VACCINATIONS

One of the most important things that you can do to ensure your companion animal's health is to vaccinate him or her against potentially deadly diseases. Vaccinations are safe, effective, and sometimes required by law. We have core and non-core vaccines available. Core vaccines are the most common and highly recommended inoculations for all dogs and cats in the United States. Non-core vaccines are recommended depending on the patient, area, and exposure risk. Here is some important information to consider when vaccinating your companion animal.

Dogs
AAH guideline -> DHPP, Rabies, Canine Influenza, and Bordetella are highly recommended.

DHPP – This is a core vaccine that protects against four of the most deadly viruses that can affect a dog. "D" is for Distemper, a virus that attacks the organs and nervous system. This can lead to immunosuppression, neurologic disorders, and eventually death. The "H" is for hepatitis caused by Adenovirus, which can be passed through saliva, urine, or feces, and can cause liver failure and death. "P" is for canine Paralinfluenza, which presents similarly to the flu virus in humans. The other "P" is for Parvovirus: a very contagious disease that is spread through infected feces and is almost certainly fatal without aggressive treatment. The only way to prevent these diseases is through adequate inoculation. Puppies under six months of age receive a series of four shots two to four weeks apart. Once this series is finished, the vaccine becomes an annual requirement.

Rabies – Rabies is a highly contagious disease that affects the central nervous system of an animal. This virus is a zoonotic disease which means that humans and other animals are also at risk of infection. If untreated, this virus is fatal for both people and animals. This vaccine is first given to a puppy after twelve weeks, then again at one year of age. At Atlantic Animal Hospital, we carry rabies inoculations that can be administered every three years as opposed to the annual vaccine carried by some other practices and shot clinics. This core vaccine is required by law.

Bordetella – This is a non-core vaccine that prevents against what is otherwise known as "canine cough". Canine cough (formerly referred to as "kennel cough") is an upper respiratory infection that is aerosolized by coughing and sneezing. In its most advanced stages, it can be fatal. This vaccination can be started at eight weeks of age as a two-part series, and requires a once-yearly booster. Many kennels and grooming facilities may require this vaccine before intake.

Canine Influenza – This vaccine has become of high importance in the veterinarian community. The strain of influenza affecting dogs is 100% infectious. Situational factors such as boarding kennels, dog parks, grooming facilities, pet stores, or humane societies can increase exposure risk for any canine. The Canine Influenza vaccine, while not preventing infection, helps lessen the severity and decrease the spread of the virus. Moreover, it significantly reduces the onset of pneumonia which is the most common cause of fatality in infected dogs. This vaccine is administered in a two-part series two to four weeks apart before becoming an annual affair.

Leptospirosis – This is a non-core vaccine. Leptospirosis is also a zoonotic disease (other animals and humans are at risk). It is a bacterial infection that is transferred through urine and attacks the kidneys and the liver. This results in kidney/liver failure, and, ultimately, death. Leptospirosis vaccination is highly recommended for dogs that live in areas highly populated by wildlife, or that swim in lakes or rivers where wildlife may urinate. A veterinarian can determine the appropriate age to begin the vaccine which will need one booster two to four weeks later. Then the vaccine will be administered once a year for the rest of the dog's life.

Lyme Disease – This is a non-core vaccine. Lyme disease is also a zoonotic disease. It is spread by tick bites and is most common in the Northeastern United States. We recommend this vaccine for all dogs exposed to ticks and especially for those that travel to the Northeastern states.

Coronavirus – This is a non-core vaccine. This disease can cause gastro-intestinal disease similar to parvovirus, but not as severe. The virus is difficult to detect, and most symptoms may self-resolve. We rarely recommend this vaccine to clients.

Cats
AAH guideline -> FVRCPC and Rabies are highly recommended for all cats and FeLV only for cats with outdoor exposure.

FVRCPC – This is a core vaccine also commonly known as the feline distemper vaccine. It consists of Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR): a type of Herpesvirus that can cause eye and respiratory diseases. "C" is for Calicivirus which can cause oral and respiratory ulcers and disease. "P" is for Panleukopenia which causes severe immunosuppression, gastro-intestinal disease, and high mortality rates similar to parvovirus in dogs. The other "C" is for Chlamydia which can also cause oral and respiratory diseases. This vaccine is administered as a series of three inoculations to kittens starting at the age of eight weeks. After the initial series, this vaccine is given once a year.

Rabies – This is a core vaccine that is also required by law. Just like the canine rabies vaccine, the feline rabies vaccine is first given to a kitten around sixteen weeks of age then once again at one year. After that the vaccine is given every three years.

FeLV – This is a non-core vaccine. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) attacks the immune system. The disease is contracted through direct contact with an infected cat or in utero from an infected mother. We require testing of all cats or kittens for FeLV and FIV (see next entry) at least once and then only giving the vaccine to cats with outdoor exposure. It is administered in a series of two vaccines initially, then once yearly for the rest of the cat's life. We strongly recommend annual testing for all cats with outdoor exposure as the vaccine is NOT 100% effective. Rarely, the patient can still contract FeLV even with consistent vaccinations.

FIV – This is a non-core vaccine. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) also attacks the immune system. It is similar to HIV but is NOT transmissible to humans. Similar to FeLV, the disease is contracted through direct contact with body fluid of an infected cat (i.e., bite wounds, sexual contact), or in utero from an infected mother. The vaccine is NOT 100% effective and causes all subsequent FIV tests to be false-positive. We require that all cats and kittens be tested for FeLV and FIV at least once and then yearly for cats with outdoor exposure. We only recommend that cats living with other FIV positive cat(s) be vaccinated.

Please note that there are several other available vaccines for your companion animal. We also offer vaccine titers to check the immunity level against some of these diseases. In summary, every patient has a different exposure risk and immunity level. Please speak with one of our veterinarians about what protection is best for your companion animal. Please click here to schedule an appointment now.