What's the vaccine for?

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What's That Vaccine For?

Vaccinations and other preventive treatments help protect your pets against common viruses, infections, and diseases.

FOR DOGS & PUPPIES:

Rabies:
Rabies is a threat to your pet - and to you. This virus is deadly, and affects the brain & nerves. Usually, rabies is spread through a bite or contact with a cut or wound. If you suspect your pet my have rabies, contact Dr. Todd's office immediately.

DHP/P:
The vaccination commonly named "DHP/P" is given to help prevent 4 harmful conditions:

    "D" = Canine Distemper
     "H" = Infectious Hepatitis
     "P" = Parainfluenza
     "P" = Parvovirus

Canine Distemper:
Affects organs, including skin, brain, eyes, intestinal tract, and the respiratory system. Distemper is spread through the air through coughing and body fluids like urine. Dogs of any age can be affected. Puppies are especially at risk.

Infectious Hepatitis:
Dogs of all ages are at risk - especially puppies. This disease affects the liver and other body organs. Death can result within hours after the initial signs, and often mimics poisoning.

Parainfluenza:
Causes upper-respiratory infection, and is one component of "kennel cough". It spreads through the air. Dogs and puppies of all ages can be affected. A severe cough is the most notable symptom.

Parvovirus:
Canine parvovirus (CPV) disease is one of the most common infections in dogs in the US. Puppies are especially at risk for Parvovirus. Vaccination is essential to reduce the risk of contracting this deadly condition.

Leptospirosis: ("lepto")
Lepto is spread from animal to animal through contact with infected tissue or fluids. This bacteria likes to live where it's warm and wet, so it is more common where winters are mild - like in Texas.

Lyme: (borreliosis)
This infection is spread by ticks. In addition to getting your pet vaccinated, tick control is very important to prevent your pet from getting sick.

Heartworm: (dirofilaria immitis)
Spread by mosquitoes, even "inside only" dogs should be tested annually for heartworm infection. Adult worms can obstruct the various large blood vessels leading from the heart to the lungs. A heartworm preventive should be given to all dogs. The American Heartworm Society (AHS) advises all adult dogs be tested before starting any new heartworm medication.

Bordetella: (infectious tracheobronchitis)
Part of the 'Kennel Cough' complex, this disease affects the upper-respiratory system. It is commonly found and highly contagious. The most common symptom is a dry hacking cough sometimes followed by retching.

Intestinal Parasites: ("worms")
A veterinarian is the best source of information and medication to help your pet with intestinal "worms". De-wormers are poisonous to the worms and can make the dog sick, especially if not used in proper dosage.

Roundworms:
Roundworms are active in the intestines of puppies, and often cause a pot-bellied appearance. Worms may be seen in vomit or stool. Dogs become infected by ingesting worm eggs from contaminated soil. The eggs hatch in the intestine and the larva are carried to the lungs by the bloodstream.

Tapeworms:
Dogs and puppies usually get tapeworms by eating fleas. Flat, moving segments can often be seen in the dog's stool. Dried tapeworm segments look like grains of rice, and can be found either in the dog's stool or stuck to the hair around his tail-end. Tapeworms cannot be killed by the typical over-the-counter wormer; see the veterinarian for appropriate treatment.

Whipworms:
Adult whipworms live in the first section of the large intestine. They look like pieces of thread with one end enlarged. Infestations are usually light, so a veterinary examination is the best way to know if your puppy has whipworms.

Hookworms:
These small, thin worms that fasten to the wall of the small intestine and suck blood. Puppies can get hookworms from their mom at birth or through her milk. Dogs that come in contact with larvae in contaminated soil can also get hookworms. Diagnosis is made by examining the feces for eggs under a microscope.

FOR CATS & KITTENS:

FVRCP:
The FVRCP vaccination is given to help prevent a few contagious diseases caused by viruses:

    "FVR" = Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
     "C" = Calicivirus Infection
     "P" = Panleukopenia

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis:
This upper-respiratory infection is one of the most serious respiratory diseases seen in cats and kittens. It is passed through the air. The vaccine is an effective preventive agent.

Calicivirus Infection:
Several stains of these viruses can cause a range of diseases - from a minor infection to severe pneumonia - and is responsible for many of the upper-respiratory tract diseases in cats. It's transmitted by direct contact with a cat or an infected object.

Panleukopenia:
Also known as "feline distemper" is a highly contagious, deadly disease for cats and especially kittens. This hardy virus is resistant to many disinfectants, and can survive in the environment for a long time. The vaccine is very effective for disease prevention.

Rabies:
Rabies is particularly threatening to cats and is a major public health concern. Most areas of the country require cats to be vaccinated. The survival rate for cats with rabies is low.

Feline Leukemia Virus: (FeLV)
The leading viral killer of cats in the US, this virus is spread from cat-to-cat through bites, casual contact with infected cats, and from an infected mother to her kittens. If your cat EVER goes outside or EVER comes in contact with an indoor/outdoor cat, it is important to vaccinate against FeLV.