Vaccinations
VACCINE REACTION SYMPTOMS
If your pet experiences any of these symptoms post-vaccination call the office or if after hours proceed to the closest emergency hospital immediately.
These symptoms may be life-threatening.
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Swelling in face, neck, eyes, or muzzle
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Itchy skin, bumps over the body (hives)
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Collapse, or if your pet becomes non-responsive
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Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
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Severe coughing or difficulty breathing
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Vaccinations
Core vaccinations for Dogs:
1. DHP/Parvo - This vaccine protects against canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo Virus, and Parainfluenza. These diseases are caused by various contagious, highly infectious viruses that can cause symptoms ranging from vomiting, diarrhea, to respiratory signs.
2. Rabies- Rabies is a viral disease that is always fatal. It is transmitted through bite wounds from an infected animal. Rabies can be transmitted to humans. It is easily preventable by keeping your pet’s Rabies vaccine current and avoiding situations where they may come in contact with wild or unvaccinated animals.
Dogs can be vaccinated at 12 weeks of age.
Other vaccines to consider:
1. Lyme - Lyme disease is transmitted by tick bites. Unlike humans, dogs do not develop the “bullseye rash.” In dogs, symptoms include fever, joint swelling,lethargy, vomiting. Lyme disease is very common in Rhode Island and while no vaccine offers 100% protection, by using tick preventative 12 months of the year, vaccinating for Lyme disease, and checking your pet each day for ticks, you are doing everything possible to protect your pet.
2. Bordetella (Kennel cough) - Bordetella causes a respiratory infection, most commonly seen as a non-stop hacking cough. Dogs in group settings, ie boarding kennels, doggie day care, grooming parlors, are at greater risk.
3. Leptospirosis - Leptospirosis is a bacteria most commonly transmitted through the urine of wild animals. No questionable characters in the neighborhood? Think again-any puddle that your dog walks through or drinks from is a source of contamination. Signs of Leptospirosis include vomiting, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Lepto can lead to liver and/or kidney failure.
4. Canine Influenza - Canine influenza is caused by a “Flu” virus and can be spread by direct contact, through the air, or via contaminated surfaces. Signs include coughing, low grade fever, nasal discharge,and loss of appetite. In about 20% of cases, dogs can develop a high fever and pneumonia. Signs can be similar to kennel cough and exact diagnosis is determined with bloodwork or nasal swabs.
Core vaccinations for Cats:
1. PVRC - Also known as FVRCP, this vaccine protects against a complex of viruses that can cause sneezing, runny eyes, nasal discharge and in the case of feline panleukopenia, diarrhea and severe dehydration. The viruses are passed cat to cat, with young kittens being most commonly affected.
2. Rabies - Although outdoor cats are more likely to come in contact with wild animals, indoor cats also need to be protected against this fatal disease. Each year in RI, indoor cats are exposed, either by bats or other wildlife entering the home, or by escaping outside for an unplanned jaunt.
Other vaccines:
1. Feline leukemia - Otherwise known as “FELV”, feline leukemia is transmitted through mating and bite wounds. Those cats that go outside are at highest risk, and any new cat broght in to your home should be tested. Feline leukemia can cause a variety of issues, everything from cancer to secondary infections caused by the destruction of the immune system.
Not all vaccines need to be given yearly - you and your veterinarian can determine what vaccines should be given to keep your pet healthy.