Community Pet Outreach ~ Pet Health Hub believes that vaccinating your pet is one of the most important steps you can take to keep them healthy and happy. We see first-hand that vaccines help pets live longer and healthier lives. Modern vaccines undergo rigorous medical research to ensure they remain safe to administer and effective at preventing fatal diseases.
Why Your Pet Should Get Vaccines
Our vaccination programs protect your vulnerable puppy or kitten from various infections and diseases, while annual boosters keep the protection going throughout adulthood. Vaccinations protect pets from disease by exposing their body’s immune system to inactive or parts of a type of bacteria or virus. Our doctors will help you decide which vaccines are appropriate for your pet’s risk factors. Proper administration and giving a vaccine at the correct age and time interval is critical for proper protection.
When Your Pet Should Get Vaccines
Vaccination typically starts at 6-8 weeks of age and the puppy and kitten series is completed around 16 weeks of age. Once your pet has entered our vaccination protocol, Community Pet Outreach will keep you up to date on when your pets will be due for booster vaccinations during their adult years.
Vaccination Overview
Canine Vaccines
Rabies
Rabies is a virus that attacks the brain and central nervous system and is transmitted by bodily fluids from an infected animal. The most common form of transmission is a bite wound and can be transferred by animals and humans.
DA2PP (Distemper Virus, Adenovirus II, and Parvovirus) Vaccine
This vaccine provides protection against multiple diseases and infections that canines are prone to contract:
Distemper Virus attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems; is very contagious; and spread through saliva, urine, or tears from an infected dog. Symptoms include fever, runny nose and eyes, diarrhea, weight loss, seizures, and death.
Adenovirus type II affects the liver, kidneys, eyes, and other organs; is very contagious; and spreads through the urine, feces, or saliva of an infected dog. Symptoms range from slight fever, congestion, and clouding of the eye (a condition called “blue eye”) to prolonged bleeding, severe depression, and death.
Parainfluenza typically presents as a mild respiratory infection in otherwise healthy dogs, it can be severe in puppies or debilitated dogs.
Parvovirus attacks the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and spreads through the feces of an infected dog. Parvovirus can survive in the environment for long periods of time and is very contagious. The disease can cause fever and loss of appetite, as well as diarrhea and vomiting that can quickly lead to dehydration and death.
Bordetella Vaccine
Bordatella Vaccine can be given intranasally, orally or as an injectable. Bordetella, commonly known as Kennel Cough, is characterized by a continual cough generally noted after boarding or contact with unfamiliar dogs. This vaccine will help prevent kennel cough, but cannot guarantee complete immunity. Some kennels require this vaccine every 6 months.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria in the urine of infected animals or people. Wild animals such as rats or raccoons can urinate in puddles, ponds, and other sources, contaminating the water. This is one of the few diseases we deal with that is zoonotic, meaning it is contagious to humans.
Canine Influenza (CIV)
Canine Influenza (CIV) is a virus first identified in the United States in 2004. Since then, CIV has continued to spread, now detected in dogs in 30 states including Texas. Most dogs have no immunity to canine influenza and infection spreads quickly through animal shelters, pet stores, boarding kennels, veterinary clinics, or anywhere dogs congregate.
Feline Vaccines
Rabies
Rabies is a virus that attacks the brain and central nervous system, transmitted by bodily fluids from an infected animal. The most common form of transmission is a bite wound and can be contracted by animals and humans.
FVRCP (Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
This vaccine protects against multiple diseases and infections that felines are prone to contract.
Rhinotracheitis is a highly contagious respiratory disease characterized by sneezing, running nose, drooling, loss of appetite, fever, eye inflammation, and discharge from both eyes and nose. This is triggered by the common feline herpes virus.
Calicivirus is a serious respiratory infection often occurring simultaneously with rhinotracheitis. The symptoms are similar, but may include ulcers on the tongue.
Panleukopenia, sometimes called feline distemper, is among the most widespread of all cat disease, characterized by fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and death.
FeLV (Feline Leukemia)
This virus is second only to trauma as the leading cause of death in cats, killing 85% of persistently infected felines within three years of diagnosis. Feline Leukemia commonly causes anemia or lymphoma, but because it suppresses the immune system, it can also predispose cats to other deadly infections.
Legal Requirements for Vaccination
Dogs and cats in Texas must be vaccinated by a veterinarian by the time the animal is 3 months of age, and then receive a booster 12 months after the initial vaccine. All puppies or kittens and dogs or cats with no history of previous rabies vaccine will be required to have a rabies vaccine 12 months after the initial vaccination. Thereafter, the animal must be vaccinated at intervals of no longer than 36 months.
Next Steps
Whether you are ready to book your pet’s vaccine appointment or have additional questions, we are here to help.
You can book anytime via our convenient booking portal on our website.
If you have any questions regarding vaccinations for your pet, please don’t hesitate to call our Lewisville veterinary clinic at 972-353-9672.
