Ark Animal Hospital's Recommendations for Puppies and Dogs

Canine vaccinations are the most important preventative measure you can take to reduce the risk of disease in your dog or puppy.  Many diseases can be fatal so it is imperative that a vaccination program is carefully considered together with your veterinarian for your puppy or dog.  The vaccinations and test recommendations for canine diseases are explained in some detail below.  Not every dog requires every vaccine that is available.  We will help you tailor a vaccination plan that best suits your dog.  These decisions are determined by the risk factors associated with your dog's health, lifestyle and environment.

Rabies:  Attacks the nervous system inluding the brain.  It is fatal and has no cure.  This disease can be transmitted to humans.

*IT IS MANDATORY IN THE UNITED STATES THAT ALL DOGS BE VACCINATED FOR RABIES*

     Da2pp:  Combination vaccine includes Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza and Adenovirus.

     Distemper:  A highly contagious virus which affects the respiratory and nervous systems, causing fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and eventually death.

     Parvovirus:  Is highly contagious and causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, often leading to death.  It affects dogs of all ages, puppies most severely.  Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, excessive thirst, weight loss, listlessness and loss of appetite.

     Parainfluenza and Adenovirus:  Causes highly contagious respiratory diseases leading to a dry hacking cough.  It is very serious in young puppies and can lead to a more severe pneumonia.

*WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THIS VACCINE FOR ALL DOGS*

Bordetella (Kennel Cough):  Strongly recommended, especially if a puppy or adult dog will have exposure to many dogs such as training classes, shows, boarding and/or the groomers.  Kennel cough is very contagious and transmitted by other infected animals.  Symptoms include coughing and respiratory problems.  The vaccine is required at boarding kennels in our area.

Leptospirosis:  Transmitted through contact with urine from an infected animal (some carriers can be possums, raccoons, and squirrels).  Risk factors can include an environment with woods, ponds, standing water, rivers or creeks.  This disease can be transmitted to humans.  Symptoms include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea or no symptoms at all.

Intestinal Parasite Exam:  Most parasites can be diagnosed by a microscopic fecal examination using various chemicals to help concentrate the population of parasite eggs.  A fecal examination can show if your pet has intestinal parasites that can make your pet very sick.  Common intestinal parasites include Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms and Coccidia.  Most of these parasites can be transmitted to humans.

Heartworm Test:  Heartworms are a parasite spread by mosquito bites.  They can be easily prevented with monthly heartworm prevention. However, heartworm preventions are not safe to use on a dog that is already infected.  Every dog that is over the age of 6 months should be tested yearly for heartworms.  Dogs that only go outside to use the bathroom can still become infected so it is very important to test all of your dogs.  Heartworm prevention must be used with caution in pets that have not been seen by a veterinarian in the past year and does not have a negative test on record.

*WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND A HEARTWORM TEST FOR ALL DOGS*

Ark Animal Hospital's Recommendations for Kittens and Cats

Feline vaccinations are the most important preventative measure you can take to reduce the risk of disease in your cat or kitten.  Many disease can be fatal so it is imperative that a vaccination program is carefully considered together with your veterinarian for your kitten or cat.  The vaccination and test recommendations for feline diseases are explained in some detail below.  Not every cat requires every vaccine that is available.  We will help you tailor a vaccination plan that best suits your cat.  These decisions are determined by the risk factors associated with your cat's health, lifestyle and environment.

Rabies:  Attacks the nervous system including the brain.  It is fatal and has no cure.  This disease can be transmitted to humans.

*IT IS MANDATORY IN THE UNITED STATES THAT ALL CATS BE VACCINATED FOR RABIES*

FVRCP:  Combination vaccine including Feline Rhinotracheitis(FVR), Calicivirus(FVC), Panleukopenia.

     Feline Rhinotracheitis(FVR):  A highly contagious virus caused by a herpes virus characterized by nasal and ocular discharge, conjunctivitis, ulcers of the oral cavity, anorexia, depression and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.  Can result in abortions of infected fetuses.  Cats with FVR can become persistently infected after returning to normal, shedding the virus during periods of stress.

     Feline Calicivirus(FVC):  Is highly contagious virus also charaterized by nasal and ocular discharge, conjunctivitis, ulcers of the oral cavity, anorexia, depression and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.

    Feline Panleukopenia:  Also known as feline distemper, feline panleukopenia is highly contagious, often fatal dissease in cats.  Caused by a parvovirus transmittend by contact with infected cats, their feces or environmental contamination.  Highly resistant and capable of surviving in the environment for months.  Signs of acute infection include fever, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and abdominal pain.

*WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THIS VACCINE FOR ALL CATS*

Feline Leukemia:  Is a high-mortality disease, caused by the feline leukemia virus(FeLV). FeLV produces immunosuppression, which can then lead to other diseases or infections such as respiratory or gastrointestinal disease.  Cats that survive these initial diseases may develop some form of cancer. FeLV is transmitted by direct contact with infected cats or with contaminated food dishes or litter boxes.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus(FIV):  Attacks a cat's immune system, producing a slow-developing immunodeficiency disease(like HIV in humans) that results in chronic secondary infections.  These include respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary tract and skin infections.  FIV infection is life long.  However, FIV disease is relatively uncommon, and most cats remain normal for extended periods of time until immunodeficiency occurs.  FIV vaccine is available but not widely recommended because it can result in positive blood testing results.

Intestinal Parasite Exam:  Most parasites can be diagnosed by a microscopic fecal examination using various chemicals to help concentrate the population of parasite eggs.  A fecal examination can show if your pet has intestinal parasites that can make your pet very ill.  Common intestinal parasites include Roundworms, Hookworms and Coccidia.  Most of these parasites can be transmitted to humans.

FIV/FeLV Test:  Testing your kitten or cat for FIV/FeLV can help in determining the lifestyle of your pet and how to treat common issues that my arise for your pet.  Initial testing should be done as a kitten usually around 6 weeks or older.  If your pet goes outside, routine testing should be done throughout the lifespan of your pet.

*WE STONGLY RECOMMEND A FIV/FELV TEST FOR ALL CATS*