Immunizations
We follow the AVMA guidelines for immunization. Dogs and cats each have core immunizations and non-core immunizations which are recommended due to certain lifestyles and environmental risks. We will be able to advise you on which immunizations your pet should have, and will help you schedule their regiment. See what we immunize against below.
RABIES
The rabies virus affects the central nervous system of its host. It is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal (most commonly through a bite). Once symptoms are present it is almost always fatal.
PARVO
PARVO
DISTEMPER
Distemper is a serious viral disease that affects several bodily systems, such as your dog’s respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, spinal cord and brain. It has many common symptoms such as high fever, eye and nose discharge, severely upset stomach, and hardening of nose and footpads.
Canine leptospirosis is most commonly spread when urine from an infected animal makes its way into a water source. Because of this, dogs who swim or drink from puddles are most at risk. Leptospirosis primarily affects the kidneys and liver. Most infections are mild, though many dogs experience fever, vomiting, lethargy and other common flu like symptoms. If untreated, it can cause permanent kidney or liver damage.
BORDETELLA
Bordetella can be very serious and sometimes fatal upper respiratory disease. Bordatella is a common cause of “kennel cough” and is very contagious through direct contact - it is even spread through the air. Dogs who are in consistent closed contact with other dogs (such as in a kennel or grooming facility) are the most common victims.
CALICIVIRUS
Feline Calicivirus is an upper respiratory infection that attacks the lungs, mouth, intestines and musculoskeletal system. The symptoms are quick to present after infection. It is very common wherever many cats are kept in close proximity, such as at shelters and poorly ventilated households.
LEUKEMIA
Feline Leukemia Virus is can cause various blood disorders and can seriously compromise a cat’s immune system. FeLV is commonly spread through saliva, nasal secretions, milk, urine and feces from infected cats.
HERPES VIRUS
Feline Herpesvirus is a highly contagious virus. It can be transmitted between cats through direct contact, sharing food/water bowls or litter trays, and inhalation of sneeze droplets. Once infected, the cat is a life-long carrier of the virus, meaning it can spread it to other cats in its environment if it continues to shed the virus.
CORONAVIRUS
Coronavirus is a highly contagious intestinal disease in dogs. It can be a very serious disease for puppies. The most common cause of transmission is contact with the feces of an infected dog. Dogs who contract coronavirus commonly exhibit behaviors closely associated with an upset stomach, and it’s important to have your dog diagnosed by a veterinarian, as its symptoms are shared with other diseases.
ADENOVIRUS
Adenovirus causes canine hepatitis, which is a viral disease in dogs that causes upper respiratory tract infections. Symptoms vary widely from lethargy, anxiety and fever to blood vessel collapse, central nervous afflictions, and death. Younger dogs (puppies less than a year old) are particularly susceptible.
PANLUEKOPINIA
Feline Panleukopinia is a highly contagious virus. Most panleukopinia fatalities are caused by dehydration through diarrhea or secondary infection from a compromised immune system. The virus causes a severe decrease in the cat’s white blood cell count which compromises the immune system. It has a wide variety of symptoms that require a veterinarian to diagnose and treat. It can be spread through contact with bedding, food/water dishes or through the clothing of someone who has come into contact with an infected animal. The virus can survive longer than a year in a suitable environment.