Many serious pet diseases can be prevented by vaccination. Even if always kept inside, your pet can be vulnerable to viruses carried in the atmosphere, dust, or on clothing. Vaccination in a vet clinic is inexpensive protection to your pet against severe disease, costly treatment, and premature death. Remember also that booster immunizations are essential to keep protection.
In this article, we’ll be focusing on cats and dogs. Please be aware that if the word “infectious” is used below, it normally means dispersing from cat to cat, from dog to dog, or between dogs and cats. But a couple of diseases can be spread from animal to human, and such types of diseases are known as “zoonoses.” Nearly all animal diseases pose no danger to or cause only minor inconvenience and sickness in people, and can be readily treated by your doctor. In fact, many pet owners have probably had zoonotic illnesses without even noticing the signs.
However, like any other disease, a few of the diseases can be hazardous to people with poor immune systems, the very young, the very elderly, and pregnant girls. A very small minority are of course definitely dangerous, e.g. rabies. Prevention – generally straightforward and easy to the clinic – will be discussed at the end of this article. First, let’s take examine some of the ailments that cats and dogs can get.
For Dogs
Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis (jointly referred to as DHL) are prevalent, infectious, and fatal diseases. Nearly every dog is going to be exposed throughout its life, making vaccination a must.
The disease may last several months and is highly infectious, particularly if showing or boarding.
Parvovirus and coronavirus are intestinal infections leading to viral diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and depression.
Heartworm is a life-threatening illness wherever mosquitoes are present. Preventive medication is essential here. Nonetheless, your pet must be analyzed before beginning on preventive medication because the use of preventive drugs in an infected pet could lead to death. Annual testing is recommended despite yearlong use of the preventive medication.
For Mothers
Feline Leukemia, or FeLV, is now considered the major cause of cat deaths. The cat generally dies of disease it would typically have the ability to resist. Powerful FeLV vaccines are readily available to protect uninfected kittens however they must be given by 12 weeks old.
Rhinotracheitis, Calici, and Chlamydia are feline respiratory diseases that are highly contagious and widespread. Even another cat that appears healthy can infect your cat. Chances are high your cat is going to be vulnerable.
Feline Panleukopenia, also referred to as distemper, is highly contagious and can be fatal. Symptoms include depression, lack of appetite, fever, vomiting, and nausea. Nine in ten cats with distemper may die from it. Since the disease is easily transmitted from cat to cat, chances are also quite high that your cat is going to be vulnerable.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is an incurable, usually deadly viral disease. Vaccination is your pet’s only defense.
For Both Dogs and Cats
Rabies is an incurable and deadly illness of the nervous system which attacks all warm-blooded animals like humans. It’s a public health hazard and a threat to most pet owners. Therefore vaccination is your own pet’s only protection. Your pet should be vaccinated at 4 weeks old.
Intestinal parasites, such as the parvovirus and coronavirus mentioned previously, threaten your pet’s health by causing an intestinal blockage, bloody diarrhea, and even premature death. Microscopic evaluation of your pet’s feces should be done regularly, at least a component of the annual checkup, for early detection and therapy.
Dental examinations need to be performed at least annually too. Periodontal disease doesn’t just threaten the well-being of gums and teeth but may also lead to disease in the liver, kidneys, and heart. Regular examination of the teeth and gums as part of annual checkups, in addition to following appropriate dental home care advice from the veterinarian, are essential for great pet health.
Prevention and Control
Geriatric workshops for elderly pets help detect lots of the issues brought on by aging (kidney, liver, heart, joints, dental, etc.). Early detection and appropriate treatment can lengthen and increase your pet’s lifestyle. This surgery has been demonstrated to significantly reduce the danger of several animal cancers and specific undesirable behavior. You can even protect cats and dogs from infection (and reinfection) by preventing access to birds, rodents, uncooked meat, and unpasteurized dairy products.
Fleas can transmit blood-borne diseases from any other potential animal source for your pet. If fleas can transmit tapeworms for your pet. Flea bites can also cause allergic reactions resulting in debilitating, difficult-to-cure skin disorder. Ticks are another common parasite that could carry and transmit Lyme Disease, which may pose a severe health hazard to you and your pet. A flea and tick control program is necessary on pets and in the home at precisely the same time. Your veterinarian is best qualified to prescribe the proper products for you to prevent and control such parasites, and most of these goods are carried at the local pet store.
At American Pet Hospital our seasoned staff concentrates on preventive services to keep common ailments and ailments from developing in the first place.
Together with routine wellness tests, pet vaccinations, and parasite prevention form the basis of your animal’s regular healthcare.
Our staff will work with you to make sure that your cat or dog receives the preventive care that they need. Visit them here for more details.
Our Modesto veterinarians can help you safeguard your pet or dog from a broad range of serious diseases and conditions with regular dog and cat vaccinations and parasite prevention drugs.
