Vaccinations
A core part of preventative health care, vaccines protect our pets from a host of illnesses, some of which can be deadly.
Core Vaccinations For Pets
- Rabies Vaccine: In 2019 there were 127 cases of rabies in the state of South Carolina. Protecting our pets from this fatal disease is one of the most important things that we can do to help them and society. By state law, cats and dogs are required to have an up to date rabies vaccine.
- DHPP Vaccine: A core vaccine sometimes called the distemper vaccine, the DHPP vaccine prevents the serious and often deadly illnesses Distemper, Heptatitis (Adenovirus-1 and Advenovirus-2), Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza. Distemper is an often deadly disease with no known cure, causing symptoms such as fever, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, and at advanced stages, seizures and paralysis. Parvovirus is a deadly disease that is incredibly common in South Carolina, causing symptoms such as vomiting and bloody diarrhea and requiring round the clock hospitalization to treat. By keeping their DHPP vaccine up to date you are investing in your dog’s long-term health.
- Leptospirosis Vaccine: Leptospirosis is a disease that dogs can contract from rodents and wildlife, usually from bacteria in contaminated water. A deadly disease, it presents with flu-like symptoms and as it progresses it harms the liver and kidneys, sometimes resulting in liver and kidney failure. Leptospirosis is transmittable to humans but is easily prevented with a yearly vaccine.
- Bordetella Vaccine: If your dog goes to a groomer, daycare/boarding facility, dog park, or frequently interacts with other dogs, the Bordetella vaccine will help protect them from kennel cough, a bacterial infection that results in a hacking cough and sneezing that left untreated can sometimes progress into pneumonia.
- Influenza Vaccine: In 2015, the H3N2 strain of canine influenza virus quickly spread through 30 states, causing sneezing, coughing, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Dogs who frequent dog parks, pet stores, groomers, and daycare centers are most at risk. Fortunately a vaccine has been developed to protect dogs and curb the spread of this disease.
- FVRCP Vaccine: The FVRCP vaccine, also known as the feline distemper vaccine, is the core feline vaccine that protects your cat from Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. Rhinotracheitis includes symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, and drooling, and if left untreated can result in severe dehydration and even death. Calicivirus impacts the respiratory system and causes ulcers in a cat’s mouth. If left untreated it can lead to pneumonia. Panleukopenia can result in fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and can result in serious complications and death within just a day of onset. By vaccinating your cat with this core vaccine, these illnesses can be easily prevented.
- FeLV Vaccine: Feline leukemia is a viral infection that presents with a wide variety of symptoms, and is the most common cause of cancer in cats. A contagious disease, cats can contract it from the saliva of other cats, usually from grooming each other, sharing food and water bowls, fighting with other cats, or from mother cat to kittens. A yearly vaccine protects felines from this serious illness.
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It’s also important to note that even pets who live primarily indoors should be vaccinated, as they can still be exposed to a
