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 diseasesโeven if they are kept indoors. Some viruses travel through the air or can be brought into the house on peopleโs clothing or shoes.
Based on your petโs 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
- ParvovirusโA life-threatening illness that causes vomiting, diarrhea, and white blood cell destruction
- DistemperโA life-threatening illness that causes vomiting, diarrhea, pneumonia, and seizures
- AdenovirusโA life-threatening illness that causes hepatitis
- LeptospirosisโCauses kidney and liver failure and can be life threatening
- Parainfluenza and BordetellaโCause kennel cough and are highly contagious, with generally non-life-threatening symptoms that include coughing and runny nose
- Rabies*โA 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)โIs life threatening and causes vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and low white blood cell count
- Feline Leukemia VirusโCauses chronic immune suppression that can lead to cancer
- Herpesvirus and CalicivirusโBoth are highly contagious, but rarely life threatening, causing runny eyes, runny nose, fever, and a malaise
- Rabies*โA 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.
