Dogs
Rabies is a deadly disease transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, through contact from infected saliva or brain/nervous system tissue. It is only transmitted by coming in contact with these specific bodily fluids and tissues. Any animal bitten or scratched by a wild, carnivorous mammal or bat is considered to have been exposed to rabies. Unvaccinated animals exposed to rabies should be euthanized immediately due to the severity of this disease. If you are unwilling to have this done, the animal will need to be in strict isolation for 6 months and vaccinated one month before release. Rabies causes aggressive behavior, paralysis, and death. Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it is transmittable to humans. There is no treatment for this disease, and it is always fatal. This is the only vaccine that is required by law.
Vaccine Schedule:
1st vaccine – 14-16 weeks of age
2nd vaccine – 1 year after the first vaccine
3rd vaccine and every vaccine thereafter – every 3 years unless required more often by local laws
This vaccine helps protect against four different diseases: Canine Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2, Parainfluenza, Canine Parvovirus.
Canine Distemper is a deadly disease characterized by respiratory complications and often neurological symptoms. This disease is difficult to treat, and if the animal survives, it faces a progressive deterioration of motor skills and mental abilities.
The Adenovirus type 2 virus and Parainfluenza virus cause infectious tracheobronchitis, or kennel cough. This disease is associated with harsh, dry coughing followed by gagging or retching. It can progress to fatal bronchopneumonia in puppies or chronic bronchitis in older animals. This disease is transmitted by inhalation of infectious airborne droplets.
Canine Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that attacks rapidly producing cells, such as those lining the gastrointestinal tract. This illness is characterized by vomiting and profuse diarrhea that is often bloody. Animals infected with parvo need to be hospitalized to correct the dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that are associated with the vomiting and diarrhea. Parvo is shed in the stool in large amounts for up to several weeks following infection. It is transmitted by oral contact with the infected feces. It can be carried on nearly anything and stays in the environment for months if not disinfected properly.
Vaccine Schedule:
1st vaccine – 8 weeks of age
2nd vaccine – 12 weeks of age
3rd vaccine – 16 weeks of age
Over 16 weeks of age – annually to every three years
This vaccine helps protect against infection from Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is one cause of Kennel Cough.
Vaccine Schedule:
1st vaccine – 16 weeks of age
Over 16 weeks of age – Oral vaccine annually
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by infection with Leptospira bacteria. These bacteria can be found worldwide in soil and water. There are many strains of Leptospira bacteria that can cause disease, and many mammals are susceptible—including dogs, people, livestock, and certain wildlife. Although cats also may become ill, this happens only rarely.
Leptospirosis is more common in warm climates with high annual rainfall, but it can occur anywhere, especially after heavy rainfall and flooding. For dogs, the midwestern, eastern, and southwestern regions of the United States are considered hotspots of infection.
All dogs are at risk of leptospirosis, regardless of age, breed, lifestyle, geographic location, time of year, and other factors. The following situations can increase that risk:
- Exposure to or drinking from slow-moving or stagnant water sources, like ponds, rivers, lakes, or streams
- Roaming on rural properties (because of exposure to potentially infected wildlife or farm animals or urine-contaminated water sources)
- Exposure to wild animals (especially rodents) or farm animals, even if in the backyard
- Contact with other dogs (such as in urban areas, dog parks, or boarding or training facilities)
1st vaccine – 12 weeks of age
2nd vaccine – 16 weeks of age
Over 16 weeks of age-Annually
Cats
Rabies is a deadly disease transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, through saliva or brain/nervous system tissue. It is only transmitted by coming in contact with these specific bodily fluids and tissues. Any animal bitten or scratched by a wild, carnivorous mammal or bat is considered to have been exposed to rabies. Unvaccinated animals exposed to rabies should be euthanized immediately due to the severity of this disease. If you are unwilling to have this done, the animal will need to be in strict isolation for 6 months and vaccinated one month before release. Rabies causes aggressive behavior, paralysis, and death. Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it is transferrable to humans. There is no treatment for this disease, and it is always fatal. This is the only vaccine that is required by law.
Vaccine Schedule:
1st vaccine – 12 weeks of age
2nd vaccine and every vaccine thereafter – annually
This vaccine helps protect against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper.
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis is an upper respiratory infection. It is also known as feline influenza. It is very contagious and can cause serious disease, such as pneumonia, especially in kittens. It is transmitted through direct contact, such as saliva.
Calicivirus is another common cause of respiratory infection in cats.
Panleukopenia is very closely related to the canine parvovirus, and acts in a similar fashion by attacking the gastrointestinal tract. It is transmitted through contact with the infected animal’s bodily fluids, as well as by fleas.
Vaccine Schedule:
1st vaccine – 8 weeks of age
2nd vaccine – 12 weeks of age
Over 12 weeks of age – annually
This vaccine helps protect against Feline Leukemia Virus. This is a contagious RNA retrovirus that can severely inhibit a cat’s immune system. It is a very commonly diagnosed cause of death and disease in domestic cats. This disease is most commonly transmitted through direct contact such as mutual grooming or fight wounds. It can also be transmitted via a mother’s milk.
Vaccine Schedule:
1st vaccine – 8 weeks of age
2nd vaccine – 12 weeks of age
Over 12 weeks of age – annually