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Which Vaccines Does My Pet Really Need?

Which Vaccines Does My Pet Really Need?


               Vaccines are an important part of keeping pets healthy and in preventing diseases that may also affect humans.  But there are so many vaccines available-does your pet really need them all? Some vaccines are recommended for all pets but many vaccines are given based on risk or lifestyle.  Let’s learn more about common vaccines and which pets need them.

               Rabies—this is a core vaccine and required by law for ALL dogs and cats every 1-3 years regardless of risk and regardless of whether your pet goes outside or not.  Rabies is a serious human health risk and is considered to be 100% fatal if contracted.  Rabies is spread by contact with saliva of an infected animal.  Bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes are common carriers.  If a pet is bitten by or has contact with a rabid animal, he or she is at risk—and remember, bats occasionally make their way into homes, so indoor only pets are not completely without risk.  Adverse reactions to rabies vaccinations are rare; therefore, all pets (with few exceptions) should be vaccinated regularly with a rabies vaccine.

               Distemper/parvovirus for dogs and calicivirus/herpes/panleukopenia vaccines for cats—these vaccines are also considered to be core vaccines for all dogs and cats by the AVMA, AAHA, AAFP and other veterinary institutes and governing bodies.  These are serious illnesses that can be fatal to our pets.  Protection and prevention of spread of these viruses throughout pet populations is key to protecting our pets against disease, and routine vaccination is essential. 

               Leptospirosis—usually included with distemper/parvo vaccines for dogs (cats are not susceptible to leptospirosis) this bacterial infection is on the rise and can be found in both urban and rural areas.  Urine from animals such as rats, squirrels, skunks, raccoons and other wildlife can contain the bacteria and can contaminate ponds and other standing water supplies, including tubs or buckets and other vessels containing water in our backyards.  Hunting and farm dogs are at higher risk, but most dogs should receive a vaccine protecting against leptospirosis unless your dog has had a previous reaction to the vaccine.

               Lyme—Lyme disease is very common in Pennsylvania, especially in York County.  Ticks are more prevalent in wooded areas so dogs who hunt or who go camping with their owners or live on wooded lots are high risk. However, ticks can also be found in suburban yards and in area parks. Vaccination in combination with a good flea and tick preventative can drastically reduce the incidence of your dog getting Lyme disease (cats are rarely affected and there is currently no Lyme vaccine for cats).  Patton Veterinary Hospital believes that most dogs in our area should be vaccinated against Lyme, but, if your dog rarely goes outdoors, he or she may be low risk.

               Bordetella/Canine Flu—these vaccines (again, dogs only-limited risk to cats) are important for dogs who interact with or are exposed to a lot of other dogs at such places as dog parks, boarding kennels, grooming facilities, doggie daycares, dog shows, etc.  If your pup is pretty solitary, he or she may not need these vaccines, but if he is exposed to other dogs, make sure to keep him protected.

               Feline Leukemia—this vaccine is recommended for all kittens and for any cats who spend time outdoors.  Outdoor cats are at particularly high risk for feline leukemia virus especially if in contact with unknown/stray cats who may be carriers and should be vaccinated yearly.  If your adult cat is solely indoors or only goes out under direct supervision, she does not necessarily need a feline leukemia vaccine.

               That covers the vaccines currently available for dogs and cats.  Nearly all pets should receive the core vaccines (rabies, DHLPP for dogs or CPR for cats) unless there is a serious medical contraindication or previous vaccine reaction.  Leptospirosis, Lyme and feline leukemia are also important vaccines for dogs and cats in our area.  Talk to your vet about your pet’s lifestyle and risks to be sure that he or she is being protected and to find out which vaccines are recommended for your pet. 

               This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.

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