VACCINATION: A COST EFFECTIVE SOLUTION

Vaccinations are a valuable preventive measure against infectious diseases and can avoid potential pain and hardship for both you and your pet. You should consider the cost difference between having your pet vaccinated versus the potential cost of care in the event of disease. Vaccines not only give you peace of mind - they may also save you money.

VACCINATION. ESSENTIAL TO WELLNESS CARE FOR YOUR CAT. YOUR CAT NEEDS PROTECTION.

As a pet owner, you want to do all you can to give your cat a long and healthy life. Proper nutrition and sanitation combined with regular visits to your veterinarian are, of course, important elements of responsible pet health care. If you haven't had your cat vaccinated against infectious diseases, you could be leaving your pet vulnerable to a number of serious illnesses.

THE THREAT OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Just as they do in humans, infectious diseases occur in cats when they come into contact with harmful viruses or bacteria. These diseases are often debilitating, and many of them can be fatal.
While many infectious diseases cannot be cured, they can be prevented easily through a good vaccination program. In fact, in recent years, vaccines have proven to be highly successful in preventing diseases.
Vaccines work the same way in cats as they do in people. When a safely altered virus is injected into the cat, the immune system responds by producing protective antibodies. These circulate in the blood and protect the animal against the threat of infectious diseases.

COMMON AND DANGEROUS FELINE INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Feline Leukemia:

Researchers now consider Feline Leukemia virus (FeLV) infection to be the #1 infectious disease causing death in cats. The virus attacks the immune system and leaves the cat vulnerable to a host of secondary infections. It may also cause certain types of cancers. Death most often occurs within 3 years of infection.
Both indoor and outdoor cats are vaccinated. Cats that live in multi-cat households or are allowed to roam free are particularly at risk.

Feline Panleukopenia:

Also known as Feline Distemper, Feline Panleukopenia is a wide-spread disease that is often fatal. Since most cats are likely to be exposed to Panleukopenia in their lifetime, vaccination against this illness is of key importance.
Clinical signs of Feline Panleukopenia include fever, depression, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR):

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis is the most severe and wide-spread upper respiratory infection in cats.
Clinical signs include moderate fever, appetite loss, sneezing, tearing, discharge from eyes and nose, mouth breathing and coughing, Infection, even if successfully treated, can lead to a lifelong carrier state with reappearance of the disease when the cat is stressed. Vaccination is extremely important.

Feline Calicivirus (FCV):

Feline Calicivirus is another virus which affects the feline upper respiratory system. It accounts for approximately 40% of all respiratory diseases in cats. The severity of the infection may vary, but symptoms most often include moderate fever, ulcers and blisters on the tongue.
Even if successfully treated, cats infected with FCV can become chronic virus carriers with lifelong clinical signs of sneezing and runny eyes.

Feline Chlamydiosis:

Once known as "Feline Pneumonitis", this disease causes a relatively mild upper respiratory infection, particularly affecting mucous membranes of the eyes. Symptoms include tearing and sometimes sneezing and nasal discharge.

Rabies:

The Rabies virus attacks the nervous system resulting in a fatal disease. All mammals are susceptible to infection, including humans. Rabies is a major health hazard, so it is of extreme importance that your cat be vaccinated against it. In fact, in many cases, vaccination is required by municipal law and for travel outside Canada.

VACCINATION IS NOT JUST FOR KITTENS

The low natural immunity of kittens makes them most susceptible to infection. However, if left unprotected, cats of any age are at risk. As soon as you introduce a new cat into your home, contact your veterinarian to determine the best date for its first vaccinations. At this time, your veterinarian can also establish a complete vaccination program that meets your pet's needs.
Each kitten should receive boosters at regular intervals to ensure continued protection. Adult cats should be revaccinated regularly throughout their lifetime.

VACCINATION. ESSENTIAL TO WELLNESS-CARE FOR YOUR DOG. YOUR DOG NEEDS PROTECTION.

As a pet owner, you want to do all you can to give your dog a long and healthy life. Proper nutrition and sanitation combined with regular visits to your veterinarian are, of course, important elements of responsible pet health care. If you haven't had your dog vaccinated against infectious diseases, you could be leaving your pet vulnerable to a number of serious illnesses.

THE THREAT OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Just as they do in humans, infectious diseases occur in dogs when they come into contact with harmful viruses or bacteria. These diseases are often debilitating, and many of them can be fatal.
While many infectious diseases cannot be cured, they can be prevented easily through a good vaccination program. In fact, in recent years, vaccines have proven to be highly successful in preventing diseases.
Vaccines work the same way in dogs as they do in people. When a safely altered virus is injected into the dog, the immune system responds by producing protective antibodies. These circulate in the blood and protect the animal against the threat of infectious diseases.

COMMON AND DANGEROUS CANINE INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Canine Distemper:

Vaccination against Distemper is essential. Nearly every dog is exposed to the disease in its lifetime, and when infection occurs, it is often fatal.
Distemper virus attacks many body organs including the nervous system. Symptoms include listlessness, fever, coughing, diarrhea, vomiting and discharge from the eyes and nose. In its final stages, it may cause convulsions and paralysis. Death may occur one to three weeks after infection.

Infectious Canine Hepatitis:

Canine Hepatitis is a contagious viral disease that primarily affects the dog's liver. During its acute phase, Hepatitis is spread between dogs by contact with urine, feces or other secretions. The result of exposure can range from mild infection to death. Vaccination has controlled the disease for several years, and new, more advanced vaccines continue to be the most effective means of prevention.

Parvovirus:

Highly contagious and debilitating, Parvovirus emerged worldwide in 1978, and is now known to most dog owners. The virus, which is particularly resistant, is spread mainly through infected feces. Symptoms include high fever, listlessness, vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can lead to shock and death. Vaccination has proven effective, and is the best way to protect your dog against infection.

Canine Coronavirus:

Sometimes confused with Parvovirus, Coronavirus attacks the intestinal system and results in vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and depression. When Coronavirus occurs concurrently with Parvovirus it can also cause severe enteritis and death in puppies.

Giardiasis:

Caused by the single celled protozoan parasite, Giardia, this disease has been traditionally called " Beaver Fever" when it strikes humans. Virtually all mammals including dogs are susceptible to Giardia infection. The Giardia parasite is prevalent worldwide and can infect your dog when it drinks contaminated water from lakes, rivers, ponds or ditches. Infected dogs may experience diarrhea, dehydration, fever, vomiting, and allergic symptoms. A dog that is simultaneously infected with one or more gastrointestinal viruses and/or parasites, such as Giardia, is at increased risk of severe enteric disease.

Leptospirosis:

Leptospirosis is more prevalent in certain geographic areas, and attacks the dog's kidneys and liver. It can spread to humans. Protection against this disease is important. Infection occurs on contact with the urine of infected dogs, rats and wild animals. Symptoms can be severe and include loss of appetite, fever and jaundice.

Canine Cough or Tracheobronchitis:

Once known as "kennel cough", this highly contagious disease can cause inflammation of the trachea and bronchi. It can be caused by different airborne viruses and bacteria. The most common among these are Canine Parainfluenza virus, Canine Adenovirus, and Bordetella bronchiseptica. The disease is characterized by a dry noonproductive cough.

Rabies:

The Rabies virus attacks the nervous system resulting in a fatal disease. All mammals are susceptible to infection, including humans. Rabies is a major health hazard, so it is of extreme importance that your dog be vaccinated against it. In fact, in many cases, vaccination is required by municipal law and for travel outside Canada.
Each puppy should receive boosters at regular intervals to ensure continued protection. Adult dogs should be revaccinated regularly throughout their lifetime.