Vaccinations

What Vaccines Does My Pet Need?
Vaccines are an extremely important part of your dog's or cat’s health care routine. Please see your veterinarian for more information about vaccines and your pet’s health. Beginning at six weeks of age, puppies should be given a vaccine that protects against distemper and parvo viruses. Your dog will need yearly boosters to remain protected from these diseases. By vaccinating your pet, you protect your family friend from various diseases including rabies, distemper and parvo virus, hepatitis and other infectious diseases. 


What diseases do DOGS need to be vaccinated against?

  • Rabies is fatal. The rabies virus attacks the brain and central nervous system and is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of an infected animal. It is required by law to vaccinate your dog or cat at 4 months of age and then to administer boosters every 1 to 3 years.
  • Canine Distemper is a widespread and often fatal disease. The virus can be carried in the air, making nearly every dog exposed at some point in his or her lifetime. All dogs should be vaccinated against distemper, starting with a series of vaccinations at six weeks of age.
  • Canine Hepatitis is a disease of the liver that caused by a virus. The hepatitis virus is transmitted in urine, nasal or eye secretions of infected animals. The canine infectious hepatitis virus does not affect humans.
  • Canine Parvovirus is highly contagious and causes severe dehydrating diarrhea and vomiting in dogs of all ages. This intestinal infection is especially dangerous in puppies. It is frequently fatal.
  • Parainfluenza causes serious respiratory infections and is part of the complex of diseases commonly known as “kennel cough.” It is highly contagious and transmitted by sneezing or coughing.
  • Canine Bordetella is part of the complex of viruses and bacterias commonly known as “kennel cough” and can be transmitted by breathing air infected with particles of the disease. It is especially important to vaccinate your dog against bordetella if he is around other dogs or will be kenneled.

What diseases do CATS need to be vaccinated against?

  • Rabies is fatal. The rabies virus attacks the brain and central nervous system and is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of an infected animal. It is required by law to vaccinate your cat or dog 4 months of age or older against rabies.
  • Feline Panleukopenia (informally known as distemper) is among the most widespread of all cat diseases and is extremely contagious. Characterized by fever, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea, feline panleukopenia is often fatal. It is in the same family of viruses known as Parvovirus in dogs.
  • Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis is a highly contagious respiratory disease characterized by sneezing, loss of appetite, fever and eye inflammation. Once infected, the cat will remain a carrier for life and often will become sick under stressful situations.
  • Feline Calicivirus is another serious feline respiratory infection, often occurring simultaneously with feline viral rhinotracheitis. Infections are similar, but calicivirus-infected cats may also have ulcers on the tongue and soreness of the limbs.

For more information disease and disease prevention, please click here. Please see your veterinarian for more information about vaccines and your pet’s health.