Vaccines

Core Vaccines: 

• Rabies: helps protect against the deadly rabies virus that is spread through infected animal bites. Rabies attacks the nervous system  eventually causing death and can infect all mammals including dogs, cats and humans. In Ohio, most cases of rabies are found in bats and a few in racoons according to the Ohio Department of Health. 

  • This vaccine is a Core vaccine and required in most areas since rabies is 99.9% fatal and can infect humans. 

  • For more information regarding rabies, check out The Ohio Department of Health's Rabies and Animal Bites page. 

• DHPP (distemper, hepatitis/adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus): helps protect against diarrheal and respiratory viruses in dogs. Some of these infections are minor, but in some cases they can progress into more serious-life threatening illnesses. Spread from one dog to another happens through fecal-oral contamination or by coming in contact with infected respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes in the sick dog. 

• FVRCP:  helps protect against diarrheal and respiratory viruses in cats. Some of these infections are minor, but sometimes they can progress into serious and life-threatening illnesses. Spread from one cat to another happens through fecal-oral contamination or by coming in contact with infected respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes in the sick cat. 

Some lifestyle vaccines are so important they are included in the core vaccine schedule. These vaccines have an * by their name.

• Bordetella*: helps protect against upper respiratory illnesses. Most respiratory illnesses are spread through close contact with other sick pets. 

  • This vaccine is important for dogs that will be around other dogs. For example, at groomers, trainers, doggy daycares, boarders, etc. 

• Leptospirosis*: helps protect against a bacteria that is found in the environment and spread in the urine of contaminated wildlife. This bacteria most commonly causes liver or kidney disease and has the potential to  be zoonotic (spread to humans). 

  • Even though this is currently a lifestyle risk vaccine, it is important for all pets to get as this can help protect them and their family from leptospirosis.  

• Lyme: helps protect against  bacteria that causes Lyme disease and is spread by ticks. This bacteria can cause fevers, lameness, and kidney disease. 

  • This vaccine is often requested for dogs that spend a lot of time in tick infested areas. Because Lyme disease is becoming more prevalent, this is an important lifestyle risk vaccine to consider for all dogs. 

• Canine Influenza: helps protect against viruses that cause canine influenza which usually causes a cough and other upper respiratory symptoms. 

  • This vaccine is often requested for dogs that go to doggy daycare or certain boarding facilities. 

• Feline Leukemia: helps protect against feline leukemia virus that can attack the immune system and increase risk for certain cancers later on in life. This virus is spread through "friendly" cat interactions (grooming, sharing food and water bowls, etc) and cats that spend time outdoors are at a higher risk for contracting this virus. 

  • This is highly recommended for all kittens and all adult cats that spend time outdoors.