New clients welcome! Limited time free first wellness exam (terms apply) - Book Today!



February is National Pet Dental Health Month - a great reminder that your pet's oral care is key to their overall health. Schedule a professional cleaning to keep their smile bright and healthy!

How Often Does Your Pet Need a Dental Cleaning? A Vet's Guide to Oral Health

Starting the year with a new puppy or kitten? This guide covers everything new pet parents need to know - from vet visits and nutrition to training and safety - so you and your furry friend can thrive together.



First Steps for New Pet Parents: Caring for Your Puppy or Kitten in the New Year

Help your cat beat the summer heat with hydration tips, grooming advice, diet updates, parasite prevention, and mental enrichment. This seasonal guide covers everything to keep your feline happy and healthy all June long.



Essential Cat Care Tips Every Pet Parent Should Know

As pet owners, one of our greatest concerns is ensuring our furry friends are happy and healthy. Recognizing signs of pain in pets can sometimes be challenging, as they can't communicate in words like we do. However, animals do have ways of letting us know when something isn't right. Here's a guide from our team, at Copper Basin Veterinary Clinic, to help you understand if your pet might be in pain and what steps you can take to help them feel better.

Is My Pet in Pain? Recognizing the Signs and Taking Action

May is Lyme Disease Prevention Month, making it the perfect time to educate pet owners about this prevalent tick-borne illness. As the weather warms up, ticks become more active, increasing the risk of Lyme disease for pets and humans.

Lyme Disease in Pets: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

Northern Lakes Veterinary Hospital

about-us-page

embedded-reviews-section

our-history-section

our-teams-section

Proudly serving the citizens of Ashland and it's surrounding areas.

why-us-section

app-download-page

download-app-section

blogs-page

blogs-section

book-appointment-page

book-appointment-section

career-page

Northern Lakes Veterinary Hospital is dedicated to providing outstanding veterinary care for the Ashland community pets. Your pet's health and comfort are our highest priorities.

amrv-career-about-section

amrv-career-section

amrv-contact-section

amrv-job-section

forms-page

form-section

landing-page

amrv-about-us-section

contact-us-section

cta-bar

faq-section

footer-section

hero-section

nav-cta-section

otto-widget-section

our-services-section

testimonials-section

vetstoria-widget-section

news-page

our-history-page

payment-info-page

payment-information-section

payment-section-2

payment-section-3

services-page

service-page-section

team-page

teams-page-section

video-page

Ensuring Your Pet’s Wellness: The Crucial Role of Preventative Lab WorkWhen it comes to our pets, we often focus on the visible aspects of their health—ensuring they eat the right food, get plenty of exercise, and receive regular check-ups. However, one crucial aspect of pet healthcare that is sometimes overlooked is preventative lab work . This type of testing plays a vital role in maintaining your pet’s overall well-being and can be the key to early detection of potential health issues.Why Preventative Lab Work Matters – <ol><li>Establishing Health Baselines : Preventative lab work allows veterinarians to establish baseline health data for your pet. These baselines are essential because they provide a reference point for future comparisons. When your pet is healthy, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/pet-in-house-diagnostic-lab-woodstock-ga/">lab tests</a> like blood work, urinalysis, and fecal exams can show what normal looks like for your pet. If your pet’s health changes, these baselines help your vet understand what might be wrong more quickly and accurately.</li><li>Early Detection of Illness and Disease – Many illnesses and diseases in pets can be asymptomatic in the early stages. Regular lab work can catch subtle changes in your pet’s health before they become evident through symptoms. For example, blood tests can reveal early signs of kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, and more. Early detection often means more treatment options and a better prognosis.</li><li>Comprehensive Health Assessment – Preventative lab work provides a comprehensive view of your pet’s health. Routine tests can check for parasites, infections, and other conditions that might not be visible during a physical exam. By having a complete picture of your pet’s health, your vet can make more informed decisions about their care.</li></ol>Increasing Awareness About Diagnostic Lab Work – Preventative lab work is not just about catching problems early; it’s also about understanding the underlying causes of your pet’s symptoms. Here’s why diagnostic lab work is so important:<ol><li>Identifying Root Causes – When a pet presents symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, or weight loss , it can be challenging to determine the exact cause without lab tests. Diagnostic lab work helps identify the root cause of these symptoms rather than just treating the symptoms themselves. For example, a pet with chronic diarrhea might have a gastrointestinal infection, parasites, or an underlying metabolic disorder. Lab tests can pinpoint the exact issue so that the treatment can be targeted and effective.</li><li>Tailored Treatment Plans – Once the root cause of a pet’s illness is identified, veterinarians can develop a tailored treatment plan. This approach is more effective than a one-size-fits-all treatment and can lead to faster recovery times and better overall health outcomes.</li><li>Monitoring Chronic Conditions – For pets with chronic conditions, regular lab work is crucial for monitoring their health and adjusting treatment plans as needed. Conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and kidney disease require ongoing monitoring to ensure that the treatment remains effective and to prevent complications.</li></ol>Is it time for your pet’s next check-up or lab work? Don’t wait until symptoms appear—be proactive about your pet’s health. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/contact/">Contact us</a> today to schedule an appointment and discuss how preventative lab work can benefit your furry friend. Our team is here to provide the best care and support for your pet’s health and happiness.&nbsp;

Discover how preventative lab work can detect hidden health issues, establish vital baselines, and support early treatment - helping your pet stay healthier, longer. Don't wait for symptoms to appear.

Ensuring Your Pet's Wellness: The Crucial Role of Preventative Lab Work

<noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-PZQX3RL"
height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript>

gtm_68cd48f42eb319eb146c6813

<script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':
new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],
j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src=
'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);
})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-PZQX3RL');</script>

Stay up-to-date with the latest pet information.

Dianne G

C. Landroche

Claire Denton

Phyllis Duncan

250+

Proudly serving Ashland since 1995, trusted for years of compassionate, dependable pet care.

Get fast, accurate results with our in-house lab and diagnostic tools.

Diagnostics

Sign up for our newsletter to learn about new opportunities, team stories, and learning moments from Northern Lakes Veterinary Hospital.

Connect With Us

Reach out directly to our Talent Team! We are happy to guide you through roles, culture, and everything in between.

Have Questions

Please note that if you arrive more than 10 minutes late for your scheduled appointment you will Need to be rescheduled. We are a very busy hospital and want to ensure that all appointments receive our full attention.  We greatly appreciate your understanding and look forward to caring for you and your pet.

Receive Automatic Reminders, Request Appointments 24/7,Your Pet's Organizer App and Save Notes, Pics & Much More!

Download our app and connect with us on PetDesk. Maintaining your pet's health from your mobile device has never been easier.

Northern Lakes Veterinary Hospital accepts Cash and Credit/Debit cards along with other financing options mentioned bellow.

We are pleased to offer access to several financing options.

Save time at your first appointment! Complete your client registration and media release form online before your visit.

Consult Online

Online Store

Pet Portal

Billing

Client Forms

Download App

There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team.

Additional Services

General Services

Speciality Services

Get your pet's medications, food, and preventatives delivered straight to your door - fast and easy.


Pharmacy

Pharmacy Home Delivery

Not feeling like themselves? We're here to diagnose, treat, and help your pet feel better fast.

Illness/ Injury & Sick

A quick microchip gives your pet a permanent ID and increases their chance of being reunited if lost.


Microchipping

Treat and prevent internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms with trusted care.


Deworming

Deworming & Parasite Control

From routine to advanced procedures, your pet is in skilled, compassionate hands every step of the way.


Pet Surgery

Spaying or neutering helps prevent health issues, unwanted litters, and certain behavior challenges.


Spay & Neuter

Protect your pet from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and more with year-round parasite prevention plans.


Parasite Prevention

Advanced diagnostics like bloodwork, X-rays, and ultrasound help us catch issues early and treat fast.

Diagnostics & Imaging

Support your pet's health with professional dental cleanings, exams, and oral care you can trust.

Dental Care

Protect your pet from preventable diseases with customized vaccine schedules for every life stage.

Vaccinations

Keep your pet healthy with routine wellness exams, early detection, and personalized care plans.

Ensuring Your Pet's Wellness: The Crucial Role of Preventative Lab Work

Recent Blog

Related Blog

Navigating Life After a Lyme Disease Diagnosis for Your Canine Companion

Protect Your Furry Friends: Recognizing the Indicators of Heartworm Infection

Do Pets Get Allergies? True or False?

Northern Lakes Veterinary Hospital FAQs

Ensuring Your Pet's Wellness: The Crucial Role of Preventative Lab Work

Recent Blog

How Often Does Your Pet Need a Dental Cleaning? A Vet's Guide to Oral Health

First Steps for New Pet Parents: Caring for Your Puppy or Kitten in the New Year

Essential Cat Care Tips Every Pet Parent Should Know

Related Blog

Navigating Life After a Lyme Disease Diagnosis for Your Canine Companion

Protect Your Furry Friends: Recognizing the Indicators of Heartworm Infection

Do Pets Get Allergies? True or False?

Northern Lakes Veterinary Hospital FAQs

Can I get a diagnosis or prescription over the phone?

Why are annual wellness exams so important?

What payment options do you accept?

Do I need to make an appointment?

What services do you offer?