The so-called “distemper/parvo” vaccine, protects against 4 different infectious diseases: distemper, parvo, parainfluenza and hepatitis. Parvo is a contagious and potentially fatal viral disease whose symptoms include vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Distemper is a contagious and usually fatal virus whose symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, pneumonia, runny nose, runny eyes and seizures. We recommend vaccinating puppies every 3-4 weeks between the ages of 6 and 16 weeks of age; older dogs should receive two initial vaccinations 3-4 weeks apart. Remember: after initial immunity is established, regular DAP boosters are required to maintain immunity.

Required by law for all dogs 4 months of age or older. Cannot be given before 3 months of age. Must be administered under supervision of a licensed Veterinarian. The first vaccine is good for one year; subsequent boosters are then given every three years. Owners must be able to produce a current rabies certificate. In addition, current rabies tags must be worn by all dogs. Rabies is a fatal disease, which both people and animals may contract through skin wounds.

For the prevention of one of the more severe forms of “kennel cough“. This vaccine is generally regarded as optional; however, most kennels, doggy day cares, and dog training organizations will require proof of bordetella vaccination (in addition to rabies and DAP vaccination) before your dog will be admitted. To maintain immunity, annual boosters are required.

This vaccine protects against the 4 most common varieties of leptospirosis, a bacterium contagious to people, with the potential to cause serious liver and kidney damage. Ohio is a hotbed for this disease. Immunity is established with two initial vaccinations 3-4 weeks apart, begun after 12 weeks of age. To maintain immunity, annual boosters are required.

We are now highly recommending the Lyme vaccine as we are seeing an increase in Lyme disease with the expanding range of the blacklegged tick, also known as the deer tick. This is a winter tick, seeking a host anytime the temperatures are above 32 degrees. The Lyme vaccine is administered as an initial dose, followed by a booster 2-4 weeks later, then annual boosters after that.

Our Veterinarians may recommend vaccination against other diseases, based on a current assessment of your dog’s particular risk for exposure.

The so-called “distemper/upper respiratory” vaccine, protects against 3 different infectious diseases: panleukopenia (feline distemper), feline viral rhinotracheitis and calcivirus. Panleukopenia causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, and is usually fatal. The other diseases cause severe, debilitating respiratory symptoms. We recommend vaccinating kittens every 3-4 weeks between the ages of 6 and 14 weeks of age; older cats should receive two initial vaccinations 3-4 weeks apart. Remember: after initial immunity is established, regular FVRCP boosters are required to maintain immunity. Recommended for all cats, even those that live only indoors.

Required by law for all cats 4 months of age or older, even if housed strictly indoors. Cannot be given before 3 months of age. Must be administered under supervision of a licensed Veterinarian. The first vaccine is good for one year; subsequent boosters are then given at three-year intervals. Owners must be able to produce a valid certificate of rabies vaccination. Rabies is a fatal disease, which both people and animals may contract through skin wounds.

Feline leukemia is a contagious virus spread by direct contact between cats, and is transmitted by body fluids, usually through fighting and mating. It can also be transmitted from a mother to her kittens, either in the womb or through nursing. It is one of the leading killers of cats today. It depresses a cat’s immune system and can lead to a variety of secondary infections and cancers, including leukemia. It is incurable, and usually fatal. If your cat goes outside, or will be exposed to other cats that do, you are strongly urged to vaccinate your cat against this disease. Two vaccinations 3-4 weeks apart are administered to cats over 8 weeks of age to establish immunity; annual boosters are the required to maintain immunity. We also recommend that all cats be feline leukemia tested prior to vaccination, since the vaccine will be of no benefit to cats already infected with the virus.

“Feline infectious peritonitis” is a poorly-understood viral disease of cats which causes a variety of symptoms and is usually fatal. Cats at most risk are outdoor cats and those that live in multiple cat households. There is currently no reliable test for this disease. Diagnosis is made by evaluating sysmtoms and ruling out other causes. A vaccine exists, but has fallen out of favor with most veterinarians and is, thus, no longer offered at our hospital.

“Feline immunodefienciency virus”, has been labeled as “the cat AIDS virus” because of its similarities to human immunodefienciency virus (HIV). In cats, the virus is thought to be spread by blood to blood contact, primarily through bite wounds. It is not transmissible to people or other animal species. Its incidence is highest among outdoor cats (especially male) that engage in fighting. Like AIDS, it depresses a cat’s immune system, making the cat susceptible to many secondary infections. There is a reliable blood test for FIV that can be done in combination with the feline leukemia test. A vaccine also exists, but has been slow to gain acceptance by veterinarians because it can interfere with the blood test. Keeping your cat indoors is its best protection against FIV and many other diseases.