Vaccinations
Vaccines are the cornerstone to disease control. Every year animals become sick with transmittable diseases which can cause severe diarhhea, dehydration, aggression, vomiting, coughing and even death. Some of these diseases are zoonotic (meaning they can be transmitted to you). By vaccinating your dog or cat appropiately you can help them stay healthy and yourself.
What is a vaccine? A preparation of weakened microorganisms given to create resistance to a disease
How is it given? It is administered by injection through a needle, by mouth and by aerosol
Why are vaccines necessary? Vaccines activate cells in your body to fight the virus. When it has been defeated the cells retain a memory of the virus so next time they will know how to fight off infection.
Recommended FELINE vaccines and their administration schedule:
Please take note that Traditions Animal Hospital recommends having a veterinarian give all vaccines in case of underlying health issues. We examine all animals prior to giving any vaccine.
FVRCP: Feline herpesvirus (the cause of feline rhinotracheitis), feline calicivirus and feline parvovirus (the cause of panleukopenia). Given at 6, 9, 12 and 15 weeks. Boostered 1 year later and then every 3 years for life.
Feline Leukemia(felv): A retrovirus similar to Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This is only transmittable to other felines. Given at 12 and 15 weeks. Boostered 1 year later then every 2 years for all outside cats. We will discuss the pros/cons of giving the vaccine to indoor only cats.
Rabies: A zoonotic (transmittable between humans and animals) disease. All mammals can carry rabies and it is usually fatal. It is passed through the saliva and is un-noticeable in the early stages. Once diagnosed a rabid animal must be euthanized. Given at 15 weeks then boostered yearly for life.
Recommended CANINE vaccines and their administration schedule:
Rabies: A zoonotic (transmittable between humans and animals) disease. All mammals can carry rabies and it is usually fatal. It is passed through the saliva and is un-noticable in the early stages. Once diagnosed a rabid animal must be euthanized. Given at 15 weeks then boostered yearly for life.
Dhpp: Canine parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza. Given at 6, 9, 12 and 15 weeks. Boostered 1 year later and then every 3 years for life.
Bordetella: Also called Canine or Kennel Cough. An airborne organism that causes continual coughing for up to 3 weeks. Given at 9 weeks and then boostered yearly for life.
Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection that can occur with contact of wildlife urine and can cause liver and kidney failure. Leptospirosis is considered to be one of the most common zoonotic infections in the world. Given at 12 and 15 weeks and then yearly for life.