Vaccinations

One of the most efficient ways to protect your animal from disease is to prevent against it.  Vaccines are an invaluable tool used to keep our animals safe. We will work with you to determine the protocol that works best for your pet and the lifestyle that they lead.  

Dog Vaccines:

The immunizations that your dog needs may vary on their age, whether they are a homebody or social, and how much time they spend in the great outdoors.

• Rabies:  This vaccine protects animals from the rabies virus.  It is required by law for every dog to have this vaccine.  The first vaccine is good for one year; subsequent vaccinations last for three years.
• DHPP:  This is a combination vaccine that contains protection against distemper virus, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and parvovirus.  These viruses can cause a combination of problems from severe respiratory and neurologic disease to life-threatening gastrointestinal disease.  
• Leptospirosis:  This vaccine provides protection against bacteria that are spread in the urine of wildlife and can cause severe kidney or liver damage.  It is often given in combination with the DHPP vaccine.
• Bordetella (Kennel Cough):  This is an oral vaccine that protects dogs from upper respiratory infection.  This is especially important for dogs that go to a groomer, a boarding facility, or to dog parks.
• Lyme:  The Lyme vaccine helps to protect against this tick-borne disease that has become increasingly prevalent in North Carolina and can cause a wide range of health issues from lameness to renal failure in dogs.
• Canine Influenza Virus (CIV):  The canine influenza vaccine helps protect against both the current strains of flu that can cause serious respiratory disease.  This is most important for dogs that are groomed, boarded, or frequent dog parks. Many boarding facilities will require this vaccine.

Cat Vaccines:

Your cat’s lifestyle plays a large role in determining what disease they might be exposed to and what vaccines are the most important for them.

• Rabies:  This vaccine protects animals from the rabies virus.  It is required by law for every cat to have this vaccine.  The first vaccine that a pet gets is good for one year and then subsequently they can get the three year vaccination.
• FVRCP:  This vaccine protects against the rhinotracheitis, calici, and panleukopenia viruses that can cause severe upper respiratory and gastrointestinal disease.
• Feline Leukemia Virus:  This vaccine protects against the leukemia virus that can lead to life-long immunodeficiency problems and potential early age onset lymphoma.

Next: Parasite Prevention

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