Vaccinations

Vaccinations We Offer

Canine Vaccinations:

Rabies: A viral disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, often leading to death. It is a serious disease with no cure once symptoms appear.

• How It’s Transmitted: Rabies is typically transmitted through bites or scratches from an infected animal. It can also be spread via saliva. Rabies is common in wild animals like bats, raccoons, and skunks. Pets can be exposed if they come into contact with these animals.

DA2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus): This combination vaccine covers several severe diseases:

• • Distemper: A viral infection affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
  • Adenovirus: Causes liver infection and respiratory issues.
  • Parainfluenza: A respiratory virus contributing to kennel cough.
  • Parvovirus: A highly contagious virus that attacks the digestive system and bone marrow.
• How It’s Transmitted: These viruses spread through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. They can also be transmitted through contact with an infected animal’s saliva, urine, or feces.

Leptospirosis (Lepto): A bacterial infection affecting the liver and kidneys. It can be serious and affect both pets and humans.

• How It’s Transmitted: The bacteria are spread through contact with contaminated water, soil, or animal urine. Pets are at risk in areas with stagnant water or muddy conditions where wildlife have been.

 Bordetella (Kennel Cough): A highly contagious respiratory illness.

• How It’s Transmitted: The bacterium spreads through droplets in the air when an infected dog coughs or sneezes, or through contact with contaminated surfaces. Dogs can catch kennel cough in places where many animals gather, such as boarding facilities, dog parks, or grooming salons.

Canine Influenza (Dog Flu): A contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. This vaccine helps protect your dog from the two most common strains of canine influenza.

• How It’s Transmitted: The virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected dog coughs or sneezes, or through contact with contaminated surfaces. Dogs can catch the flu in places where they come into contact with other dogs, such as dog parks, boarding facilities, or grooming salons.

Lyme Disease: Caused by a bacterium transmitted by ticks, leading to symptoms such as fever, joint pain, and fatigue.

• How It’s Transmitted: Pets are at risk in areas with high tick populations, such as wooded or grassy areas. Ticks can attach to pets during outdoor activities like hiking or playing in the yard.

Feline Vaccinations:

Rabies

FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, Chlamydophila): This vaccine covers several common feline diseases:

• • Rhinotracheitis: A viral infection causing severe respiratory issues.
  • Calicivirus: A virus leading to respiratory problems and oral ulcers.
  • Panleukopenia: Known as feline distemper, causing severe gastrointestinal problems and bone marrow issues.

• How It’s Transmitted: These diseases spread through direct contact with infected cats, respiratory droplets, or contaminated surfaces and objects. Cats can contract these infections in shelters, multi-cat households, or areas with high feline populations.

Feline Leukemia: This is a viral infection that impacts the immune system and can lead to cancer. FeLV is a serious disease that can affect your cat’s health and lifespan.

• How It’s Transmitted: The virus spreads through close contact with an infected cat’s saliva, urine, or feces, and from bite wounds. Cats in multi-cat households, shelters, or those with outdoor access are at higher risk of exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does my pet need to be vaccinated?

Vaccination schedules are tailored to your pet’s specific needs. For puppies and kittens, we recommend a series of initial vaccinations to provide them with the best possible start in life. For adult dogs and cats, routine vaccines are typically administered every one to three years, depending on the vaccine type and your pet’s lifestyle. Our veterinarians will work with you to develop a personalized schedule that ensures your pet stays protected.

Are there any risks associated with pet vaccines?

While vaccines are very safe, some pets may experience mild, temporary side effects such as tenderness at the injection site, slight fatigue, a mild fever, or a decreased appetite. These reactions are usually mild and resolve on their own within a day or two. We firmly believe the proven protection vaccines provide far outweighs any minimal and temporary risks.

What diseases do dog vaccines prevent?

Core vaccines for dogs help protect against several serious and highly contagious diseases, including canine distemper, canine parvovirus, infectious hepatitis, and rabies. Depending on your dog’s lifestyle and risk factors, we may also recommend vaccines for illnesses like leptospirosis, canine influenza, and Lyme disease.

What diseases do cat vaccines prevent?

Vaccines are essential for protecting cats from serious communicable diseases. Core vaccinations guard against feline panleukopenia (distemper), feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus type 1, and rabies. We can discuss additional vaccines, such as for feline leukemia virus (FeLV), based on your cat’s individual risk.

Can humans get sick from unvaccinated pets?

Yes, this is an important public health consideration. Not vaccinating your dog or cat can potentially put your entire household at risk for certain zoonotic diseases, which are illnesses that can be transmitted from animals to humans. This includes serious diseases like rabies and leptospirosis. Keeping your pet’s vaccinations up to date is a critical step in protecting the health and safety of your whole family—both two-legged and four-legged.