can vaccines be amazing?

Want to think about something amazing for a couple minutes? Think about vaccines for dogs and cats. Maybe you already know how important they are. After all, you’re reading the Banfield blog, so you’re obviously smart, curious, and love animals.

But just in case, check this out.

Vaccines have been shown to provide effective protection for pets from many life-threatening diseases. And that’s why routinely-recommended vaccinations are included in all Optimum Wellness Plans^® at Banfield Pet Hospital^®.

What kind of vaccines are we talking about? There are some core vaccines that are strongly recommended for all puppies, kittens, dogs, and cats. Vaccines are generally considered core when infection is associated with severe or fatal illness, or infections that are highly contagious.

Core vaccines for dogs include:

Rabies

This vaccine protects against a viral infection that can be transmitted in multiple ways, is zoonotic (meaning humans may become infected from animals), is considered 100 percent fatal in dogs and cats, and almost always fatal in people.

Distemper/Adenovirus/Parvovirus (DAP)

This vaccine provides protection against a combination of viral infections. Distemper affects primarily the respiratory tract and neurologic system; Canine adenovirus type 2 is related to the hepatitis virus and can affect the liver; and Parvovirus causes severe vomiting and diarrhea and is associated with a high fatality rate if not treated.

Core vaccines for cats include:

Herpesvirus/Calicivirus/Panleukopenia (FVRCP) – Provides protection against:

Feline herpesvirus causes a severe upper respiratory infection, characterized by sneezing, loss of appetite, and eye and nasal discharge. The virus is highly contagious among cats.

Calicivirus also causes a respiratory infection but may also be associated with oral ulcers that may significantly impact eating and drinking.

Panleukopenia is a viral infection that may cause fever, lethargy, anorexia, and vomiting. White blood cells may be diminished, which can increase the risk of other infections. Kittens that are infected in utero (prior to birth) may show neurologic signs.

Rabies

See description above

Your Banfield veterinary team is here for you

You don’t have to be able to pronounce all these vaccines, but you’ll be happy your dog or cat is protected. Sometimes, your Banfield Pet Hospital veterinary team may recommend additional vaccines, too, after discussing their risks and benefits with you. So if you love a pet but don’t yet have affordable, wellness-driven pet care, explore an Optimum Wellness Plan today.