Why Should I vaccinate my pet and get an annual checkup?

There is no substitute for regular visits to your Vet. Vaccinating not only prevents diseases in our pet’s but also can protect you and your family as well. We can customize your vaccination packages along with a deworming package. We could educate owners to help the pets stay healthy and live a longer healthier life as well as getting a full physical exam.

Why do puppies require more frequent vaccinations than older dogs?

     Nursing puppies ingest antibodies from their mothers. These maternal antibodies provide early protection again infectious diseases. However, they also neutralize the immunizing agents in vaccines. These antibodies only last for the first three to four months of life and eventually disappear. Puppies should receive four sets of vaccines beginning at about six weeks old. This helps increase the likelihood of long term protection.

     Older dogs (Over 1 year old) who have been properly vaccinated need to be boostered yearly for Kennel Cough And Lepto.  They need to be boostered every three years for Rabies and Parvo Distemper.  It is important that they also get an annual exam to make sure there are no underlying problems. 

• Rabies
• Parvo Distemper
• Canine Distemper
• Infectious Canine Hepatitis
• Lepto virus
• Canine respiratory diseases ( Kennel Cough )

Rabies is caused by the rabies virus and is 100% fatal in animals once they start to show signs of disease. The virus is spread by saliva, either by a bite from an infected animal or by saliva contaminating a skin wound. In addition, any contact with wildlife (including bats) can introduce the risk of rabies infection. Raccoons, skunks and other wild animals can carry the rabies virus and may be present in areas where dogs gather.  All dogs are required by law to be vaccinated against Rabies.

Although Rabies is the only vaccination required by law, we highly recommend vaccinating your pets against the following diseases:

Parvo Distemper:  Parvo Distemper is caused by the canine parvovirus type 2. The virus is very contagious and attacks the gastrointestinal system, causing fever, vomiting and severe, often bloody, diarrhea. It is spread by direct contact between dogs as well as by contaminated stool, surfaces, bowls, collars, leashes, equipment, and the hands and clothing of people. It can also survive in the soil for years, making the virus hard to kill. Treating parvo can be very expensive but without proper treatment the mortality rate can be up to 91%.  With Proper treatment survival rates can be increased to 85-90%.

Canine Distemper: Canine Distemper is caused by a very contagious virus. Puppies and dogs usually become infected through virus particles in the air or in the respiratory secretions of infected dogs. Infected dogs typically develop runny eyes, fever, snotty nose, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and paralysis. It is often fatal.

Infectious Canine Hepatitis:  This disease that infects the tissues, kidney, liver and spleen. Death or severe  illness may occur.

Lepto Virus: Leptospirosis is caused by species of the Leptospira bacteria. The bacteria are shed in the urine of infected animals, and animals and people usually become infected by drinking contaminated water or coming into contact with contaminated soil or food. Dogs infected with Leptospira may develop fever, muscle weakness, vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, and kidney or liver failure.

Canine Respiratory Disease(Kennel Cough):  Kennel Cough can be caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria. It is very contagious and your dog can become infected if it comes into contact with an infected dog. Dogs with kennel cough may not seem ill in the early stages of the disease but they can still infect other dogs. Most commonly, dogs with kennel cough will have a snotty nose and a dry, hacking cough.