Q: HOW DO VACCINATIONS PROTECT MY PET AND WHY DO THEY NEED SO MANY?

A: At birth, puppies & kittens get disease killing antibodies from their mothers milk to protect them for the first few weeks of life. At about 9 weeks of age, puppies & kittens start to lose those antibodies and become vulnerable to disease. That is why we recommend starting a vaccination program at 8 weeks of age.

A vaccination is simply a reminder to the body's immune system to identify disease and create antibodies to help the body fight off disease. Killed virus, bacteria or organisms are used so that the body recognizes the disease if exposed in the future.

It is important that puppies and kittens complete the vaccination series, and then receive vaccinations annually, so that they are properly equipped to fight off disease in the future. Below is additional information about the most commonly vaccinated against diseases. Diseases marked with (••) indicate that humans are susceptible to contracting this disease as well as their pets.

•• RABIES VIRUS: Rabies virus infects both dogs & cats, in addition to almost all mammals.
RABIES IS NOT CURABLE AND IS DEADLY. ANIMALS ARE VACCINATED FOR THEIR SAFETY AND OURS!

Because this virus is lethal and incurable (and effects most all mammals) Sacramento County REQUIRES rabies vaccination to be performed on all dogs & cats. This vaccination should be given regardless of your pets' risk factors. (EVEN IF YOUR PET "NEVER GOES OUTSIDE") Rabies attacks the central nervous system and can only be diagnosed by examination of the brain tissue.

Symptoms vary depending upon the animal: Some display the "furious" symptoms: agitation, excitability, change in sound of bark, profuse salivation (due to inability to swallow), extreme aggression, biting at everything including itself, convulsions, followed by death. Others display the "dumb" or "paralytic" symptoms: change in the sound of bark, muscles of the head & neck typically respond first to the signs of paralysis, profuse salivation (due to inability to swallow), paralysis then becomes generalized, followed by death.

Any animal bite must be reported immediately to Animal Control or Sacramento City Animal Care Services and quarantined as instructed by these agencies.

Please contact Animal Control immediately at: City of Sacramento Animal Care Services 916-264-7387 or Sacramento County Department of Animal Care & Regulation at 916-875-5232

CANINE DISTEMPER:
Canine Distemper is a highly contagious virus and it can be lethal. This virus attacks many organs and may cause permanent damage even if the patient recovers. Symptoms can include: depression, listlessness, cough, diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting. Convulsions & paralysis can be seen at the final stages. This virus is spread by discharges from the nose and eyes of the infected dog. Vaccination and a clean environment are the best prevention.

CANINE PARVOVIRUS:
Canine Parvo is also a highly contagious virus. To date this disease is 80% fatal. It attacks many organs and specifically the gastrointestinal tract and causes severe dehydration. It is spread through the feces. This resistant virus can live for several years in the environment. Symptoms include: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, high fever. Vaccination and a clean health environment are the best prevention. Use a 1:32 bleach solution (no stronger) to clean infected areas is most effective.

INFECTIOUS CANINE HEPATITIS:
This virus is caused by Canine Adenovirus type 1, and transmitted by saliva, infected urine or feces. Symptoms range from mild to severe including: anorexia, abdominal pain, vomiting, thirst, nasal & eye discharge. This virus can be lethal depending upon severity of infection. Vaccination is the best prevention. Clean infected areas in the home with a 1: 32 bleach solution (no stronger).

CANINE TRACHEOBRONCHITIS (KENNEL COUGH):
This virus is highly contagious disease of the upper respiratory system. Like the common cold, it is transmitted by coughing & sneezing. Vaccination is the best protection. This vaccination is recommended every six (6) months after the initial vaccination series for dogs that frequent kennels, grooming or veterinary facilities, and other places where they will be exposed to other dogs.

•• LEPTOSPIROSIS:
This bacteria is passed by infected urine. Common sources of infection for both animals and humans include contaminated water and food. It can enter the body by breaks in the skin and mucous membranes. Symptoms begin to be observed about 10 days after infection and include: fever, lethargy, vomiting & nausea, abdominal pain. In more severe infections: kidney & liver failure, internal bleeding & death. Vaccination is the best prevention.

CANINE CORONA VIRUS:
This virus is passed in feces. It attacks the intestinal tract. It is highly contagious. Symptoms include: vomiting, diarrhea & dehydration. Best prevention is vaccination.

•• LYME DISEASE:
This bacteria is spread by the Deer tick. The bacteria is known as Borrelia Burgdorferi. Lyme Disease is known to infect humans as well as dogs. Symptoms include: arthritis, sudden pain, lameness, fever, loss of energy, decreased appetite and even depression. Symptoms may not appear for up to 2-5 months after infection and can often go undiagnosed for much longer. Tick control and vaccination are the best protection. We recommend Frontline Plus, provided by Merial. This once per month topical flea and tick prevention is water PROOF and lasts a month long. Frontline Plus is available without a prescription! Visit us today and purchase a 6 month supply and get a single dose for •FREE!

RATTLESNAKE VACCINE:
This vaccination does not prevent the dog's body from responding to the rattlesnake venom, it simply slows the response time. ANY SNAKE BITE NEEDS TO BE EVALUATED BY A VETERINARIAN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAIL!

FELINE LEUKEMIA (FeLV) & FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (FIV):
FeLV and FIV both attach the cat’s immune system. Both viruses are incurable and fatal. These viruses cause a multitude of health problems due to the cats’ compromised immune system. There are no “sure” signs or symptoms of either of these viruses, however, a simple blood test will confirm diagnosis. The test is performed in the veterinary office, and will detect both the Felv virus and FIV virus.

FeLV is transmitted through saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces & mother's milk. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is transmitted by saliva from bite wounds, or communal grooming. Cats can live with either of these viruses for months and even years without any outward signs or symptom while they continue to shed the virus, spreading it to other cats.

Once diagnosed, your veterinarian will discuss ways to manage the infection and attempt to optimize your cat’s quality of life. Additionally, your veterinarian will discuss with you ways to minimize the spread of these incurable diseases to other cats.

Unfortunately, Feline Leukemia (FeLV) is the leading cause of death in cats in North America. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) recommends that all at-risk cats, sick cats and kittens be tested. Currently, vaccination, bi-annual examinations, and minimizing your cat’s exposure outside (contact with other cats), is the best protection against both feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus. Your veterinarian will discuss with you your pets’ health risk status and provide a recommended vaccination protocol ensuring the best protection possible for your pet.

FELINE VIRAL RHINOTRACHEITIS:
This virus causes upper respiratory tract infection. It is very contagious from one cat to another. Symptoms include: fever, loss of appetite. Sneezing, eye & nasal discharge and coughing. Kittens are particularly susceptible. Even after an infected cat recovers, it may be a carrier of the virus for the rest of its life.

FELINE PANLEUKOPENIA:
This virus is also known as "Feline Distemper". This virus is very prevalent and can live in the environment for up to 1 year! The likelihood of your cat being exposed to this virus in its life time is extremely high. Infection rates for unprotected cats run as high as 90% -100%. This virus is potentially fatal. Symptoms include: listlessness, diarrhea, vomiting, severe dehydration, fever & death. Vaccination is the best protection from this virus.

•• FELINE CHLAMYDIA:
Chlamydia is a bacterial disease that can be transmitted to humans. It is very contagious and causes infection of the mucous conjunctiva of the eye, but may also affect the lungs. This bacterial disease is responsible for 5% of all feline respiratory disease. Vaccination is the best prevention.

FELINE CALICIVIRUS:
Feline Calicivirus is prevented by vaccination. It causes respiratory infections and is highly contagious. Even if the infected cat does recover it will likely be a carrier of the virus and suffer from chronic sneezing, runny eyes and severe gum disease. Symptoms include: fever, ulcers and blisters on the tongue and pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs) and can range from mild to severe, depending upon the strain of virus presented. This disease can be very difficult to treat.

HERE IS WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW....TO PROTECT YOUR PETS AND YOUR FAMILY...

For More information about all of these parasites, check out: www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases
For additional information, GO TO http://www.cdc.gov.

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