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VACCINATIONS
At
what age does my pet get the first vaccinations? Both
kittens and puppies can start their vaccinations at 8 weeks of
age.
What vaccines does my cat need?
All cats need Rabies and FVRCP vaccines. FVRCP stands for feline
viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. These viruses
cause respiratory disease, gastrointestinal, and nervous system
disease. Cats that go outside or cats in contact with outdoor
cats need a feline leukemia (FeLV) vaccine.
At what age does my cat need vaccinations?
Kittens can start their FVRCP and FeLV vaccines at 8 weeks old
and will need boosters at about 12 weeks old. The first Rabies
in given at 12-16 weeks old. The initial boosters are given a
year later. Then, depending on your cat's individual needs and
exposure, boosters are given yearly or every 3 years.
What vaccines does my dog need?
All dogs need Rabies and DHLPP vaccines. DHLPP stands for distemper,
hepatitis, leptospirosis, parinfluenza and parvovirus. These viruses
cause respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous system disease.
Dogs that are going to obedience school or are going to be boarded
also need bordatella (kennel cough) and corona virus vaccines.
At what age does my dog need vaccinations?
We recommend that puppies start their vaccines at 8 weeks and
receive boosters every four weeks up to and including 16 weeks
of age. Rabies can be given at 12-16 weeks old. All follow-up
boosters are given yearly.
Why are vaccinations important?
Vaccinations prevent the spread of infectious disease among animals.
More importantly, they protect your pet from acquiring diseases
from an unvaccinated or sick animal.
Do indoor cats need vaccinations?
Yes. All cats need to be protected against rabies and FVRCP. These
viruses can spread quickly and easily to your cat.
Do dogs that primarily stay indoors
need vaccinations?
Yes. Even indoor dogs will go outside for walks, visits to the
vet and groomer, and may have contact with other dogs. All of
these are excellent opportunities for your dog to be exposed to
potential disease.
Do older pets still need vaccinations?
Yes. Older dogs and cats have the same chance of contracting viruses
and diseases as young animals. Geriatric animals may have a weaker
immune system as a result of aging and not be able to resist diseases
as well as young animals. This makes regular vaccination even
more important for older pets.
My pet has a lump where the vaccination
was given, what should I do?
A doctor should examine any lump on your pet, even those associated
with a vaccine.
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Can pregnant animals be vaccinated?
No. Some vaccinations can actually cause disease in the unborn fetus.
Any animal that is going to be bred should have all the appropriate
vaccinations prior to breeding.
Is
my cat at risk for Feline Leukemia Virus or Feline Immunodeficiency
Virus?
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
(FIV) are two different viruses that are major causes of illness
and death in cats. Both are contagious. FeLV can be spread through
cat bites, sharing food/water bowls, grooming, and sharing litter
boxes. Kittens born to FeLV infected mothers are commonly infected.
FIV is usually spread through cat bites, but rarely does an infected
mother infect her kittens. Risk factors for FeLV and FIV include
cats allowed outside, male cats, cats that fight, unaltered cats,
living in multi-cat households.
Why should my cat be tested?
Early detection of infection will help you not only maintain the
health of your cat, but also allow you to prevent spreading infection
to other cats.
What do these viruses do to my cat?
FeLV and FIV affect cats in similar ways, by interfering with the
immune system. Infected cats are less able to fight off infections
caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungus found in the
environment every day. In a normal, healthy cat these things usually
do not cause problems, but can cause serious illness in FeLV and
FIV infected cats. Also these cats are susceptible to cancer and
blood diseases.
Although there is no cure for FeLV and FIV, infection with one of
these viruses in not necessarily fatal. Cats can live long, healthy,
happy lives with the appropriate care. Early signs of infection
include decreased appetite, decreased energy, and decreased grooming.
In more advanced infections you may see loss of appetite, weight
loss, weakness, mouth sores, diarrhea, and abscesses.
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