Preventative

Vaccinating your cat regularly helps to reduce the risk of becoming ill from serious and possibly fatal viruses that they may be exposed to. In general, vaccines work by eliciting an immune response from your cat so the body has the necessary antibodies, if exposed again.

What are the vaccines that are available for your cat?

We offer four vaccines, which give coverage for a range of viruses your cat may be exposed to.

• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia​ (FVRCP): This is a vaccine that protects against four of the main viruses, of which can cause both respiratory and gastrointestinal upset, and may also be fatal. All of these are directly transmitted.
• Rabies: Rabies is a virus which is fatal and has no cure, it can be spread to humans and will affect the nervous system. This vaccine is required by law.
• Feline Leukemia (FLK): Feline leukemia is a virus which weakens the immune system, has no cure, and is ultimately fatal. It is transmitted directly.
• FVRCP-R: This is a combo vaccine that includes both the protection for FVRCP, and Rabies.

What is the vaccine schedule for my kitten?

There are three sets of vaccines needed to fully vaccinate your kitten, which happen at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. When they come for these vaccines, they will also receive a wellness exam to ensure they are growing properly for their age, and have no health concerns.

The vaccines are staggered in these intervals to ensure they are given at the correct ages, and that they are properly receiving boosters. At 8 weeks they receive FVRCP, at 12 weeks they receive the booster, and FLK vaccine, and at 12 weeks they receive a booster of the first two, and their rabies vaccine.

Are there risks with getting my cat vaccinated?

There are some risks with vaccination, as there are in any medical procedures. These risks are weighed against the risk of contracting a virus which can cause serious health complications. You may notice a few side affects after they are vaccinated that should last between 1-3 days, that includes decreased appetite, lethargy, possible fever, and swelling at the injection site. More severe reactions, and a possible allergy would include hives, swelling of eyes/lips/neck, vomiting, and collapse. If you notice severe reactions, notify your veterinarian, this allows for precautions to be taken next time.

My cat is indoor, do I need to get it vaccinated?

Indoor cats also require vaccines for a long and healthy life. While your cat may live indoor, there is a risk of them getting outside and becoming exposed to other animals, and pathogens. On top of this, they could end up in a shelter, should they go missing, where the exposure to viruses is higher due to stress and being around other cats. Finally, some pathogens are airborne, or can be carried in via your clothes, shoes, or other pets. Vaccinating them on a regular annual schedule reduces the likelihood of serious illness should they be exposed.

Vaccinations for your dog differ based on their exposure risk, and life-stage, which will be discussed during their annual visits with us.

Why does my dog need to be vaccinated?

It is important to vaccinate your dog so as to reduce the risk of illness, which may be highly contagious and could spread to humans. Scheduling an annual appointment is useful in ensuring your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations.

What are the vaccines that you offer for dogs?

We have 6 vaccines that are offered, and can be discussed with the veterinarian. These are the distemper complex, rabies, Lyme, Bordetella, DA2PP, and leptospirosis vaccines.

• Rabies: Rabies is a virus which is fatal and has no cure, it can be spread to humans and will affect the nervous system. This vaccine is required by law.
• Distemper Complex: This complex protects against 6 diseases which can attack the respiratory system, liver, kidneys, and intestines, along with causing joint pain and lethargy. Some of these can spread to humans. The complex includes distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, and coronavirus.
• DA2PP: This complex is similar to the distemper complex, but only protects against distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), parainfluenza, and parvovirus.
• Bordetella: This vaccine protects against a virus which may cause coughing and sneezing, is spread through direct contact, and is commonly known as kennel cough. This is a vaccine that is required when boarding dogs in kennels or daycare, and can be given in either an oral or injectable version.
• Lyme: This vaccine is highly recommended for dogs who either live or travel in Lyme endemic areas as it is spread via deer tick bites. It is a disease that can cause issues with the joints and the kidneys.
• Leptospirosis: This vaccine only protects against leptospirosis.

When do I need to get my puppy vaccinated?

Vaccines should start at 8 weeks of age, and then again at 12, and 16 weeks, in which they will also receive a health check to ensure they are growing as they should and that no concerns are noted.  The first vaccine they receive at 8 weeks is the DA2PP vaccine, they will be given a booster that includes protection for coronavirus and leptospirosis at 12 weeks. Their final set of vaccines happens at 16 weeks and includes a booster for the first set, and their rabies vaccine. At their last set you can also add on the Bordetella and Lyme vaccines depending on their risks.

How do I need to prepare my puppy for their first vaccines?

We recommend that before your puppy has their first appointment with the doctor, that you schedule in a time to visit the clinic. This allows for you and your puppy to meet the staff, get some treats, and become comfortable with the environment of the clinic. By bringing in your puppy for this type of visit, it reduces the stress of coming in the future.

How much will it cost to vaccinate my dog?

The cost of vaccines varies depending on which are being given, which is decided by assessing their exposure risk and a conversation with the veterinarian. To learn more about our costs associated with wellness exams and vaccine options, give the clinic a call.

In recent years there has been an increase in the cases of Lyme, as ticks have been more prominent in the area. Prevention is the best method for reducing the spread of parasite-borne diseases.

How can I tell if my pet has parasites?

For noticing ticks, this is often seen when grooming the pet, and they look like lumps of varying sizes where the tick has embedded into the skin. For internal parasites, you may see evidence of worms in their feces, and possibly in vomit. Fleas are noticeable by an increase in scratching and chewing near the base of the tail, along with possible inflammation and infection, and reddish-brown speck on their skin.

How are parasites prevented?

Parasites can be prevented with either an oral topical medication that is based on species. These medications do require a prescription, and the option for your pet can be discussed with your veterinarian.

What happens if my pet has a tick on it?

Finding a tick on your pet will require that the tick be removed, and identified. From there the veterinarian will determine how to move forward.

Why would I need to have my pet dewormed?

Internal parasites carry infection and can cause upset to the gastrointestinal tract, deworming is done to rid them of these parasites so that they continue to grow and stay healthy. The medication can be oral or topical depending on age.