VACCINES
RABIES
Current rabies vaccinations are required by most state laws for pets three months of age or older to prevent the spread of this potentially fatal disease. Upon admission to 4 Paws Spay & Neuter Clinic, owners may provide proof of current rabies vaccination consisting of a rabies certificate. Tags are not adequate proof, as they do not include the identification of the pet. At 4 Paws Spay & Neuter Clinic, if the pet is not current for rabies vaccination or you’re not able to provide proof, the pet must be vaccinated for rabies in order for 4 Paws Spay & Neuter Clinic to proceed with surgery.
CANINE
DA2PP
DAPP is a combination vaccine that offers protection against canine Distemper which is highly contagious. If your dog contracts distemper the symptoms are fever, pneumonia, neurological and even death. Adenovirus is known as canine hepatitis. The common signs are fever with an upper respiratory infection along with liver and kidney failure. Your canine may also develop ocular disease. Parvovirus is especially contagious and deadly in puppies. If your canine contracts Parvo the symptoms are diarrhea and vomiting, dehydration, lethargy and in some cases death. Canine Parainfluenza is contagious and spreads easily through the environment in places such as boarding kennels, doggie daycare and grooming shops. This virus causes cough, nasal discharge and fever. In severe cases this may give rise to pneumonia.
Bordetella
Also known as kennel cough. This respiratory disease is highly contagious. Although sometimes the disease can resolve on its own there is a chance for more serious complications such as pneumonia to occur.
Leptospirosis
Also called Lepto. This vaccine protects your dog from Leptospirosis bacteria. This disease can lead to severe kidney and liver failure. Lepto is found in contaminated water and in urine from an infected animal. Dogs that spend time outdoors and in urban areas are at risk.
Canine Heartworm 4dx test
The 4DX Test is a blood test that screens for Heartworm and any presence of the three tick diseases that can occur in our area (Lyme’s, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma).
FELINE
We Highly recommend that your cat be vaccinated for these core vaccines, even for your indoor cat.
FVRCP Vaccine:
protects against three viruses that are highly contagious and have the propensity to be fatal. These viruses are easily spread through the environment with or without direct contact.
“FVR” is feline viral rhinotracheitis which can cause debilitating upper respiratory infection, feline herpesvirus and a weakened immune system.
“C” is for feline calicivirus that can cause upper respiratory infection that leads to pneumonia and oral ulcers or chronic inflammation of the gums along with severe inflammation of the inside of the cheeks and the back of the mouth.
“P” feline Panleukopenia is a feline distemper. This is highly contagious and very deadly. The symptoms of FPV are multifaceted. These are diarrhea and vomiting that leads to anorexia. This virus also invades the bone marrow and lymph nodes. Eventually the white blood cell count becomes too low to allow their immune system to fight off infection.
FeLV Vaccine (test required)
This vaccine will protect you cat from the feline leukemia virus that is spread through close contact with an infected cat. FeLV is progressive although some cats may enter a period of viral latency. When active, FeLV can progress to a myriad of conditions such as anemia, lymphoma, immunosuppression and also secondary disease.
Felv/Fiv combo test
This is a blood test we can provide while your cat is here for surgery. This test is required for your cat to receive a FeLV vaccine.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOUR PETS VACCINATIONS:
- Mild side effects are common after receiving a vaccine, usually starting within a few hours. If they last for more than two days or cause significant discomfort it is recommended that you contact your veterinarian.
- Your pet may experience swelling at the vaccination site, mild fever and decreased appetite.
- If your pet received an intranasal vaccine a mild cough and sneezing may result.
- It is important to understand that vaccination is not without risk. Failure to maintain current vaccinations increases the risk of your pet developing an infectious disease.
- Any vaccines received the day of surgery will not be fully effective against disease for up to 2 weeks.
IMMEDIATELY SEEK VETERINARY CARE IF YOU NOTICE ANY OF THESE SIGNS:
- Fainting or collapse
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Persistent and severe coughing
- Red, itchy bumps all over the body (“hives”)
- Swelling or puffiness in or around the face, nose,
eyes, or neck
Always inform your veterinarian if your pet has had prior reactions to any vaccine or medication. If you’re concerned that an allergic reaction may occur, wait for 30-60 minutes after vaccination before taking your pet home.
FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO KEEP YOUR PET HAPPY AND HEALTHY VISIT THE AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
6 REASONS TO VACCINATE YOUR PET
- Vaccination prevents many pet illnesses.
- Vaccination can help avoid costly treatments for preventable diseases.
- Vaccinations prevent diseases that can be spread among animals and from animals to people.
- Life-threatening diseases found in wildlife, such as rabies and distemper, can affect unvaccinated pets.
- Reputable pet boarding, daycare, and training services require vaccination against certain diseases to protect all participating animals.
- Many local and state laws require that household pets—including indoor- only pets—be vaccinated against certain diseases.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ARE THERE RISKS TO VACCINATING MY PET?
Like any type of medical treatment, vaccination carries some risk of side effects. These side effects typically are minor, and they’re far outweighed by the benefits of protecting your pet, your family, and your community from potentially fatal diseases.
Serious side effects are rare but can occur. One type is an allergic reaction, which may happen soon after vaccination and can involve part or all of the body. In cats, another serious reaction can be development of a certain type of tumor (sarcoma) near the vaccination site. These tumors may occur several months, or even years, after a vaccine is given. Fortunately, improvements in vaccines and vaccination techniques have greatly reduced the occurrence of sarcomas and other vaccine reactions.
WHY DO PUPPIES AND KITTENS REQUIRE A SERIES OF VACCINATIONS?
Very young animals are highly vulnerable to infectious disease because their immune systems are not yet mature. They receive some protection through antibodies in their mother’s milk, but that protection is not long-lasting.
In many instances, the first dose of a vaccine serves to prepare your pet’s immune system to recognize the virus or bacteria. Later doses help further stimulate the immune system to produce the important antibodies needed to protect your pet from diseases.
To provide the best protection against disease during the first few months of life, your veterinarian will recommend a series of vaccinations, usually 2-4 weeks apart. For most puppies and kittens, the final vaccination in the series is given at about 4 months of age. Your veterinarian may adjust this schedule based on your pet’s circumstances and needs. Skipping or delaying recommended vaccinations may lead to incomplete protection, making your pet vulnerable to infection.
HOW OFTEN WILL MY PET NEED TO BE VACCINATED?
After the initial puppy or kitten vaccine series is complete, many vaccines provide adequate immunity when given every few years. Others need to be given more often to maintain a level of immunity that will continually protect your pet. Your veterinarian can recommend a vaccination schedule that best meets your pet’s needs. If your adult pet hasn’t been vaccinated yet, or is overdue or missing some vaccinations, it’s not too late. Ask your veterinarian about a recommended vaccination program based on your pet’s age and needs.
DOES VACCINATION ENSURE PROTECTION?
For most pets, vaccination is effective in preventing future disease—especially when vaccines are given as recommended, at the appropriate time points. After a pet has been fully vaccinated, only rarely will their immune system fail to fight off the disease. It is important to follow the vaccination schedule recommended by your veterinarian to reduce the possibility of a gap in protection.