Alright everyone, since Spring has so obviously sprung, your friendly neighborhood Veterinarian is here to bestow some important information on you all. I want to take some time to talk to everyone about the most important facet of Veterinary Medicine, and keeping your pets healthy- vaccinations.
First off, it’s important that every pet parent out there knows how imperative it is to keep your furkids up to date on their Rabies vaccine. If you have a young pup or kitten, who hasn’t ever been vaccinated before, you’ll receive a 1 year Rabies Vaccine. It’s pretty self-explanatory, it lasts for one year, meaning that you’ll need to come back and get that updated next year. Now, if you have a furkid who has received a Rabies Vaccine before, they’re eligible to receive a 3 year Rabies Vaccine. Again, this is pretty self-explanatory, it’ll last for a total of three years. It is a bit pricier, but still cheaper than coming in yearly for the vaccine. Or, if you’d prefer, the one year is always an option. Remember, Rabies is required!
When it comes to new furkids with no vaccine history, you’re going to want to invest in a DA2PP vaccine for your pups, or a FVRCP vaccine for your kittens. DA2PP is the vaccination that prevents against the five deadliest viruses to dogs. As puppies and kittens, they’ll need three to four rounds of the vaccine, depending on breed and age. Once those three rounds are done, you’ll be able to move to a yearly vaccine schedule, one that can be matched up with your Rabies vaccine schedule. Included in the DA2PP is protection from both Distemper and Parvovirus, two illnesses to be as acutely aware of as possible, especially as we move into the warmer months. The FVRCP functions similarly, protecting against the deadliest of viruses to our kitty friends. If your pup is old enough, meaning at least 12 weeks of age, I’d recommend also adding in a Lepto Vaccine as well, to protect against a spiralized bacteria known as Leptospirosis. In short, Lepto is carried in the urine of wildlife, and can also be found in standing water in high-wildlife areas. Dogs acquire this illness by stepping on areas where infected wildlife have urinated. This sickness is gross, it’s hard to watch, and worst of all it’s zoonotic, meaning humans absolutely can acquire this illness from their pet.
I’m sure all of us are at least somewhat familiar with Parvovirus, at least if you’ve had a dog in the past you might be. This virus most commonly affects dogs younger than four years old. Again, it is gross, it is hard to watch, and will be fatal if left untreated in a sick pet. The Parvovirus is most often found in standing water, as well as on/in “infected” ground. This means anywhere an infected dog has walked, the virus has been spread, and can be contracted by an unvaccinated pet. And the fun part? Parvo incubates within the system for 10-14 days, while the pet is contagious, but also asymptomatic. Even more fun? Parvovirus is able to survive outside a host body for up to 5 years if areas where an infected pet has walked are not appropriately cleaned and sanitized.
There are other vaccine options I’d be happy to go over, if anyone is interested. But, these are the major players I wanted to warn everyone about up front, as we move into our warmer moths and begin to spend more time outside and in the community.
Finally, I want to mention the importance of Heartworm testing and prevention to all my dog parents out there. Put in laymen’s terms, heartworms are carried by mosquitoes, and are transmitted from mosquito to dog when the dog gets bitten. Not all mosquitoes are infected, but it’s impossible to tell just by looking at one, not that they’re easy to see either way. Heartworm disease is no joke, is incredibly expensive to treat, and is a bad, bad, bad news bear for a pet left untreated if contracted. Yearly Heartworm tests to ensure your furkid is negative is crucial to keeping these cases at bay. Once you have a negative Heartworm test, you’re eligible to receive one year of Heartworm Preventative. There are a couple of different options for this, depending on your furkid’s breed and fur type, and whether or not they are a picky eater. For doggos with thinner hair types, topical Heartworm Preventative can be useful and effective, and often times can be combined with your flea and tick preventative as well. There are also chewable options, that can also be combined with flea and tick, so it’s a little bit of a money saver. Finally, we do offer injectible Heartworm Preventative, that lasts for either 6 or 12 months depending on your price range. No matter which way you go, I urge all of you to make sure to stay on top of these preventative treatments!
So, the TLDR version? Spring is here, and there’s a world full of gross just waiting for your kiddos out there. Visit The Paw House Clinic today to make your appointment with me, and let me help you get your furbabies on track to make sure they are as happy and healthy as possible this season!
That is so much great information Dr. Reid, thank you for sharing this and letting everyone know. I have two cats myself so you can count on me calling tomorrow morning to make an appointment.
