Cat and Dog Vaccinations in Carmel, IN
Vaccines are a crucial part of your pet’s wellness. They protect against dangerous, potentially fatal diseases. While widespread cat and dog vaccinations have led to a decrease in many of these diseases, it is still possible for any of them to become prevalent again. If people stop vaccinating their pets, many of the rare conditions we’ve put a stop to will start coming back, affecting more than just your pet but the whole pet population. Pet vaccinations are therefore necessary to protect the whole pet communities of Carmel and surrounding areas. Call (317) 218-3142 to make an appointment.
Vaccines and the Reasons Behind Them
Some diseases such as rabies and leptospirosis can affect humans as well as animals. However, most diseases are species-specific. For your cat or dog, we offer the latest vaccinations that help them stay healthy throughout their lives.
Dog vaccinations include:
This one is required by law in the State of Indiana. A deadly zoonotic disease, it spreads easily from the bite of an infected animal, even to humans.
DAPPL, or Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, and Leptospirosis. Each of these is highly contagious between dogs, and very often fatal. While Leptospirosis has typically been a non-core vaccine, it’s prevalence and ability to infect humans, is reason enough to add it to the core set.
Bordetella, or kennel cough. While it is a non-core vaccine, most boarding facilities and even groomers, require pets to be vaccinated before they come in for service. Furthermore, due to the highly contagious nature of kennel cough, dogs that frequent dog parks, training, or environments where they are in close contact with other dogs, will benefit significantly from the vaccine.
This, too, is a non-core pet vaccination. We recommend it only for dogs who are highly sociable and attend frequent boarding, daily trips to the dog park, or other canine social events. There are two strains of this virus, H3N8 and H3N2, which still break out in populations across the states. The vaccine we offer protects against both.
Cat vaccinations include:
Even indoor cats can be susceptible, and the high infection rate and risk of death is too much to ignore. Again, this is required by law.
FVRCP, or Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis Calicivirus Panleukopenia. This combination vaccine protects against feline distemper (panleukopenia), as well as two highly contagious and deadly respiratory infections. Since distemper can live in the environment for years, all cats require protection.
FeLV, or Feline Leukemia. As a non-core vaccine, FeVL is only recommended for outdoor cats who may have run-ins with any other outdoor or feral cats. It is easily spread and, while potentially slow-working, fatal.
Pet Vaccinations Timeline
Your newborn pet will begin to receive a series of vaccinations from as early as 8 weeks old and will continue until about 16 weeks of age. Afterwards, your adult pet will need to receive regular boosters to keep their immunities high. Some pet vaccinations like rabies can be done every 3 years, while others must be given yearly.
Please do not hesitate to ask us more about pet vaccinations. You can call us at (317) 218-3142 today, stop in, or ask your veterinarian at your next appointment.
