RABIES

Section 16.41 - Rabies Vaccination Required

A person living in this Commonwealth owning or keeping a dog or cat over 3 months of age shall have the dog or cat vaccinated against rabies under the act and this chapter.

Reminder - There is not a cure and/or treatment for rabies, once symptoms begin it is always fatal.  It can be prevented, not cured, so be sure to vaccinate your pet with a rabies vaccine.

The first rabies vaccine for a pet is always a one year vaccine.  We provide a three (3) year vaccine for pets that have previously received a rabies vaccine and the vaccine is not expired.

 CANINE DA2CPV

Distemper (D) is a highly contagious viral disease in dogs.  It is an airborne virus similar to human measles virus.  It can cause severe respiratory, gastro-inteestinal and neurological abnormalities.  It can be fatal in puppies and adult dogs.

Adenovirus Type 2 [Hepatitis] (A2) is a respiratory disease, the vaccine also protects Adenovirus Type 1, which is a virus causing hepatitis, an acute liver infection.

Parvo (CPV) is an acute, highly contagious viral disease causing vomiting and diarrhea, attacking the gastro-intestinal tract of puppies and adult dogs.  Parvo is resistant to environmental changes, therefore, it can survive for long periods of time.  A less common form is the cardiac form, which also attacks the heart muscle, often resulting in sudden death.

All puppies are to receive three (3) series of the DA2CPV, with the final series given at approximately 14-16 weeks of age.  Yearly vaccination is recommended to continue protecting your pet against these diseases.

BORDETELLA

Commonly referred to as "kennel cough", Bordetella is not transmitted from metal cages!  Bordetella is a bacterial infection of the respiratory system causing severe coughing and gagging.  It is very contagious and airborne disease.  Occasionally dogs may develop pneumonia.

All puppies or adult dogs that were not previously vaccinated for Bordetella are to receive two (2) series of this vaccine, therefore, yearly vaccination is recommended in an effort to protect your pet against this disease.

LYME

Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick.  First symptoms of Lyme disease you may see your dog presenting is recurrent leg lameness due to inflammation of the joints.  Kidney problems is usually the next sign of the infection, which may be fatal.  Dogs may not test positve until a few weeks after exposure to an infected tick bite.

All puppies and adult dogs that were not previously vaccinated for Lyme are to receive two (2) series of this vaccine, thereafter, yearly vaccination is recommended in an effort to protect your pet against the disease.

CANINE INFLUENZA

Canine Influenza is a highly contagious viral respiratory infection which is rapidly growing in many areas.  First signs are usually the same as Bordetella, which causes this to be incorrectly diagnosed at the onset.  Dogs with exposure to kennels, grooming facilities, doggy daycare centers and doggy parks should be vaccinated against Canine Influenza.

All puppies or adult dogs that were not previously vaccinated for Canine Influenza are to receive two (2) series of this vaccine, thereafter, yearly vaccination is recommended in an effort to protect your pet against this disease.

HEARTWORM TEST

Heartworm is a curable disease if treated in early stages.  If not detected and/or treated, it can cause severe Heartworm disease, meaning extensive treatment, and possibly death.  Heartworm infestation is passed to the dog by the bite of a carrier mosquito.  All dogs over six (6) months of age should be tested, and if negative, a heartworm preventative is suggested.  Under six (6) months of age, a heartworm preventative should be started, a test is not needed.

We also offer a combination test for Heartwom and Lyme Disease.

FELINE FVRCP

Rhinotracheitis (FVR) is a very contagious and airborne disease causing severe upper respiratory infection by the feline herpes virus.  The disease is debilating and chronic, some cats will have permanent damage to eyes and their respiratory system.

Calicivirus (C) is a respiratory infection affecting the cat's throat, eyes, nasal passages, mouth, sometimes lungs, intestines and musculosketal system.  Symptoms can include runny eyes, sneezing, nasal discharge, fever, drooling, uulcers on togue and palate. Untreated can cause pneumonia and possibly death.

Panleukopenia (P) is commonly referred to as feline distemper, which is a highly contagious disease affecting blood cells in the intestinal tract, bone marrow, brain and developing fetuses. It can be fatal. It is resistant and many remain infectious in the environment for up to a year.

All kittens are to receive three (3) series of this vaccine, with the final series given at approximately 14-16 weeks of age. Yearly vaccination is recommended to continue protecting your pet against these diseases.

FELINE LEUKEMIA (FeLV)

Feline Leukemia ia a retrovirus in cats, which is contagious and potentially fatal viral disease. FeLV positive cats sometimes can live for years. Stress and exposure to ill cats should be avoided. FeLV positive cats should be kept indoors. Supportive care is essential, especially for secondary infections.

All kittens or adult cats there were not previously vaccinated for FeLV are to receive two (2) series of this vaccine, thereafter, yearly vaccination is recommended in an effort to protect your pet against this disease.

FeLV/FIV TEST

Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) persists for the cat's life. There is not a cure for either of these diseases.  All kittens and new adult cats into your household should be tested for FeLV/FIV.