Vaccinations
Pet Vaccinations
for your dog or cat.
Vaccinating your pet is the cornerstone of their care plan which is why every veterinarian offers vaccinations. Many elements of vet care are controversial, or possibly even debatable. Your pet’s vaccinations however are the essential, “If you can only do one,” care item that should be performed regularly.
LET'S TALK VACCINATION DETAILS
Learn more about which vaccinations are used for your pet.
VACCINATIONS FOR CANINES
Rabies
If vaccinations are the cornerstone of care, then Rabies is the cornerstone of vaccinations. Mandated in nearly every state and country, this vaccination will prevent progressive neurological problems and death should your pet be bitten by an infected animal.
DAPPV
The DAPPV vaccination for dogs is a combination vaccination, meaning it vaccinates against multiple virus’ without having to give multiple injections. The DAPPV stands for:- Distemper
- Adenovirus Type-1 (Infectious Hepatitis)
- Parainfluenza
- Parvovirus
Distemper
Canine Distemper is a highly contagious and serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of puppies and dogs. It is spread through airborne exposure, shared food, water bowls and equipment. Canine Distemper can also be spread through the placenta from mothers to her puppies.
Infectious Hepatitis
Infectious Hepatitis, also known as Adenovirus Type-1, is a disease that causes inflammation of the liver in dogs and other members of the dog family. It is spread through urine as well as the nose and eye discharges of infected animals.
Parainfluenza
Parainfluenza, one of the viral infections known as kennel cough (the other being Bordetella), is a highly contagious respiratory virus. It is highly recommended for dogs that board, go to daycare, grooming, dog parks, or even have playtime with neighbor dogs.
Parvovirus
The Parvovirus vaccine prevents against a Parvovirus infection which causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and life-threatening sepsis in unprotected dogs. Puppies are particularly susceptible to Parvovirus so this vaccine should start during puppy vaccine visits.
Bordetella
Bordetella, one of the infections known as kennel cough (the other being Parainfluenza), is highly recommended for dogs that board, go to daycare, grooming, dog parks, or even have playtime with neighbor dogs. Bordetella is highly contagious, spreading through aerosol droplets, direct contact, or contact with contaminated surfaces such as water bowls and toys. It is similar to the common cold in grade schools, easily transmitted, usually many contracting it at once, with the most common prescription for treatment being a few weeks of rest and occasionally an antibiotic to prevent secondary infections.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria shed in the urine of infected wild animals. Leptospirosis is zoonotic, meaning it can spread from animals to humans, though it is rare. Most human cases come from recreational activities involving water. When dogs are treated early and aggressively, the chances of recovery are good but there is still a risk of permanent kidney or liver damage.
Canine Lyme Disease
Canine Lyme Disease is transmitted through bacteria in the black-legged tick (aka. Deer Tick). It is the same type of lyme disease humans can get from the same tick. The Deer Tick is common to the midwest and eastern United States so if you or your dog frequent the woods, woodlines, or tall grasses, you should consider the Lyme Disease vaccine for your pet.
VACCINATIONS FOR FELINES
Rabies
If vaccinations are the cornerstone of care, then Rabies is the cornerstone of vaccinations. Mandated in nearly every state and country, this vaccination will prevent progressive neurological problems and death should your pet be bitten by an infected animal.
FVRCP
The FVRCP vaccination for cats is a combination vaccination, meaning it vaccinates against multiple virus’ without having to give multiple injections. The FVRCP stands for:
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
- Calicivirus
- Panleukopenia
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) is a type of herpes virus specific to domestic and wild cats. FVR is a major cause of upper respiratory disease and is the most common cause of conjunctivitis. It is spread through direct contact with the saliva or eyes and nose discharges of an infected cat.
Calicivirus
Calicivirus is a leading cause of upper respiratory infections and oral disease in cats. Like FVR, it is spread through direct contact with the saliva or eyes and nose discharges of an infected cat.
Panleukopenia
Feline Panleukopenia (FPL) means a decrease in the number of white blood cells in the body. FPL is caused by a virus of the parvovirus family, similar to that which can infect dogs. FPL is present in all secretions, particularly feces, of infected cats. It can be spread by direct contact with an infected cat, or it can be transferred by contaminated water, feed bowls, or on shoes and clothing.
Feline Leukemia
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) invades various cells of a cat’s immune system and blood-forming tissues. This invasion leads to the cell’s death or mutation which can make the cell potentially cancerous. Cancer however is not the only possible outcome. FeLV infection often results in a moderate to severe suppression of the immune system or the development of life-threatening anemia, intestinal inflammation, nerve disease, or eye disease. Like FPL, FeLV is spread by the secretions of, or direct contact with, an infected cat.