Guide to Pet Vaccinations
Vaccinations are a foundational and critically important part of the preventive care plan. Here we deep dive into common cat and dog vaccinations.
PARKER & ACE'S GUIDE TO PET VACCINATIONS
At Parker & Ace, we develop a personalized vaccine plan for your pet based on geographic location, risk, lifestyle and pre-existing medical conditions.
The vaccinations we recommend will prevent diseases that are a serious threat to the health, longevity and quality of life of your pet.
Keep in mind: We don’t automatically vaccinate all pets for everything, every year. We try our best to not over-vaccinate pets and offer vaccine titers to assess your pet’s immunity rather than just routinely vaccinate.
Common Canine Vaccinations
Canine distemper virus
Affects respiratory, GI and central nervous systems. Can lead to acute death in 50% of infected dogs. Very contagious to other dogs and also infects raccoons, skunks, and foxes, Young animals are most susceptible.
Canine adenovirus 2
A component of canine infectious respiratory disease complex, an acute inflammation of the upper airways that can progres to fatal pneumonia in puppies or chronic bronchitis in older dogs. Highly contagious to dogs in close proximity. The vaccine also protects against canine adenovirus type 1, which causes infectious canine hepatitis (liver disease).
Canine parvovirus
Infects rapidly dividing cells and lymphatic tissue first where immune cells are formed, then moves to cells in the intestinal lining, causing severe bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. Can lead to septic shock and death, even with aggressive medical treatment.
Rabies virus
Causes a fatal infection of the central nervous system that affects warm-blooded mammals. On the rise in recent years in racoons, skunk, fox, outdoor cats, and bat populations. These animals can transmit rabies to dogs, cats and humans through bites.
Canine parainfluenza virus
Typically causes mild respiratory tract infections. In conjunction with canine adenovirus and Bordetella bronchiseptica, can lead to canine infectious tracheobronchitis (kennel cough), laryngitis, and pneumonia.
Bordetella bronchispetica (bacteria)
Causes a cough and retching. Can lead to pneumonia, and is the most common bacteria involved in canine infectious respiratory disease complex (kennel cough), which can also have a viral component via canine adenovirus and canine parainfluenza virus.
Canine influenza virus
Causes a contagious respiratory disease with coughing, runny nose, and fever. Can develop into severe pneumonia in a small percentage of dogs. Very contagious in close proximity. Can be spread on hands, blankets, shoes, etc.
Leptospira (bacteria)
Causes leptospirosis. Signs and symptoms include fever, joint and muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhea, inability to produce urine, and jaundice. Carried by wildlife both inside and outside the city. Shed in the urine of infected animals. Dogs are infected by drinking contaminated water or through direct contact with contaminated urine in the environment. Can also be spread to humans from infected dogs. Illness may be mild or, in severe cases, lead to kidney and/or liver failure and death
Borrelia burgdorferi (bacteria)
Causes fever, and swollen, painful joints, also can cause swollen lymph nodes, lethargy and loss of appetite. These bacteria cause Lyme disease and are carried by ticks. In rare cases, Lyme disease may lead to kidney failure and leath. May also cause heart and central nervous system problems.
Common Feline Vaccinations
Feline calicivirus
Causes upper respiratory signs with nasal discharge, runny eyes, ulcerations in the mouth, pneumonia, and occasionally, acute arthritis. A common viral respiratory disease of cats.
Feline rhinotracheitis virus
A herpes virus that causes sneezing with nasal discharge, fever, conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers. Tracheitis and coughing may occur. Cats will be infected lifelong and those that are stressed or immunocompromised can develop seasonal or regular flare-ups. Up to 97% of cats (especially those outdoor) are exposed to herpes in their lifetime.
Feline panleukopenia virus
Closely related to the canine parvovirus, it attacks rapidly dividing cells and suppresses the production of all white blood cells. Causes sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and dehydration. An acute viral infection. Severe in kittens! High mortality rate.
Rabies virus
Causes a fatal infection of the central nervous system that affects warm-blooded mammals. On the rise in recent years in raccoons, skunk, outdoor cats, fox and bat populations. These animals can transmit rabies to dogs, cats and humans through bites.
Chlamydia (bacteria)
Causes upper respiratory infection in cats, with sneezing, watery eyes, and coughing.
Feline leukemia virus
Affects all body systems by causing immunosuppression that leads to secondary infections and often cancer. Usually fatal. Unfortunately there is no cure.
Feline immunodeficiency virus
The FIV vaccine offers limited protection and is usually not recommended. FIV causes immunosuppression, leading to secondary infections. Can cause changes in sleep patterns, vision, and hearing and increase aggressive behavior. Very slow progression. Infected cats often live for years but can have recurring infections