Why Vaccinate

Vaccinations are an important component of preventative care for our pets. They help to protect them from life threatening diseases, some of which are transferable to humans.

The following is a short definition of each vaccine and why it is needed.


What is Rabies? Why Vaccinate? How Often? What is the difference between one year and three year vaccinations?

Rabies virus is a fatal neurological disease for both humans and animals.  It is required by Florida law to have your pet vaccinated for this disease.  Any pet receiving the rabies vaccine for the first time must receive the 1 year vaccination.  If the pet has received a previous rabies booster and it is not expired (even by 1 day) they can have either the 1 year or the 3 year vaccination, if available in their county.

What is DAPPV? Why Vaccinate?

DAPPV is a core combination vaccination for dogs, it vaccinates for distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and parvovirus.  Distemper is a very contagious viral disease which is often fatal.  Signs can include lethargy, runny nose, congestion, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures or paralysis.  Parainfluenza or canine influenza is a vaccination that protects dogs that enter social environments.  Much like our own flu,dogs exposed to canine influenza can develop cough that could lead to fatal pneumonia needing intense supportive care to recuperate.  Parvovirus is a contagious gastrointestinal disease that effects the intestinal lining and can cause fatal vomiting and diarrhea.  These dogs often need intensive supportive care to fight off this disease.  It can also be very difficult to clean from a contaminated environment lasting for years in ideal situations.

What is Bordetella? Why Vaccinate?

Bordetella is also known as kennel cough.  Kennel cough is a contagious cough that is transmitted by dogs.  Any dog that enters a social environment such as: dog shows, pet stores, dog parks, boarding facilities, ect.  should received this vaccination regularly.  This vaccination does not completely prevent against the disease; but instead shorten the length of infection.  This vaccination is sometimes offered as an injection under the skin or intranasal, meaning sprayed into the nostril.


What is FVRCP? Why Vaccinate?

FVRCP is a combination vaccination for cats, it vaccinates for feline distemper, panluekimia, calicivirus and feline viral rhinotracheitis.  Feline Distemper is also known as feline panluekimia virus, with help of effective vaccinations this fatal disease has become increasingly less common.  It is highly recommended that cats receive this vaccine regularly.  FELINE VIRAL RHINOTRACHEITIS is an upper respiratory disease that can cause a cat to get so congested that it has decreased appetite and water intake.  These animals often need supportive care and are contagious to other cats.  The disease is often debilitating and chronic, thankfully the vaccination is a good preventative measure for this disease.  Calicivirus can cause upper respiratory signs, sneezing, lethargy, ocular discharge, pneumonia, and death.  This is a contagious disease that is transmitted by contact with an infected cat or object (cage, bowl, litter box).

What is FELVK? Why Vaccinate?

Feline leukemia is a fatal disease and one of the most common viral diseases for cats.  It can be spread through everyday contact, bite wounds, or from mother to kittens.  At-risk cats include outdoor cats, cats exposed to a know leukemia positive patient, cats exposed to patients of unknown history, and shelter cats.