Pet Vaccination at Companion Animal Veterinary Hospital in Centennial, CO
Vaccinating your pet protects them from infectious diseases and promotes their overall health and well-being at Companion Animal Veterinary Hospital.
Pet Vaccination in Centennial, CO
Just like humans, animals can be affected by infectious diseases, some of which can be transferred to humans. As responsible pet owners who want to keep your animals safe and healthy, we highly recommend that you vaccinate them according to current guidelines.
PUPPY AND KITTEN VACCINATIONS
Puppies and kittens receive initial protection against infectious diseases from their mother’s milk as long as she has been regularly vaccinated. However, this protection only lasts for a few weeks, so your new pet will need vaccinations from an early age. Many puppies or kittens will go to their new homes having already received their first vaccinations. Check with the previous owner to ensure they are up to date. If they have not yet been vaccinated, we recommend getting their first vaccinations done as soon as possible after taking ownership.
As a guideline:
Both puppies and kittens should be vaccinated at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks.
Booster injections should then be given 12 months from the initial vaccinations and annually after that.
VACCINATIONS FOR DOGS
Your canine friend should be routinely vaccinated against the following:
- Leptospirosis: A bacteria-based disease usually spread by infected water. It causes fever, lethargy, vomiting, and jaundice. Severe infections can lead to organ failure and can be fatal if untreated.
- Canine Distemper Virus: Spread by contact with bodily fluids, this virus has no specific treatment. Dogs with severe symptoms often die, and survivors may face neurological difficulties later in life.
- Canine Parvovirus: Primarily affecting puppies, this virus is spread by contact with feces from infected dogs. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and severe dehydration. Without treatment, it has a high mortality rate.
- Infectious Canine Hepatitis: Passed through bodily fluids, this virus can survive in the environment for prolonged periods. Symptoms can mimic those of parvovirus.
If your dog will spend time in kennels, they may also receive a vaccination against kennel cough, which is a combination of the parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica. Dogs traveling abroad should also be given a rabies vaccine.
VACCINATIONS FOR CATS
Your feline friend should be routinely vaccinated against the following:
- Feline Calicivirus: Commonly called “cat flu,” symptoms include sneezing, fever, and discharge from the nose and eyes. It spreads through cat-to-cat contact and airborne particles.
- Feline Herpes Virus: Spread through saliva or discharge from infected cats, symptoms are similar to those of calicivirus. Once infected, cats may experience recurrent flare-ups throughout their lives.
- Feline Infectious Enteritis: This virus attacks the immune system and is spread through the feces and urine of infected cats. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Cats deemed “at risk” should also be vaccinated against feline leukemia virus, especially those in multi-cat households or urban areas. Symptoms may include poor body condition, jaundice, and anorexia.
BENEFITS OF PET VACCINATIONS
Vaccinations protect your pets from serious diseases, providing several benefits, including:
- Preventing Infectious Diseases: Vaccines significantly reduce the risk of severe illnesses.
- Promoting Longevity: Keeping your pets healthy can lead to a longer, happier life.
- Community Health: Vaccination helps protect other animals and humans from disease transmission.
BOOK APPOINTMENT
To ensure your pet receives the essential vaccinations they need, book appointment at Companion Animal Veterinary Hospital today. Protect your pet’s health and well-being with timely vaccinations.