Pet vaccinations are divided into two categories: core and lifestyle (also sometimes referred to as non-core). Core vaccines are those which are recommended for all pets. They protect against deadly diseases like rabies and distemper. Core vaccines for dogs include
Rabies,
Parvovirus,
Distemper, Rattlesnake, and
Canine Hepatitis.
For cats, core vaccines include
Rabies,
Panleukopenia,
Feline Calicivirus, and Rhinotracheitis.
Lifestyle vaccines are only recommended for some pets and are based on lifestyle factors. To determine whether your pet needs these vaccinations, our vet will ask questions like whether your cat goes outside, your dog visits boarding or doggy daycare facilities, or if you spend a lot of time in wooded areas with your pet. Some of the most common lifestyle vaccines for dogs include
Bordetella, Lyme Disease, and
Leptospirosis. The Bordetella vaccine is also recommended for some cats, along with the
Feline Leukemia Vaccine.
This virus is common in cat populations, especially outdoor cats, and is one of the leading causes of death (whether directly or indirectly). Like FIV, this virus is commonly contracted through close contact with other infected felines and bites during catfights. This virus, however, is also contractable through blood, urine, feces, nasal secretions, and through mothers’ milk. There are many types of infection for FeLV, and each will determine the level of infection, viral replication, and disease progression. The type of infection will determine the type of treatment and overall prognosis.
Cats are most vulnerable to this disease as kittens, and prevention is critical. Feline Leukemia is almost entirely preventable with vaccination. Frequent testing for outdoor cats and vaccinations are recommended. Positive cats should be kept indoors and kept away from other cats to decrease the risk of exposing other animals. Positive cats may live happily for several years. However, the prognosis runs around three years post-diagnosis.
Lepto is caused by bacteria and can be found worldwide in soil and water exposed to contaminated urine. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be spread from animals to people. Symptoms can be absent or can include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, severe weakness and lethargy, stiffness, jaundice, muscle pain, infertility, and ultimately kidney failure.
This highly infectious bacterium causes severe fits of coughing, whooping, vomiting, and, in rare cases, seizures and death. It is the primary cause of
Two of the main viruses responsible for upper respiratory infections in cats. They are highly contagious and are typically most prevalent in groups of cats where they are shed and infect repeatedly. Most kittens are already infected at birth or soon after, and this virus will be present throughout its life as there is no cure. Symptoms of upper respiratory infections often occur when the cat is stressed or immunity is compromised. Treatment is often aimed at alleviating symptoms or treatment of secondary bacterial infections. Sometimes, treatment with antibiotics and/or antivirals is indicated if symptoms are severe. Other viral agents that are often associated with upper respiratory infections include Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, and Bordetella. Vaccination is not fully preventative and is aimed at decreasing the severity of symptoms when infections occur.
A very contagious, life-threatening disease in cats, especially kittens. This virus is ubiquitous and can survive for years in the environment, even at freezing temperatures. Almost every cat will be exposed to this virus throughout its life, even when kept strictly indoors. Fortunately, vaccination is highly effective and is considered one of the “core” vaccines in cats regardless of their lifestyle. Feline Distemper Virus is closely related to Canine Parvovirus, although much more lethal and harder to kill. The virus first attacks the bone marrow and depletes the level of white blood cells that are crucial for fighting infections. Once white blood cells have been wiped out, the virus invades the intestinal tract causing ulceration, diarrhea, and life-threatening dehydration. If the cat survives the infection, generally, there are no lasting effects, and immunity is achieved. This virus is also responsible for Cerebellar Hypoplasia or “wobbly kitten” when infected as a fetus from the mother.
A very serious viral disease of mammals that invades the central nervous system, causing headache, anxiety, hallucinations, excessive drooling, fear of water, paralysis, and death. It is most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Treatment within hours of infection is essential but often limited. This disease is almost always fatal. Rabies is also a zoonotic disease which means it can be spread to humans. Most states legally require a Rabies vaccination.
Congratulations on your new cat or kitten! As you’re settling in with the new addition to your family, don’t forget the importance of your new cat or kitten’s immunity! Another important aspect to consider is their lifestyle. Will they be an indoor-only cat, an outdoor-only cat, or will they be able to come and go as they please? Cats that are allowed outside are at a significant increase in certain diseases due to contact with other animals. If your cat is indoor-only, don’t forget to provide plenty of high places they can escape and relax on, things they are allowed to scratch on, and plenty of stimulating toys. Also, ensure that your cat’s litterbox is in a nice, quiet, clean space. It is typically recommended to have a single litterbox plus one for each cat you have. Cats are very sensitive to smells and activity/stressors and will often show displeasure by acting out (such as urinating outside the litterbox). By providing plenty of stimulation, safe places, and clean litterboxes, you ensure your cat’s mental and physical health.
Below we have given you a list of the many diseases, their vaccines, and why we recommend them. During your kitten or cat wellness visit, we will help you determine which vaccines are essential, which vaccines are optional— and why.
Canine Hepatitis is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, and eyes. This disease of the liver is caused by a virus that is unrelated to the human form of Hepatitis. Symptoms range from a slight fever and congestion of the mucous membranes to vomiting, jaundice, stomach enlargement, and pain around the liver.
Many dogs can overcome the mild form of the disease, but the severe form can be fatal. Treatment consists of managing symptoms and preventing secondary infections.
A severe and contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs, raccoons, skunks, and other animals, Distemper spreads through airborne exposure (through sneezing or coughing) from an infected animal. The virus can also be transmitted by shared food and water bowls and equipment. It causes discharge from the eyes and nose, fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, twitching, paralysis, and, often, death. There is no cure for Distemper. Treatment consists of supportive care and efforts to prevent secondary infections.
Parvo is a highly contagious virus that affects all dogs, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies are at the most risk for contraction. The virus is found in the soil and can persist for months. Shedding occurs primarily via feces. The virus attacks the gastrointestinal system and creates nausea, vomiting, fever, and often severe, bloody diarrhea. Extreme dehydration can occur rapidly and can result in death in 48-to-72 hours, so prompt veterinary attention is crucial. There is no cure for Parvo, and treatment consists of rehydration and managing vomiting and diarrhea, and nausea.
**The Canine Coronavirus is not the same virus that causes COVID-19 in people. COVID-19 is not thought to be a health threat to dogs, and there is no evidence it makes dogs sick.
A very serious viral disease of mammals that invades the central nervous system, causing headache, anxiety, hallucinations, excessive drooling, fear of water, paralysis, and death. It is most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Treatment within hours of infection is essential but often limited. This disease is almost always fatal. Rabies is also a zoonotic disease, which means it can be spread to humans. Most states legally require a Rabies vaccination.
Congratulations on your new puppy! As you’re settling in with the new addition to your family, dealing with potty training and sleepless nights, don’t forget the importance of your new puppy’s immunity! As your puppy grows, the immunity they received from their mother’s milk begins to decrease. Initial vaccinations for your puppy are administered during the time that their mother’s protection is decreasing and their own immunity is beginning. Giving vaccinations too early will result in their mother’s immunity overpowering the effects of a vaccine. This is why we typically recommend giving initial vaccinations beginning at 6-8 weeks of age. Booster vaccines are then given every 3-4 weeks, as the puppy’s immune system begins to mature and create memory. There are many vaccines that are available and can become overwhelming. Below we have given you a list of the many diseases, their vaccines, and why we recommend them. During your puppy wellness visit, we will help you determine which vaccines are essential, which vaccines are optional— and why.
