Preventative Care & Vaccinations
We offer individualized preventive care plans for every pet. This is the foundation of a wellness program. Preventative care keeps your animal companions healthy and can extend the quality and length of their lives.
Some of the most common pet vaccines protect against the following diseases:
Rabies
This is a fatal viral disease of all mammals, including dogs, cats, livestock, and humans. Infected wildlife is the main source of this virus but unvaccinated pets are also a concern. There are government requirements for rabies vaccinations for pets over 12 weeks of age.
Canine Distemper
Vaccination against distemper virus is strongly recommended for all dogs. Nearly every dog will be exposed at some point in its lifetime. When infection occurs, it is often fatal. Symptoms include listlessness, fever, coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, and discharge from the eyes and nose. In its final stages, it may cause convulsions, paralysis and death.
Parvovirus
This highly contagious and debilitating virus is spread through infected fecal material. It is a very hardy virus and can survive in the environment for extended periods. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. If left untreated, it can lead to death. Vaccination against parvovirus is extremely important for all dogs.
Leptospirosis
It is an infectious bacterial disease that may result in chronic kidney disease and can affect both you and your dog. Leptospirosis is spread by contact with the urine of an infected dog or wild animal.
Lyme
The bacteria that cause Lyme disease in dogs and humans are carried by a specific tick species. Lyme disease has been difficult to diagnose because of the long incubation period and vague, arthritic, flu-like symptoms but newer tests allow us to screen healthy dogs and detect the disease much sooner. Lyme disease can damage many different organs, including the liver, heart,and kidneys. Infective ticks are prevalent in this area and, because of their small size, are easy to miss on your pet. Vaccination is the best course of action if your pet is at risk of exposure.
"Kennel Cough" Vaccination
Several types of bacteria and viruses are known to cause infection and inflammation of the lungs and respiratory passages of dogs. The most prevalent, which we can vaccinate for are adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza virus and bordetella bronchiseptica. The stress associated with boarding, doggie daycare and increased exposure to other dogs commonly results in “kennel cough” in unvaccinated dogs.
Panleukopenia
Panleukopenia, or feline distemper, is a widespread, often fatal disease. Since most cats are likely to be exposed to panleukopenia in their lifetime, vaccination against this illness is important. Clinical signs of panleukopenia include fever, depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
This viral disease attacks the immune system and leaves the cat vulnerable to a host of secondary infections. Death most often occurs within 3 years of infection. Because transmission usually occurs through contact with other felines, those cats that live in multi-cat households or are allowed to roam outdoors are particularly at risk.
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