chance. Frank Flores, moved by the news of Oscar’s plight, came to meet the dog just days after the story aired.

“Something just connected with me when I saw him, and I was like, ‘You know what, I have to meet this dog,’” Frank shared.

It didn’t take long for Oscar to work his magic, and within minutes, Frank was in love. Oscar, the dog who once faced abandonment, now had a chance at a loving home.

Frank was one of many who applied to adopt Oscar, and we couldn’t be happier to see him find his forever family.

"How can anybody leave someone this good and this cute, you know? It just doesn’t make any sense," Frank said. His sentiments echo what we feel: every pet deserves love, care, and a chance at a better life.

Watch the full video of Oscar’s adoption on WSVN .

The Importance of Compassionate Pet Ownership

Oscar’s story is a stark reminder that animals depend on us for their well-being, and when circumstances change, there are always better options than abandonment.

If you find yourself unable to care for a pet, we encourage you to reach out to us or to local rescues. There are many ways to get the help your pet needs without resorting to cruelty.

At Lakeside Animal Hospital, we’re committed to ensuring that pets in our care find safe, loving homes, just like Oscar.

While we celebrate Oscar’s happy ending, we also hope that his story sheds light on the importance of responsible pet ownership and compassion for all animals.

Let’s work together to prevent abandonment and give more pets the chance to thrive in loving homes.

For more information, contact us at (954) 474-8808 or clientservices@lakesideanimal.com .

What Does It Mean When a Dog is Boarded?

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 18:41:13 GMT

Whether you're planning a family trip or need a safe place for your dog while you're away, boarding is a great option. But what does it mean to board a dog, and how does Lakeside Animal Hospital make sure your furry family member feels comfortable and cared for?

Understanding Dog Boarding

When your dog is boarded, they stay at a professional facility that provides everything they need while you're away. This includes a safe, clean place to sleep, regular meals, exercise, and plenty of attention from trained staff. Lakeside Animal Hospital goes above and beyond to ensure your dog is well cared for and feels at home.

What to Expect at Lakeside Animal Hospital

At Lakeside, we tailor our boarding services to meet your dog’s unique needs. We know every dog is different, and our goal is to create a comfortable, positive experience for each one. Here’s what you can expect:

Comfortable Accommodations: Your dog will have a cozy, secure space to rest, keeping them calm and stress-free during their stay.

Daily Exercise and Play: We make sure dogs stay active and happy with daily walks and playtime, giving them the attention and stimulation they need.

Personalized Care: Whether your dog requires a specific feeding routine, medication, or just extra love and attention, we’ll take care of them as if they were our own.

Veterinary Supervision: With Lakeside’s experienced veterinary team on-site, you can trust that your dog’s health and well-being are closely monitored.

Why Choose Lakeside Animal Hospital for Boarding?

For decades, Lakeside Animal Hospital has been a trusted part of the community, offering exceptional care for pets. Our compassionate team ensures your dog receives the love, attention, and care they deserve, even when you can’t be there. As an AAHA-accredited hospital , we adhere to the highest standards of care, so you can feel confident that your pet is in safe hands. Don't just take our word for it; check out what past customers have said in their reviews !

Preparing for Your Dog’s Stay

Feel free to bring a favorite toy or blanket to help them feel more at home. We’ll also discuss their individual needs—whether it’s dietary preferences, medical care, or a favorite routine—so we can make their stay as comfortable as possible.

Ready to Book Your Dog’s Stay?

If you’re looking for a boarding facility where your dog will be treated like family, Lakeside Animal Hospital is here for you. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care, giving you peace of mind while you’re away.

Find the Best Veterinarian: Top Tips for Choosing the Best Vet

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 18:34:21 GMT

How to Find the Best Veterinarian

Choosing the right veterinarian is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your pet. Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy, kitten, or an older rescue into your family, the veterinarian you select will be a partner in your pet’s health journey. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to find the best veterinarian for your furry friend.

When Should I Find a Vet?

It’s a good idea to find a veterinarian before your pet shows any signs of illness. Whether you’ve recently adopted from a shelter or purchased from a breeder, you’ll want to schedule a wellness checkup early on. This will allow your new veterinarian to get to know your pet and establish a baseline for their health.

If you’ve just moved to a new area or your current vet is retiring, don’t wait until there’s an emergency to search for a new veterinarian. It’s always easier to take your time selecting the right vet when your pet is healthy, rather than during a stressful situation. Look for local veterinarians who are accepting new appointments, so you have a trusted clinic to call in case of an emergency.

Find Out Whether the Practice’s Treatment Philosophies Match Yours

When choosing a veterinary practice, it’s important to find out whether the office’s treatment methodologies align with your values. For example, if you prefer holistic or alternative treatments, ask if the veterinarian offers such options. If you’re looking for more conventional care, be sure that the practice offers comprehensive services like wellness exams, spay or neuter surgeries, and dental care.

It’s also helpful to observe whether the office is clean, well-organized, and welcoming to both you and your pet. A compassionate, calm environment will help ensure your pet feels comfortable during visits. Your vet should prioritize transparency and explain treatment options clearly so that you can make informed decisions about your pet’s health.

Check on Professional Accreditations and Experience

Experience matters when it comes to choosing the best vet for your pet. Look for veterinary practices that are accredited by professional organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). These accreditations signal that the veterinary hospital adheres to high standards of care.

Additionally, ask about the experience and certifications of the veterinarians on staff. A skilled veterinarian will have the training and knowledge to handle everything from routine checkups to emergency care. If you’re concerned about specific conditions, such as behavioral issues or certain medical conditions, make sure the clinic has experience in these areas.

Comprehensive Care, One Convenient Location

When you’re searching for the best care for your pet, convenience is key. Ideally, you’ll want to find a veterinary hospital that offers comprehensive services at one location. From wellness exams and vaccinations to radiology and emergency care, a full-service animal hospital will provide all the veterinary care your pet needs without having to visit multiple clinics.

Having all services in one place not only saves time but also ensures continuity of care. Your pet’s medical history will be easily accessible, and the veterinary team will be familiar with their needs. This holistic approach leads to better care and fewer stresses for both you and your pet.

Questions to Ask a Veterinarian

Before choosing a veterinarian, it’s important to ask the right questions. Some of the questions to consider include:

What are your payment options? Does the clinic offer payment plans or accept pet insurance?
What emergency care services do you provide? Are there after-hours options or a 24-hour emergency line?
What is the vet’s approach to preventative care, such as flea and tick prevention, dental care, and wellness exams?

These questions will help you gauge whether the veterinarian’s office is a good fit for your pet’s needs. The best veterinarians will answer these questions openly, reflecting transparency and a love for animals.

Get Recommendations

Sometimes the best way to find a new veterinarian is by asking around. Speak to other pet owners in your area, your pet’s groomer or trainer, or even your local shelter.

Online reviews can be another helpful tool, but remember to consider the overall pattern of feedback rather than focusing on one-off comments. You’ll get a clearer picture of whether the veterinarian is compassionate, trustworthy, and able to provide the best care for your cat or dog.

Visit Us

At Lakeside Animal Hospital, we’re here to help you find the best care for your pet. Our team of experienced, compassionate veterinarians is dedicated to providing the highest level of veterinary care in a welcoming environment. From routine checkups and wellness exams to emergency care and advanced diagnostics, we offer comprehensive services to meet your pet’s needs in one convenient location.

We’re currently accepting new appointments and would love to meet you and your furry friend. Call today to request an appointment and see why Lakeside is the best veterinary choice for your pet’s health and happiness.

Guide for Vaccines for Dogs in Florida

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 17:00:06 GMT

Protect your furry friend with top-quality dog vaccinations in Plantation FL at Lakeside Animal Hospital. From puppies to seniors, we offer the best canine vaccines.

Vaccines for Dogs in Plantation, FL

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 17:18:02 GMT

How Do Vaccines Work, and How Do They Help My Dog?

Vaccines work by stimulating your dog’s immune system to recognize and fight off specific diseases. When a vaccine is administered, it introduces a small, safe amount of the disease-causing organism or its components to your dog’s body. This process triggers the production of antibodies, which are essential in building immunity. Vaccines help protect your dog from potentially severe and life-threatening illnesses by preparing their immune system to respond quickly if exposed to the real pathogen.

Vaccinating your dog is a proactive way to ensure they stay healthy and happy. Dog vaccinations are critical in preventing the spread of diseases within the community, protecting not just your pet but also others they come into contact with. The effectiveness of vaccines means that even if your dog is exposed to a disease, the chances of severe illness are significantly reduced. Vaccines help maintain a safer environment for all pets, especially in places like dog parks and social gatherings.

To learn more about how vaccinations can protect your dog, schedule a consultation with our experienced veterinarians today.

What Vaccines Does My Dog Need?

There are several essential vaccines recommended for dogs to keep them protected. Core vaccines are necessary for all pets, as they protect against common and severe diseases such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus. The rabies vaccine is especially important as rabies vaccinations are required by law in many areas, including Plantation, FL. This vaccine protects your dog and the community from this deadly virus.

Non-core vaccines, such as those for Bordetella (kennel cough), leptospirosis, and canine influenza, are recommended for dogs based on their lifestyle and specific risk factors. For example, dogs that spend time at dog parks or are boarded frequently might benefit from the Bordetella vaccine. Consulting with your veterinarian at Lakeside Animal Hospital will help determine the best vaccination schedule and appropriate vaccines for your dog’s needs.

How Often Does My Dog Need to Be Vaccinated?

The frequency of dog vaccinations depends on the type of vaccine and your dog’s age, health, and lifestyle. Puppies typically start their vaccinations at 6 to 8 weeks of age and continue receiving them every two to four weeks until they are at least 16 weeks old. This puppy vaccination schedule helps build strong immunity during their early, vulnerable months.

For adult dogs, booster vaccines are usually given annually or every three years, depending on the specific vaccine. Core vaccines like the DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus) and the rabies vaccine require regular boosters to maintain immunity. It's crucial to follow the vaccination schedule recommended by your veterinarian to ensure your dog remains protected throughout their life.

Puppy Vaccine Schedule

Puppies are especially vulnerable to diseases, making a proper puppy vaccine schedule critical. Starting at 6 to 8 weeks of age, puppies should receive a series of vaccines every two to four weeks until they are about 16 weeks old. These puppy vaccinations include core vaccines such as distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus. Additionally, the rabies vaccine is administered according to local regulations, often when the puppy is around 12 to 16 weeks old.

Following the puppy vaccination schedule is essential for building a strong immune system. Vaccines given at the right intervals help protect your puppy from potentially deadly diseases during their most vulnerable stages. Your veterinarian will guide you through this process, ensuring your puppy receives all necessary vaccines.

Schedule your puppy’s first vaccination appointment with us today to ensure they get a healthy start.

Adult Dog Vaccination Schedule

If you have adopted a new adult dog, it’s important to review their vaccination history with your veterinarian. An adult dog vaccination schedule will typically include boosters for core vaccines such as rabies and DHPP. Adult dogs need these boosters to ensure continued immunity against serious diseases. The exact schedule will depend on their vaccination history and current health status.

Your veterinarian may also recommend non-core vaccines based on your dog’s lifestyle and exposure risks. For example, the leptospirosis vaccine might be necessary if your dog spends time outdoors in areas where this bacteria is common. Maintaining an appropriate schedule for vaccinations ensures your adult dog remains healthy and protected.

Call/text us today to discuss your new adult dog’s vaccination needs.

What Diseases Do Dog Vaccines Prevent?

Dog vaccines are designed to protect against a range of serious diseases. Core vaccines safeguard your dog from conditions such as rabies, which is a fatal virus transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. The distemper vaccine protects against a highly contagious viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Parvovirus is another dangerous disease, especially for puppies, causing severe gastrointestinal distress.

Non-core vaccines protect against additional diseases based on lifestyle and environment. For example, the leptospirosis vaccine is important in areas with standing water, as the bacteria can be spread through contact with contaminated water. Bordetella, often called kennel cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection, particularly a risk for dogs in social settings like boarding facilities. Canine influenza vaccines help protect against the flu virus, which can spread rapidly among dogs.

How Can I Comfort My Dog After They Get Their Shots?

After vaccination, it’s common for dogs to experience mild discomfort or side effects. To comfort your dog, ensure they have a quiet and comfortable place to rest. Gentle petting and soothing words can help them feel secure. Offering their favorite treat or toy can also provide a distraction and make them feel more at ease.

If your dog experiences minor swelling at the injection site or a slight fever, this is typically normal and should resolve within a day or two. However, monitoring your pet for any unusual reactions is important. If you notice persistent discomfort or other concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian for advice. Providing care and attention helps your dog recover quickly and reinforces a positive experience with veterinary visits.

What Are Common Side Effects of Vaccines in Dogs?

Most dogs experience only mild side effects from vaccines, such as slight swelling at the injection site, mild fever, or decreased appetite. These reactions are typically short-lived and resolve within a couple of days. It’s a sign that the body is responding to the vaccine and building immunity.

More serious side effects are rare but can occur. These might include allergic reactions such as facial swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately. Your veterinarian will guide you on how to monitor your dog post-vaccination and what signs to watch for to ensure their well-being.

For more information on vaccine side effects, consult with our veterinarians today.

How Much Do Dog Vaccinations Cost?

The cost of vaccines can vary based on the type of vaccine and your location. At Lakeside Animal Hospital , we strive to provide transparent and competitive pricing for all our services. While it’s difficult to give an exact figure without knowing your dog’s specific needs, the general cost includes the initial vaccine series for puppies and booster shots for adult dogs.

For detailed pricing, it’s best to contact our clinic directly. We can provide an estimate based on your dog’s age, health status, and required vaccines. Investing in vaccinations is a crucial part of keeping your dog healthy and preventing costly treatments for preventable diseases.

How Long Does It Take a Vaccine to Produce Immunity?

After receiving a vaccine, it typically takes about one to two weeks for your dog’s immune system to build sufficient antibodies and achieve immunity. This timeframe can vary depending on the specific vaccine and your dog’s health. For puppies, the initial series of vaccinations helps establish immunity gradually, with booster shots enhancing and maintaining this protection.

It's essential to follow the vaccination schedule recommended by your veterinarian to ensure timely and effective immunity development. Delays or missed vaccines can leave your dog vulnerable to diseases, so staying on schedule is key to optimal health.

Why Does My Dog Need to Be Revaccinated?

Booster shots are necessary to maintain the immunity provided by initial vaccinations. Over time, the level of antibodies in your dog’s system can decrease, making them susceptible to infections again. Regular boosters ensure that your dog’s immune system remains primed and ready to fight off diseases.

Different vaccines have varying durations of effectiveness. For example, the rabies vaccine often requires a booster every three years, while other vaccines might need annual boosters. Your veterinarian will provide a vaccination schedule tailored to your dog’s needs, ensuring they receive timely revaccination.

Book your dog’s booster shots with Lakeside Animal Hospital to keep them protected.

Do Vaccines Provide 100% Protection?

While vaccines are highly effective, they do not guarantee 100% protection. However, vaccinated dogs are far less likely to contract the diseases they’re vaccinated against, and if they do, the severity is usually much less. Maintaining a comprehensive healthcare plan, including regular vet check-ups and booster shots, maximizes your dog’s protection.

Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens, but no medical intervention is foolproof. It’s important to combine vaccination with other preventive measures, such as good hygiene and avoiding exposure to sick animals, to keep your dog as healthy as possible.

Looking for a Vet in Plantation, Florida?

If you’re a new pet owner in Plantation, FL, Lakeside Animal Hospital is here to provide the compassionate and expert care your dog deserves. Our team of experienced veterinarians is dedicated to ensuring your pet’s health through comprehensive vaccination programs and regular wellness check-ups.

We invite you to visit Lakeside Animal Hospital to learn more about our services and how we can help keep your dog healthy. Book an appointment today to start your dog’s vaccination schedule and give them the best protection against common diseases. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your pet is in good hands, whether you’re exploring local dog parks or enjoying the warm South Florida weather.

Call/text us now to book your dog’s first visit and meet our friendly team.

Our Pledge To You & Your Best Friend

At Lakeside Animal Hospital, we are about one thing: ensuring the health and well-being of your best friend.

We understand the joy, comfort and companionship your pets bring to you and your family and we take the responsibility of caring for your best friends very seriously.

Call / Text us at (954) 474-8808

Make Your Pet’s Dental Health a Priority this Year and Beyond

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 15:40:00 GMT

February is National Pet Dental Health Month! This month is dedicated to educating pet owners on the importance of dental care for their furry companions. Just as a dentist stresses the importance of brushing our teeth daily, it is equally as important for our pets to maintain good oral health. A wide range of factors affect an animal’s dental health such as diet, age and breed. Proper dental care plays an essential role in our pet’s overall health and taking the necessary steps to prevent additional health issues is crucial.

Impact of Poor Pet Dental Health

Dental disease is one of the most common health problems affecting dogs and cats. Common dental issues faced by dogs include periodontal disease, gingivitis, tooth fractures and dental abscesses. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health concerns such as infection, inflammation and tooth loss. Additional diseases such as heart, kidney, liver and bacterial infections can occur if bacteria from the build-up plaque enters the bloodstream. It is important for pet owners to be aware of the warning signs associated with poor dental health and prevent serious consequences.

Early Signs of Dental Diseases in Pets

To mitigate the risk of your pet developing dental disease, pet owners should take action to create a routine for their furry companions to promote dental health.

Here are some helpful tips to include in your pet’s dental routine:

Dental care for pets can be easily overlooked if not prioritized by pet owners. Prioritizing good dental health for our pets contributes to their overall well-being and happiness. By implementing regular dental care routines, your pet is guaranteed to wear a healthy smile.

Lakeside Animal Hospital in Plantation is offering $50 off dental cleanings and 20% off dental products. Call or text to schedule an appointment today: 954-474-8808

Make Your Pet’s Dental Health a Priority this Year and Beyond

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Essential Supply Checklist for Welcoming a New Pet

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 20:07:00 GMT

Did you bring home a new furry family member this holiday season? Whether your new furbaby is young or old, they will need a few things to help get them acclimated to their fur-ever home. Help make the transition easier for them and you with this essential supply checklist:

For Both Puppies and Kittens:

For Puppies:

For Kittens:

Remember, each pet is unique, so prioritize items based on your new furry friend’s specific needs and preferences. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for ensuring your pet’s health and well-being. Lakeside Animal Hospital provides comprehensive packages designed to prepare both you and your new companion for the early stages of life.

Essential Supply Checklist for Welcoming a New Pet

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Understanding Dog Allergies: Signs, Causes and Treatment

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 19:29:00 GMT

Understanding Dog Allergies: Signs, Causes and Treatment

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Holiday Safety Tips for Pet Owners in South Florida

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 19:40:00 GMT

The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but it can also be a time of danger for pets. With all the extra food, decorations and guests around, it’s important to take some extra precautions to keep your furry friends safe.

Here are some holiday safety tips to keep your fur babies out of harm’s way:

Food

Decorations

Guests

Travel

Other Safety Tips

South Florida Tips

By following these safety tips, you can help ensure that your pet has a safe and happy holiday season and beyond!

Holiday Safety Tips for Pet Owners in South Florida

Lakeside Animal Hospital

How To Clean Your Dog’s Ears At Home

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 18:54:00 GMT

How To Clean Your Dog’s Ears At Home

Lakeside Animal Hospital

20 Human Foods Safe for Your Foodie Dog

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 18:10:00 GMT

As pet owners, we often find it difficult to resist those big puppy-dog eyes when our furry companions beg for a taste of what’s on our plates. While it’s essential to prioritize a balanced and nutritious diet for our canine friends, there are a few human foods that can safely be shared as occasional treats. We highlight 20 human foods that are safe for dogs, provided they are offered in moderation and complement their regular dog food.

Vegetables

Fruits

Meat

Other Foods

While sharing human foods with our dogs can be a joyous experience, it is essential to remember that a balanced and nutritionally complete dog food is the foundation of their diet. When offering human foods as treats, always do so in moderation and avoid items that could be harmful , such as foods containing garlic, onions, chocolate, grapes and raisins. Consulting with your veterinarian about your dog’s dietary needs and preferences is crucial to ensure they live a healthy and happy life as your loyal companion.

20 Human Foods Safe for Your Foodie Dog

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Fleas, Ticks & Heartworm – Oh My!

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 19:19:00 GMT

Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe from Fleas, Ticks and Heartworm this Summer and Beyond

As the summer sizzles on, it’s just as important to keep your pet healthy as it is to take care of yourself. Record heat and consistent rain continues to torch and saturate South Florida this summer, creating the perfect environment for fleas and ticks and posing an increasing risk for our pets.

It’s important as a pet owner to stay vigilant and monitor your pet’s health and behavior. Check your pet for tick and flea bites regularly and monitor their behavior for any indication that they may be feeling under the weather.

Here are a few easy ways to keep your pet safe from these pesky insects and prevent heartworm:

If you believe your dog is suffering from fleas, ticks or heartworm, please schedule an appointment with our Lakeside Animal Hospital team today. We can be reached by calling or texting us at 954-474-8808.

Fleas, Ticks & Heartworm – Oh My!

Lakeside Animal Hospital

New York Magazine’s The Strategist Talks to Dr. Frione About the Best Things for Cleaning Your Dog’s Teeth

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 19:07:00 GMT

New York Magazine’s The Strategist interviewed Plantation veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Frione from Lakeside Animal Hospital to discuss the most effective ways to keep up with your dog’s dental hygiene.

According to Dr. Frione, the most effective way to keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy is to brush them every day, but if that becomes too big of a challenge, there are alternatives.

“While brushing your pet’s teeth daily is ideal, sometimes that’s easier said than done,” Dr. Frione said. “There are multiple alternatives to help control dental disease.”

Alternatives to brushing your dog’s teeth daily include dental wipes, chews and dental diet food.

To read the full article in The Strategist, click here .

Lakeside Animal Hospital provides routine dental care for dogs and cats. To learn more about our preventative dental care as well as advanced dental treatment for your pet, visit us here or give us a call today at 954-474-8808.

To learn more about our medical services at Lakeside Animal Hospital in Plantation, Fl., visit us here.

New York Magazine’s The Strategist Talks to Dr. Frione About the Best Things for Cleaning Your Dog’s Teeth

Lakeside Animal Hospital

9 Must Have Items for Your Pet’s First Aid Kit

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 14:37:00 GMT

Whether on a cross-country summer road trip with the whole family or getting out the zoomies at the local dog park, unexpected medical situations with a pet can arise just as quickly as they can with a human. Pet owners should be prepared for anything from a minor incident like a scrape to a broken leg to ingesting something that’s potentially poisonous.

We highly recommend pet owners keep a first aid kit at home and in their car in case of a problem. A pet’s first aid kit should contain essential items that can be used to provide initial care and assistance to your pet in the event of an injury, illness or emergency.

Here are the 9 items we recommend:

Addressing a wound as soon as possible is vital to prevent further bleeding. We recommend placing gauze pads on the wound to stop the bleeding. To keep the bandage in place you can lightly wrap self-adhesive medical tape around it, making sure at least one finger can fit between the wrap and the skin to avoid tight pressure. We also recommend having a pair of scissors with a blunt point to cut the gauze pads and tape without accidentally hurting your pet.

We recommend having your pet’s prescribed medicines in your first aid kit. Your pet’s medical records should also be on hand if you must rush your pet to a veterinarian.

Suppose your pet gets anything from dirt to smoke to debris in their eye. In that case, we recommend that a saline solution is present in your first aid kit to flush your pet’s eye of any irritation. We also recommend having eye lubricant in your first aid kit to help soothe your pet’s eye after flushing it out with saline.

When you are administering first-aid to your pet we recommend you use disposable gloves to protect yourself from any blood or toxins you might be exposing yourself to.

Pets, especially dogs and cats, can become agitated and sometimes more aggressive in new environments. Having a leash and a muzzle in your first aid kit can help to keep your pet and the people around your pet safe. Muzzles can also ensure that your pet does not bite while you attempt to administer first aid.

Water is a necessary part of any living thing’s life. Water can be used to hydrate dogs on a hot day or if they have been active. But water can also be used to flush a wound or soothe a burn if they do happen. We recommend having a gallon of water and a collapsible water bowl in your first-aid kit.

Ticks can be transmitted from animals to humans, so if you live in, or are going to, a woodsy area with a lot of tree cover, we highly recommend that you have a tick removal tool in your pet’s first aid kit. Prevention is also key so making sure your pet is on an effective flea, tick and heartworm medicine regularly will go a long way in helping combat diseases that these pests carry.

When put in a situation, having all of your pet’s important contact information organized into one concise list is helpful. We recommend having a card with the phone number of your regular veterinarian, emergency veterinary clinics and animal poison control.

And of course don’t forget your pet’s favorite treat! Treats are an excellent way to calm your pet and an even better way to make your pet happy.

Our pets are more than merely pets, they’re family! So, when putting together your first aid kit for your home or for a vacation to take along with you, keep the needs of your pet in mind with our list above. Having a few handy items available can help you handle minor scrapes on your own or make your pet more comfortable before receiving medical attention from your veterinarain, if needed.

Lakeside Animal Hospital is located at 9601 W Broward Blvd Plantation, FL 33324. We service the wellness and medical needs of all cats and dogs in Plantation, Sunrise, Tamarac, Cooper City, Weston, Davie and Greater Fort Lauderdale. Our Plantation animal hospital is open Monday and Thursday from 8 a.m – 6 p.m, Tuesday and Friday from 8 a.m – 7 p.m, Wednesday and Saturday from 8 a.m – 4 p.m and is closed on Sunday. We can reached by phone call or text at 954-474-8808.

9 Must Have Items for Your Pet’s First Aid Kit

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Rover Talks to Dr. Frione about Understanding the Different Colors of Cat Urine

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 13:58:00 GMT

Rover interviewed Plantation veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Frione to discuss cat urine, and how to determine whether or not your cat is healthy based on the color of its urine.

According to Dr. Frione, one serious condition that cats can develop that will affect the color of their urine is hematuria (bloody urine), which Dr. Frione says is never normal. She also provides further symptoms of cats with hematuria. Those symptoms include visiting the litter box frequently, urinating outside of the litter box, crying out when urinating and/or drinking a lot of water.

Dr. Frione went on to speak about the underlying conditions that cause hematuria in cats, saying that the most common cause of blood in a cat’s stool stems from feline lower urinary tract disease. However, she says the possibility always exists that the cause of your cat’s hematuria is more serious.

“Other causes include infection, feline idiopathic cystitis, bladder or kidney stones, cancer, clotting disorders, and trauma,” Dr. Frione says.

Hematuria can be a life threatening issue for cats so it’s important that cat owners monitor their pet’s urine for any irregularities.

To read the full article in Rover, click here .

If you believe your cat may be experiencing irregularities in its urine, please schedule anappointment with us today. We can be reached by calling or texting us at 954-474-8808.

To learn about all of our medical services here at Lakeside Animal Hospital in Plantation, Fl., visit us here.

Rover Talks to Dr. Frione about Understanding the Different Colors of Cat Urine

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Great Pet Care Asks Dr. Frione: Can Dogs Get Dandruff?

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 13:31:00 GMT

Great Pet Care interviewed Plantation veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Frione to discuss whether or not dogs can get dandruff.

According to Dr. Frione, dogs can develop dandruff, and when they do, it appears as white, flaky scales on their coat. Dr. Frione adds that the white flakes tend to be more prominent along the back and can often cause red and itchy skin.

The article explores the potential causes of dandruff in dogs, emphasizing that various factors can trigger it. Dry air, improper grooming, poor nutrition, allergies, skin infections and underlying medical conditions can all contribute to the development of dandruff in dogs.

Dr. Frione also mentions the different types of dandruff that dogs could get, citing walking dandruff or Cheyletiellosis as an example.

“Walking dandruff, or Cheyletiellosis, is a skin parasite that affects dogs, cats, rabbits, and even humans,” Dr. Frione says. “It’s not very common, but it is very contagious and is characterized as large white mites ‘walking’ on the coat. The condition causes excessive scaling and itchiness.”

Dr. Frione states that there is no one-size-fits-all remedy for dog dandruff.

“The treatment depends on the cause and should be tailored to the underlying condition

To read the entire article in Great Pet Care, click here.

If you believe your dog may have dandruff or another skin condition, please schedule an appointment with us today. We can be reached by calling or texting us at 954-474-8808.

Great Pet Care Asks Dr. Frione: Can Dogs Get Dandruff?

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Dr. Frione Gives PetMD Her Opinion on Bengal Cats as Pets

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 20:44:00 GMT

PetMD by Chewy wrote an article weighing the advantages and disadvantages of having a Bengal cat as a pet and enlisted Plantation veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Frione and owner of Lakeside Animal Hospital to help consider the risks.

Dr. Frione says that Bengal cats can make great pets. However, their owner must know how to properly take care of them. She recommends that owners consider high-generation Bengals because low-generation ones are most like their wild leopard cat ancestors.

Dr. Frione warns that Bengals do not behave traditionally like cats and are filled with energy and playfulness. She also warns against bringing a pet Bengal in a multiple-pet household because Bengals are highly territorial.

Read the full article in Newsweek, here ,

To schedule an appointment or for more information about our animal hospital in Plantation , call or text us at 954-474-8808.

Dr. Frione Gives PetMD Her Opinion on Bengal Cats as Pets

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Newsweek Asks Dr. Frione’s Opinion on Why Dogs Misbehave

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 20:42:00 GMT

Newsweek published an article chronicling the top five reasons dogs become disobedient and say all five can be boiled down to the pet’s training, or lack thereof.

The five reasons Newsweek outlined were:

As part of Newsweek’s article, Plantation veterinarian at Lakeside Animal Hospital Dr. Jennifer Frione was interviewed.

“Clear communication and positive reinforcement are key to getting your pet to obey,” Dr. Frione said.

Dr. Frione also zoned in on a dog’s level of exercise, saying, “Increased enriching activities such as food-dispensing toys, puzzle bowls and bones will help to keep them stimulated and less likely to partake in undesired behaviors.”

To read the full article, click here or to contact Lakeside Animal Hospital for veterinary pet care in Plantation, call or text us at 954-474-8808.

Newsweek Asks Dr. Frione’s Opinion on Why Dogs Misbehave

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Newsweek Interviews Dr. Frione on Chihuahuas Rising Popularity

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 20:24:00 GMT

Newsweek spoke with Plantation veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Frione about why she believes chihuahuas have become one of the most popular dog breeds.

“This breed tends to live long, happy lives with an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. They are generally very loving and friendly. However, they tend to have a ‘big dog’ mentality in certain situations,” Dr. Frione said.

To read the complete article in Newsweek, click here .

For a list of veterinarian medical services our top-rated animal hospital for dogs and cats in Broward County provides, click here .

To schedule an appointment or for more information about our animal hospital in Plantation, call or text us at 954-474-8808.

Newsweek Interviews Dr. Frione on Chihuahuas Rising Popularity

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Pet Poison Prevention: Do you know what is and isn’t poisonous to your pet?

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 17:41:00 GMT

March is Pet Poison Prevention Month – Familiarize Yourself with these Common Household Items

As a loving pet parent, keeping your animal companion by your side for as many years as possible is likely one of your top priorities. At Lakeside Animal Hospital, we provide routine health services and wellness exams for pets in Plantation, Florida and the surrounding area to ensure your animal’s health is in tip-top shape. Regular checkups are crucial for addressing potential health issues and administering vaccines but unexpected incidents such as your pet accidentally ingesting or being exposed to toxins can happen on a whim. It is essential to be prepared and aware of what steps to take in such situations.

That’s why March is a month dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of poisoning in dogs and cats. As a pet owner, it’s important to be aware of common household items that can be toxic to your furry friend and what to do if they accidentally ingest something harmful.

What is Poisonous for Dogs and Cats?

Many common household items can be toxic to pets, including human medications, plants, household cleaners and certain foods. Here are some of the most common culprits:

What to Do if Your Pet Eats Something Poisonous? If you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous, it’s important to act quickly. Here are the steps you should take:

How to Prevent Poisoning in Cats and Dogs?

Of course, the goal is to never have a poison scare. Here are some tips to help you prevent poisoning:

Pet poisoning is a serious issue, but with a little knowledge and preparation, you can help keep your furry friend safe. Remember to keep household items that are toxic out of your pet’s reach and to act quickly if you suspect that your pet has ingested something harmful.

If your pet needs emergency or urgent care in Plantation, contact us right away. We provide emergency care during our regular business hours and will do everything we can to help in your furry friend’s time of need.

If we are closed, please contact one of our emergency associates:

LeadER , Advanced Veterinary Care Center , or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.

Pet Poison Prevention: Do you know what is and isn’t poisonous to your pet?

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Lakeside Unleashed – Selfie Stick for Your Pup

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 04:02:00 GMT

Lakeside Unleashed – Selfie Stick for Your Pup

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Howl-O-Ween Event at Lakeside

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 14:42:00 GMT

Howl-O-Ween Event at Lakeside

Lakeside Animal Hospital

The Spruce Interviewed Dr. Frione on the Best Dog Nail Clippers

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 14:32:00 GMT

The Spruce Interviewed Dr. Frione on the Best Dog Nail Clippers

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Lend-A-Paw Fundraiser

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 14:01:00 GMT

Lend-A-Paw Fundraiser

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Lakeside on Summer Heat Danger to Pets with NBC 6

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 13:43:00 GMT

Lakeside on Summer Heat Danger to Pets with NBC 6

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Spirit Week Fun!

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 15:03:00 GMT

Spirit Week Fun!

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Good Rx asks Dr. Frione: What Is Ringworm in Cats, and How Do You Treat It?

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 20:47:00 GMT

Good Rx asks Dr. Frione: What Is Ringworm in Cats, and How Do You Treat It?

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Mashable takes Dr. Frione’s advice on dog anxiety products

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 21:07:00 GMT

Mashable takes Dr. Frione’s advice on dog anxiety products

Lakeside Animal Hospital

POPSUGAR asks Dr. Frione: How Do Dogs Communicate?

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 17:53:00 GMT

POPSUGAR asks Dr. Frione: How Do Dogs Communicate?

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Dog Mom Day Pet Photos & Presents

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 13:27:00 GMT

Dog Mom Day Pet Photos & Presents

Lakeside Animal Hospital

SFBW 2021 Excellence in Healthcare Honoree: Dr. Jennifer Frione

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 12:34:00 GMT

SFBW 2021 Excellence in Healthcare Honoree: Dr. Jennifer Frione

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Dog Anxiety Awareness Week

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 17:43:00 GMT

Dog Anxiety Awareness Week

Lakeside Animal Hospital

May is Chip Your Pet Month

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 17:21:00 GMT

May is Chip Your Pet Month

Lakeside Animal Hospital

We are AAHA Accredited!

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 20:00:00 GMT

We are AAHA Accredited!

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Dr. Frione tells POPSUGAR: “How Often Should I Replace My Pet’s Toys?”

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 13:27:00 GMT

Dr. Frione tells POPSUGAR: “How Often Should I Replace My Pet’s Toys?”

Lakeside Animal Hospital

March: Poison Prevention Month

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 13:09:00 GMT

March: Poison Prevention Month

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Partnership Spotlight: Gentle Pet Crossing

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 21:25:00 GMT

Partnership Spotlight: Gentle Pet Crossing

Lakeside Animal Hospital

🚨Pet Food Recall Alert🚨

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 19:53:00 GMT

��Pet Food Recall Alert��

Lakeside Animal Hospital

February: Pet Dental Health Month

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 18:41:00 GMT

February: Pet Dental Health Month

Lakeside Animal Hospital

BREAKING NEWS: Puppy Kissing Booth Photos at Lakeside Animal Hospital

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 18:02:00 GMT

BREAKING NEWS: Puppy Kissing Booth Photos at Lakeside Animal Hospital

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Fun Resolutions to Fight Pet Obesity

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 16:38:00 GMT

Fun Resolutions to Fight Pet Obesity

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Dangers of Chocolate and Your Pet

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 20:47:00 GMT

Dangers of Chocolate and Your Pet

Lakeside Animal Hospital

ALERT: Puppy Scams on the Rise

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 13:48:00 GMT

ALERT: Puppy Scams on the Rise

Lakeside Animal Hospital

WSFL-TV: If you love animals, these jobs at this animal hospital in Plantation are for you

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 20:48:00 GMT

WSFL-TV: If you love animals, these jobs at this animal hospital in Plantation are for you

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Hanukkah Pet Health and Safety

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 13:59:00 GMT

Hanukkah Pet Health and Safety

Lakeside Animal Hospital

The Anxious Pet: 6 Reasons Your Dog May Need a Supplement

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 19:10:00 GMT

The Anxious Pet: 6 Reasons Your Dog May Need a Supplement

Lakeside Animal Hospital

New product provides 12 months of prevention with just ONE dose

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 03:16:00 GMT

New product provides 12 months of prevention with just ONE dose

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Thanksgiving Hours and Foods to Avoid Feeding Pets

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 02:49:00 GMT

Thanksgiving Hours and Foods to Avoid Feeding Pets

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Pet Diabetes

Sat, 14 Nov 2020 20:45:00 GMT

Pet Diabetes

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Celebrating our Superheroes for Veterinary Technician Week

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 20:32:00 GMT

Celebrating our Superheroes for Veterinary Technician Week

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Keeping our staff, patients, and clients safe during the COVID-19 pandemic

Sun, 27 Sep 2020 19:40:00 GMT

Keeping our staff, patients, and clients safe during the COVID-19 pandemic

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Dental Disease

Sun, 27 Sep 2020 17:50:00 GMT

Dental Disease

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Animal Pain Awareness

Sun, 27 Sep 2020 17:19:00 GMT

Animal Pain Awareness

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Meows Matter

Sun, 27 Sep 2020 17:04:00 GMT

Meows Matter

Lakeside Animal Hospital

World Rabies Day

Sun, 27 Sep 2020 16:34:00 GMT

World Rabies Day

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Remembering the Hero Dogs of 9/11

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 20:00:00 GMT

Remembering the Hero Dogs of 9/11

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Happy Labor Day to All the Working Dogs

Sun, 06 Sep 2020 15:19:00 GMT

Happy Labor Day to All the Working Dogs

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Ginger Cat Appreciation

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 12:45:00 GMT

Ginger Cat Appreciation

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Download our app for a chance to be featured as Pet of the Day

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 17:28:00 GMT

Download our app for a chance to be featured as Pet of the Day

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Daily Paws: “Coton de Tulear”

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 16:48:00 GMT

Daily Paws: “Coton de Tulear”

Lakeside Animal Hospital

The Anxious Pet Online: “Calming Dog Beds. Do They Work?”

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 16:34:00 GMT

The Anxious Pet Online: “Calming Dog Beds. Do They Work?”

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Allure Magazine: “Demi Lovato Gave her Dog Eyebrows using False Eyelashes”

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 16:18:00 GMT

Allure Magazine: “Demi Lovato Gave her Dog Eyebrows using False Eyelashes”

Lakeside Animal Hospital

COVID-19 Letter to our Customers

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 16:00:00 GMT

COVID-19 Letter to our Customers

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Dogs in Hot Cars

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 21:07:00 GMT

Dogs in Hot Cars

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Tips for Traveling Safely with your Pet

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 20:56:00 GMT

Tips for Traveling Safely with your Pet

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Tips for a Pet-Friendly 4th of July

Sat, 04 Jul 2020 13:49:00 GMT

Tips for a Pet-Friendly 4th of July

Lakeside Animal Hospital

National Pet Preparedness Month

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 22:02:00 GMT

Our current pandemic and the start of Hurricane season is the perfect reason for getting yourself, your family, and your pet prepared for any emergency situation. Luckily for us pet parents; June is National Pet Preparedness Month, giving us a helpful reminder of what to do in case of an emergency or natural disaster. It only takes a short time to create an emergency plan that can potentially save your pet’s life.

Identification

It is important that your pet not only has a collar with their name and phone number for the potential finder to call but also a microchip. A microchip is a small chip the size of a grain of rice that is implanted by a veterinary professional between your pets’ shoulder blades under the skin. The device can be scanned and linked to your information at any animal shelter or veterinarian’s office. It is important to keep all of your information and your pet’s information current through the company your pets’ microchip is registered with. Make sure identification tags on your pet are current and easy to read.

Know where to go

During a hurricane, especially if you are in a known evacuation zone, knowing which pet-friendly shelter is the closest to you it is extremely important. Not all shelters allow pets, so knowing where to go could potentially save your pet’s life. Whatever you do, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PET BEHIND.

Make a kit!

Having an emergency kit for your pet is just as important as making one for the humans in the home. Your kit should include extra food, bottles of water, extra medications, copies of veterinary records, leash and collar, favorite toy, treats, bedding, gauze, cling wrap, tweezers, alcohol pads, chlorhexidine flush, flashlight, and poop bags are just a few of the essentials to add to your kit.

For more helpful tips visit the FEMA Ready Pet Site or contact us at Lakeside Animal Hospital.

National Pet Preparedness Month

Lakeside Animal Hospital

With Rainy Weather Comes Poisonous Toads

Sat, 06 Jun 2020 15:13:00 GMT

Unfortunately, we South Floridians know very well about the rainy weather our beautiful unpredictable Sunshine State throws at us. With the downpour comes plenty of water and plenty of pesky Cane Toad’s aka Bufo Toad’s. We at Lakeside Animal Hospital love all creatures big and small and truly kid when we say pesky. We just want to raise awareness that Bufo Toads truly pose a danger to our pets by teaching our community what a Cane Toad looks like and the signs of toad poisoning. Knowing these important facts will not only prove that you are a true South Floridian but will also potentially save your pet’s life.

How to spot them

What to do if your pet bites or swallows a Bufo toad

Symptoms may include:

With Rainy Weather Comes Poisonous Toads

Lakeside Animal Hospital

Transitioning your pet for re-opening phases

Thu, 28 May 2020 19:07:00 GMT

Our pets have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis just like we have. For one, pet cats and dogs have been diagnosed with the virus and displayed respiratory symptoms. Additionally, while we are finding ways to cope with the pandemic stress, pets have anxiety, too. Now that non-essential venues from parks and golf courses to restaurants and malls are open at minimum capacity, it is time for us and our pets to rebound from adversity. Whether you’ve had your pet for years or recently adopted one in the surplus of pet adoptions during the crisis, you most likely have been spending a lot more time at home. In preparation for your pet to experience separation anxiety as you return to work or other activities, consider these tips for keeping your pet comfortable.

HOW TO TRANSITION YOUR PET FOR RE-OPENING

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR PET HAS ANXIETY

WHAT TO DO IF THESE METHODS AREN’T HELPING

If the anxiety is severe and isn’t calming down from the methods above, Lakeside Animal Hospital can help diagnose and treat the problem through training, therapy or medicine. Lakeside Animal Hospital is offering accommodations, deals and discounts in light of social distancing.

Transitioning your pet for re-opening phases

Lakeside Animal Hospital