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Vaccinations

Prevention is better than cure.” – Desiderius Erasmus

Vaccinating your pet is considered one of the easiest ways to help them live a healthy life. Just like in humans, vaccines trigger immune responses that help fight against common infections they may contract. For both cats and dogs, there are core vaccines, that are required, especially if you plan on socializing your pets. There is also elective vaccines, that are based on the lifestyle and habits of your pet. See the following chart for both the core and elective vaccines.

Dogs

Core Vaccines

Distemper, Adenovirus Type I & II, Parvovirus & Parainfluenza (DA2PP)

Distemper: Highly contagious and often fatal, a viral disease spread by airborne transmission, it affects your dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems. It is spread through airborne infection.

Adenovirus I & II (Hepatitis or CAV-1): a highly contagious viral disease that primarily attacks the dog’s liver, but also the kidneys, spleen, lungs and eyes. Clinical signs include: high temperature, diarrhea, vomiting and convulsions.

Parvovirus: Highly contagious and often fatal, a viral disease that is shed in feces. This virus can survive outdoors for an extended period of time, and can be carried home by shoes or paws that come into contact with the virus. Early signs of this potentially deadly virus are vomiting and diarrhea. It is often more severe in puppies and in older dogs.

Parainfluenza: Highly contagious, a respiratory virus that is spread through contact or airborne transmission.

Cats

Core Vaccines

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus & Panleukopenia (FVRCP)

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Herpesvirus 1, FVR or FHV-1): Highly contagious and easily transmitted between infected cats, a severe upper respiratory tract infection that can cause flu-like symptoms: sneezing, a runny nose, irritated eyes, coughing and oral ulcers.

Calicivirus (FCV): Highly contagious and easily transmitted between infected cats, a respiratory tract infection and oral ulceration; can cause flu symptoms, chronic disease and is more serious when combined with the presence of other viruses (such as FVR) and bacteria.

Panleukopenia: (Feline Distemper or Feline Parvo), a highly contagious and fatal virus that can be spread through air, contact or contact with places an infected animal has been. It can remain stable in the environment for long periods of time. Symptoms can include a high fever and a sudden onset of vomiting and diarrhea. This disease is especially fatal in kittens.

Rabies

A fatal viral disease that attacks the brain and the central nervous system, and can affect both you and your pet. Even without direct contact with an infected animal, there is still the risk of transmission when broken skin comes into contact with infected saliva. The rabies vaccine is required by law in Ontario.

Rabies

A fatal viral disease that attacks the brain and the central nervous system, and can affect both you and your pet. Even without direct contact with an infected animal, there is still the risk of transmission when broken skin comes into contact with infected saliva. The rabies vaccine is required by law in Ontario.

Elective Vaccines

Bordetella Bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough)

An infectious bacterial illness that affects the respiratory system. Spread through contact with other dogs and therefore highly probable for those that visit boarding facilities, dog parks or other communal areas.

Leptospirosis

Extremely contagious, an infectious bacterial disease transmitted by contact with the urine of the infected. Can cause fever, vomiting, diarrhea and may result in chronic kidney disease. Leptospirosis is a threat not only to dogs but to humans as well, who can contract it from their animals.

Lyme Disease

A tick-borne disease that affects both dogs and humans, dogs that play in grassy fields or travel through forested areas are at greater risk for this disease.

Elective Vaccines

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

A viral condition that attacks a cat’s immune system, causes chronic anemia, tumours and leaves them vulnerable to many other secondary infections. The virus is shed in the saliva, urine and feces of an infected cat. Risk of exposure is highest for cats that go outdoors and those that have direct contact with infected cats, such as those that share a litter box.