Vaccinations for Pets

Just as humans need certain vaccinations, our pets do as well. The most important vaccinations for dogs are:

DHLPP: This vaccine is a combo vaccine, and protects dogs against Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus.

The distemper virus is transmittible through contact with an infected animal, such as wild mammals or other dogs. The virus attacks the dog’s nervous, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems and can be lethal. Canine hepatitis is caused by the canine adenovirus (spread through discharge and urine of infected dogs) and attacks several organs in a dog’s body. Leptospirosis (commonly known as Lepto) is a bacterium that can affect dogs and humans. Lepto is spread through the urine of an infected animal and is oftentimes contracted when a dog drinks water contaminated with urine. It is important to keep your dogs away from puddles when out walking or in the yard to prevent a Lepto infection. Parvovirus is a very contagious virus, and unfortunately is more often seen in puppies than adult dogs. This virus causes intense gastrointestinal complications and can lead to death. The virus can be spread through contact with an infected animal, their feces, their living space, or even through the people who have handled the infected animal.

Parainfluenza (canine flu) has been in the news recently with an outbreak at a boarding/day care facility in Rockville. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected dogs, their bowls and kennels, as well as through coughing and sneezing. This can also be transmitted to humans.

Lyme: Lyme disease is transmitted from the bite of an infected deer tick. Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs are shown by pain, swelling, and alternating lameness in the legs. In more severe and untreated cases, the dog can experience fevers and develop kidney disease. A dog’s annual heartworm test also tests for Lyme disease.

Rabies: Rabies is most often transmitted by a bite from an infected animal. Dogs who are bitten by a rabid animal will not recover once symptoms are shown. The rabies vaccine helps to prevent transmission of the virus between an infected animal and the vaccinated animal. This vaccine is required by law. Cats who are bitten by a rabid animal will not recover once symptoms are shown. The rabies vaccine helps to prevent transmission of the virus between an infected animal and the vaccinated animal. Rabies vaccinations are required by law.

Other cat vaccinations include:

FVRCP: Another combination vaccine, FVRCP provides protection against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus, and Feline Panleukopenia. Rhinotracheitis is a contagious virus and can cause upper respiratory infections in cats. This virus is caused by the feline herpes virus type-1, and the infected cat will have a lifelong infection once the virus is contracted. Feline Calicivirus, another cause of upper respiratory infections in cats, can also cause oral disease, including ulcers in the mouth and nose. Feline Panleukopenia is caused by the feline parvovirus. Similar to the canine parvovirus, this virus is highly contagious, most often seen in kittens, and can be fatal.

All three of these viruses can be spread through sneezing and coughing, as well as sharing food bowls. Panleukopenia can also be contracted by coming in contact with the cat’s fleas, feces and urine, as well as the cat’s living space, and by people who have handled the cat.

While these vaccinations are given by veterinarians and their staff, you can also protect your pets at home by providing them with their heartworm and flea and tick medications. Flea and tick medications can be purchased over the counter, but heartworm preventative can only be purchased from a vet’s office or veterinary pharmacy with a prescription.

From the City's Animal Welfare Committee