Veterinary Services
Pet Vaccinations
Ensure your pet’s health with timely vaccinations. Protect against diseases and enjoy peace of mind. Trust Westwood Animal Hospital for comprehensive pet wellness care.
Ensuring Your Pet’s Well-Being with Pet Vaccinations at Westwood Animal Hospital in Tallahassee, FL
At Westwood Animal Hospital, we prioritize your pet’s health with comprehensive wellness care. Our experienced team recommends regular check-ups to monitor your pet’s well-being and detect any health issues early. Through thorough examinations and preventative measures, we strive to keep your furry friend happy and healthy for years to come. Trust us to provide personalized care tailored to your pet’s unique needs, ensuring they receive the attention and support they deserve.
Dog Vaccinations
Parvovirus
This disease is caused by Canine Parvovirus. It is highly contagious and transmitted by direct or indirect contact with contaminated feces. Typical clinical signs include vomiting and diarrhea. Vaccination is highly recommended and is given in a series starting when the puppy is 6-8 weeks old. Because canine parvovirus is endemic in our area, yearly vaccination of adult dogs is recommended.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by Leptospira, which is a type of bacteria called a spirochete. This disease can affect the liver and/or kidneys of dogs, resulting in liver failure, kidney failure, or both. The most common method of exposure is through contact with infected urine. A canine Leptospirosis vaccine is available for at-risk dogs but this vaccine is not routinely administered to all dogs.
Infectious Tracheobronchitis
Commonly referred to as “kennel cough”, this is actually a complex of diseases with multiple possible causes. Infectious tracheobronchitis can be caused by viral infections (canine parainfluenza) as well as bacterial infections (Bordetella). Vaccination for this disease is recommended for puppies and every 6-12 months in adult dogs.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that is spread via contact with saliva from an infected animal. All warm-blooded animals are susceptible to Rabies virus. Because of the public health significance of this disease, all puppies should receive a Rabies vaccine at 12-16 weeks of age. Adult dogs should receive yearly vaccination. There is also a vaccine available that can be given to dogs every 3 years.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. Ticks serve as the primary vector of Lyme disease. In some areas of the US, Lyme Disease is very common. However, this disease is not considered to be endemic to our area at this time. There is a vaccine available for dogs, but this vaccine is not routinely given to all dogs in our region of the country.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis
This disease, which primarily affects the liver of dogs, is caused by Canine Adenovirus (CAV). Puppies are first vaccinated for CAV at 6-8 weeks of age and given boosters every 3-4 weeks. Yearly vaccination is recommended for adult dogs.
Distemper
Canine Distemper is a viral disease that is transmitted by aerosol droplets and from all body excretions of infected animals. Clinical signs include coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Puppies are the most susceptible to the disease and also have the highest mortality rate from severe cases or complications from the disease. Vaccination is recommended in all puppies and is typically started at 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters administered every 3-4 weeks until 16-18 weeks of age. Yearly vaccination is usually recommended in adult dogs.
Cat Vaccinations
All cats should be vaccinated to help prevent harmful and potentially life-threatening diseases. The types of vaccines your cat should be given will vary based on the lifestyle of your cat. If your cat lives in the house and does not come into contact with other cats, only the basic vaccines are necessary. If your cat spends time outside and around other cats, the proper precautions should be taken with the necessary vaccinations.
Rabies
Rabies is a disease that nearly everyone has heard of. It is contracted when an animal is bitten by another animal that has been infected. The Rabies virus is carried in the saliva. Rabies vaccinations are required in most states for cats. Even if you have an indoor cat, they should be vaccinated in case they get out or happen to bite or scratch a person or another animal. We currently use a non-adjuvanted Feline Rabies vaccine that needs to be administered every year.
Feline Leukemia Virus
Feline Leukemia Virus is commonly spread via the oronasal route and by bite wounds from infected cats. The Feline Leukemia vaccine is highly recommended for outdoor cats and cats that are frequently in contact with other cats. At-risk kittens typically receive the first vaccine at 9 weeks of age and receive a booster 3 weeks later. Yearly vaccination is recommended for at-risk cats. We currently use Purevax, a non-adjuvanted Feline Leukemia vaccine.
Panleukopenia/Feline Parvovirus
Feline Panleukopenia/Feline Parvovirus is a contagious disease which is why vaccination is recommended. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and sometimes death. Vaccinations should start at around 6-8 weeks of age and there are a series of vaccinations that are given every 3-4 weeks until your kitten is 16-18 weeks old. Adult cats typically receive a vaccination every year.
Rhinotracheitis
Commonly referred to as rhinotracheitis, this disease is caused by the Feline Herpesvirus. Typical signs include conjunctivitis and upper respiratory tract disease. Infection is acquired by oronasal exposure to infectious secretions from affected cats. Vaccination should begin at 6-8 weeks of age in kittens and is routinely administered yearly in adult cats.
Calicivirus
Feline Calicivirus affects the upper respiratory tract and sometimes causes lameness and joint pain. Symptoms include fever, gum disease, mouth ulcers, conjunctivitis, and sneezing. Cats do not need to exhibit symptoms in order to transmit the disease to other cats. The contagious nature of this disease makes it important for your pet to receive a series of vaccinations as a kitten and yearly as an adult cat.
The Importance of Pet Vaccinations
Vaccinations play a crucial role in safeguarding the health and well-being of our beloved pets. Here are some key reasons why vaccinations are an essential component of pet wellness care:
- =Disease Prevention: Vaccinations effectively protect pets from a range of contagious and potentially life-threatening diseases, including rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and feline leukemia. By stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against specific pathogens, vaccines help prevent infections and the spread of diseases within the pet population.
- =Public Health: Vaccinating pets not only protects individual animals but also contributes to public health by reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted from animals to humans. Diseases like rabies pose a significant threat to human health, and vaccinating pets helps create a barrier against such diseases, ultimately benefiting both pets and their owners.
- =Long-Term Cost Savings: While the initial cost of vaccinations may seem like an expense, they are a cost-effective investment in your pet’s long-term health. Preventing diseases through vaccination is far less expensive than treating them once they occur. Vaccinations can help avoid costly veterinary bills associated with treating serious illnesses and complications.
- =Legal Requirements: In many regions, pet vaccinations, particularly for rabies, are required by law. Keeping your pet up-to-date on vaccinations not only ensures compliance with local regulations but also provides proof of vaccination, which may be necessary for travel, boarding, or other activities.
- =Peace of Mind: Knowing that your pet is protected against preventable diseases can give you peace of mind as a pet owner. Vaccinations provide a layer of defense against potential health threats, allowing you to enjoy quality time with your furry companion without worrying about their susceptibility to contagious diseases.