Vaccine plans tailored for your pet’s age and lifestyle
Pets today can live longer, healthier lives than ever before–in part because of vaccines that help protect them from deadly infectious diseases. Over the years, vaccines against dangerous diseases have saved millions of pets and virtually eliminated some fatal diseases that were once common. Unfortunately, many infectious diseases still pose a significant threat to dogs and cats that are unvaccinated. Although vaccine programs have been highly successful and vaccines are considered routine today, we (as caregivers) and you (as pet parents) cannot afford to become complacent about keeping pets up-to-date on their vaccinations.
We understand that your pet is unique and that no single vaccine program will be ideal for every pet in every situation. Our doctor and other staff members are well-educated about veterinary vaccines, and our goal is to give you the best advice for keeping your pet healthy. Let us develop a vaccination schedule and ongoing booster routine that accounts for your pet’s lifestyle, overall health, risk for exposure to infectious disease, and other factors.
Vaccines help pets live longer, healthier lives. Protecting your pet is our primary goal, so developing an appropriate vaccine schedule for your pet is important to us. For further information about canine and feline vaccinations, please review the information and links provided below.
Canine Vaccinations
DA2PP is a combination vaccine for your dog that protects against four primary canine diseases — Distemper Virus, Adenovirus-2, Parainfluenza & Parvovirus. Because these diseases can be deadly and do not have cures, regular vaccination is recommended to reduce your dog’s risk.
Bordetella or Kennel cough is a term loosely used to describe a complex of infections—both viral and bacterial—that causes inflammation of a dog’s voice box and windpipe. It’s a form of bronchitis and is similar to a chest cold in humans. Though it usually clears up on its own, kennel cough is highly contagious to other dogs.
Leptospirosis (lepto for short) is a serious bacterial disease of dogs, multiple animal species, and humans that occurs in countries around the world. In recent years, leptospirosis has become an increasing concern of pet owners and veterinarians in the United States, especially in cities and suburbs.
Rabies is a severe, and often fatal, viral polioencephalitis that specifically affects the gray matter of the dog’s brain and its central nervous system (CNS). The primary way the rabies virus is transmitted to dogs in the United States is through a bite from a disease carrier: foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats.
Feline Vaccinations
The FVRCP vaccination is an important part of your cat’s routine. It prevents three potentially deadly airborne viruses: rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia. These three viruses can be contracted by cats at any age. Kittens should receive their first FVRCP vaccination at 6 to 8 weeks of age, followed by three booster shots once a month. Adult cats should receive a booster once every year or two, according to your vet’s recommendation. Adult cats with unknown vaccination records should receive a FVRCP vaccination, plus a booster. Because FVRCP is a live vaccine, it should not be given to pregnant cats.
Feline leukemia virus is the leading cause of cancer in cats, but not all cats need to be vaccinated to be safe from it. The virus is contracted through contact with an infected cat, so if your other cats have not tested positive for the virus—and if they all stay indoors—there is no need to vaccinate a new kitten that you bring into your home.
However, if any of your cats will spend time outdoors, a vaccination may help provide protection from the virus. And if your cat does test positive for the virus, you’ll need to take extra precautions to help them—and your other cats—stay as healthy as possible.
For example, infected cats will be very susceptible to other diseases, such as upper respiratory infections, so you will need to monitor their health closely. And you will need to keep them separated from other cats, because the leukemia virus is highly contagious.
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that can infect all warm-blooded animals, including cats and humans. It affects the central nervous system, and often first reveals itself through significant changes in a cat’s behavior, including sudden restless, aggression and fear.
PUREVAX®, the Merial line of feline vaccines, is developed with state-of-the-art technology just for cats and kittens. PUREVAX vaccines deliver everything needed to induce immunity without any of the unnecessary proteins or adjuvants. Adjuvants are additives that increase the immune response and may present potential risks to feline patients, such as injection site reactions and chronic inflammation.5,6 PUREVAX is the only complete line ofnonadjuvanted feline vaccines available.
Cats are exposed to many diseases during their lifetime. Some of these diseases may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Your veterinarian will advise you of what diseases your cat may be at risk of contracting, and which vaccine(s) is appropriate to ensure your pet’s good health.