Vaccinations are an important way to prevent the spread of disease among dogs and cats. It is especially important to vaccinate young animals, as they are most susceptible to many infectious diseases—even if they are kept indoors. Some viruses travel through the air or can be brought into the house on people’s clothing or shoes.
Based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and exposure risks, we will help you determine the most appropriate vaccination protocol. (*It is important to note that the Rabies vaccine is required by law in Washington state every three years.) A snapshot of core vaccines follow:
Canine Vaccines
- Parvovirus—A life-threatening illness that causes vomiting, diarrhea, and white blood cell destruction
- Distemper—A life-threatening illness that causes vomiting, diarrhea, pneumonia, and seizures
- Adenovirus—A life-threatening illness that causes hepatitis
- Leptospirosis—Causes kidney and liver failure and can be life threatening
- Parainfluenza and Bordetella—Cause kennel cough and are highly contagious, with generally non-life-threatening symptoms that include coughing and runny nose
- Rabies*—A fatal central nervous system disease that can spread to owners; there is no cure for rabies and pets diagnosed with it are euthanized.
Feline Vaccines
- Panleukopenia (aka feline distemper)—Is life threatening and causes vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and low white blood cell count
- Feline Leukemia Virus—Causes chronic immune suppression that can lead to cancer
- Herpesvirus and Calicivirus—Both are highly contagious, but rarely life threatening, causing runny eyes, runny nose, fever, and a malaise
- Rabies*—A fatal central nervous system disease that can spread to owners; there is no cure for rabies and pets diagnosed with it are euthanized.
Additional “non-core vaccines” may be appropriate based on your pet’s particular needs. Those may include Leptospira and Lyme Disease. Be sure to ask your veterinarian which vaccines are right for you and your pet.
*It is important to note that Washington State rule WAC 246-100-197 mandates all dogs, cats, and ferrets in Washington must have up-to-date rabies vaccines.
