Vaccinations for Dogs and Cats

Vaccines are very important for the health of our pets. Vaccines help prevent communicable and highly contagious diseases and they keep our furry friends healthy and happy.

Canine Vaccines:

Distemper: This is a highly contagious virus. It attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous system. It can be carried by dogs, raccoons, skunks and spreads through airborne exposure (through coughing and sneezing) from an infected animal. The virus can also be transmitted by shared food and water bowls. It can cause discharge from the eyes and nose. Other symptoms vary and include fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, twitching, paralysis and death. 

Hepatitis: This is a contagious viral infection that can affect the liver, kidney, spleen, eyes, and lungs. Symptoms can include fever, vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the skin, eyes, and gums), stomach enlargement and pain around the liver. It can be fatal, but some dogs can overcome a milder case.

Parainfluenza: A viral infection that can contribute to Kennel cough; coughing, gagging and loss of appetite are the primary symptoms of infection.

Parvovirus: A highly contagious virus that attacks the gastrointestinal system. It creates a loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, bloody diarrhea and dehydration. It can lead to death, especially in very young puppies.

Leptospirosis: Is a spirochete bacterium that is found in contaminated water/soil. It is passed by many animals and can be passed by people as well (zoonotic). Symptoms can include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea, weakness and lethargy, kidney failure and/or liver failure.

Rabies: This is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It is contagious to many animals including humans (zoonotic). It is most often caused by being bitten by a rabid animal. It causes headaches, hallucinations, drooling, paralysis and death. The only primary animal that carries rabies in Washington State is the bat. Any mammal (including humans) can be a secondary host for a short period of time and also transmit the disease.

Bordetella (Kennel Cough): This is a bacteria of the respiratory tract that is high communicable. It causes dry hacking coughing that can lead to pneumonia.  

Feline Vaccines:

FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia): Feline viruses that are responsible for upper respiratory infections.  

Feline Leukemia: Is a disease that impairs the immune system and may cause certain types of cancer. Symptoms vary but these cats are more likely to get infections.

Feline Rabies- See above

Please contact us a Shoreline Veterinary Hospital to discuss these vaccines and which ones would be best for your dog or cat. Some of these vaccines are lifestyle-based and not always necessary. Depending on the vaccine, they will need to be given yearly, or every 3 years.