Vaccines are the cornerstone to disease control. Every year animals become sick with transmittable diseases which can cause severe diarrhea, 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 appropriately you can help them stay healthy and protect 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 or 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 Vaccinations and their administration schedule:
Please take note that Carter County Animal Hospital recommends having a veterinarian give all vaccines in case of underlying health issues. We recommend examinations for 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 around 6, 9, 12 and 15 weeks. Boostered one year later and then every year for life. Considered a core vaccine.
Feline Leukemia(felv): A retrovirus similar to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This is only transmittable to other felines. Given around 12 and 15 weeks and then yearly for all outside or high risk 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 or every 3 years for life depending on local laws. Considered a core vaccine.
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-noticeable in the early stages. Once diagnosed, a rabid animal must be euthanized. Given at 15 weeks then boostered yearly or every 3 years depending on local laws for life. Considered a core vaccine.
DACPP and/or DACLPP: Canine parvovirus, distemper, corona virus, adenovirus (hepatitis), parainfluenza and leptospirosis. Given around 6, 9, 12 and 15 weeks. Boostered 1 year later and then DAP vaccine every 3 years for life. Considered a core vaccine.
DAP: Canine parvovirus, distemper and adenovirus (hepatitis) vaccine given to adult dogs (2 years and older) that is licensed to be given every 3 years. This vaccine will be given every 3 years for life.
Bordetella (Parainfluenza, adenovirus and Bordetella): Also called Kennel Cough – an airborne organism that causes continual coughing for up to 3 weeks. Given at 9 and 12 weeks and then boostered yearly for life. Considered a core vaccine.
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.
Lyme Disease: A bacterial infection transmitted through ticks that causes varied disease symptoms in dogs and people. Vaccine can be given to dogs to lessen the incidence of disease and may help in decreasing the exposure to pet owners. Vaccine given twice the first year then yearly for life.
Rattlesnake Vaccine: Snake bites are a very common veterinary emergency and there are now vaccines that can counter some of the dangers involved in snake bites of rattlesnakes and copperheads. The first year the vaccine is given it must be given twice 4 weeks apart then every 6 months to keep the level of anti-venom at protective levels in the blood stream of dogs or cats. The vaccine is only given to patients that are at risk. Ask Dr. Wilson if your pet’s lifestyle puts your pet at risk.
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