Bordetella: commonly known as the “kennel cough” vaccine, this vaccine protects against the bacteria Bordetella Brochiseptica, which causes upper respiratory infections.  It also protects against Canine Adenovirus Type 2 as well as Parainfluenza (two upper respiratory viruses).  It does not protect against ALL upper respiratory infections, just those caused by this particular bacteria and the two viruses listed. This vaccine is often required for boarding, grooming, and daycare.  

**DHPP: this is a combination vaccine, which includes: Canine Distemper (D), Adenovirus Type 2 (AKA: Canine Hepatitis (H), Parainfluenza virus(P), and Canine Parvovirus(P).  The first three viruses are all life-threatening upper respiratory and neurologic diseases.  The fourth virus (Canine Parvovirus) is a deadly infection of the intestinal tract that eats away at the intestinal lining, making dogs unable to obtain nutrients from their food.  Fifty percent of dogs who develop Parvo inevitably succumb to it.  Puppies especially need to finish their vaccination protocol as recommended for Parvo (one vaccination every 3-4 weeks starting at 6-8 weeks, with the final vaccination being at or later than 16 weeks of age) or else the rest of the vaccination series is null and void!  SO MAKE SURE YOU COMPLETE YOUR VACCINATION PROTOCOL AS RECOMMENDED BY THE HOSPITAL TO MAKE SURE YOUR PET IS PROTECTED!!!    
     
**RABIES: this vaccination protects again the Rabies virus, a virus humans can actually get!  This virus attacks the nervous system.  Once an animal or human shows signs of the virus (foaming at the mouth, seizing, etc) it is too late to save the patient.  IT IS THE STATE LAW IN CALIFORNIA THAT EVER ANIMAL OVER 16 WEEKS OF AGE NEEDS TO BE VACCINATED FOR RABIES!!!!  The first vaccination a patient receives is good for 1 year of duration.  Every Rabies vaccine the patient receives after that is good for 3 years (so long at the patient’s vaccine has not expired beforehand).  

LEPTO: this vaccination protects against the four most common serovars (variations) of the Leptospirosis bacteria (L. canicola; L. grippotyphosa; L. icterohaemorrhagiae; L. Pomona).  It does not protect against all serovars of Lepto (as there are well over 30 known), just the most common ones.  Your dog CAN still get Lepto even with the vaccination; however, the vaccination GREATLY reduces the chance of this.  Leptospirosis is a virus that is transmitted primarily by raccoon and squirrel urine (it can also be transmitted by affected pets).  Often, animals will get the disease by drinking standing water in the yard or licking dew on the grass.   The virus attacks and shuts down the kidneys and liver causing a painful death to the patient.  This disease is also zoonotic (meaning humans can get it too!).  The disease is treatable, but only approximately half of the patients who contract it survive.   This vaccine is a must for any patient that travels in wooded areas.  However, with the spread of wildlife into all areas of our community, it is now recommended that any dog that goes outside should get this vaccination!  

LYME: this vaccination protects dogs against the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi which causes Lyme disease.  This bacterium can cause symptoms of arthritis, sometimes with anorexia and depression.  The patient can also develop heart and neurologic symptoms with advanced stages.  The vaccination is spread by the hard-shelled deer tick (Ixodes scapularis or related Ixodes tick).  These ticks are especially common in the Northeast (where it is endemic!).  They can also be found in mountainous areas throughout the country.  The Lyme vaccination is not 100% effective.  However, if the patient does come down with Lyme disease, it is a much less serious form of it.

CATS

(** Denotes "core" Vaccination)

**FVRCP: (this vaccine is commonly known as the “Feline Distemper” Vaccine):this vaccine protects against the Feline Rhinotracheitis virus (FVR), Feline Calicivirus (C), and Panleukopoenia (P) virus.  Feline Rhinotracheitis and Feline Calicivirus are deadly respiratory diseases that can occur in cats.  Feline Panleukopoenia is a virus that quickly infects patients causing vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and dehydration.  Most cats that develop Panleukopoenia do NOT survive.  All of these diseases are very easy for cats to contract, as they are airborne.  Thus, we recommend both indoor and outdoor cats receive this vaccination yearly, as these diseases could even be passed through window screens!  

Feline Leukemia: this vaccine protects against the Feline Leukemia virus.  Feline Leukemia is a very prevalent disease of outdoor cats, as it is spread by the environment (ie: sharing food and water bowls, being in close proximity to each other, etc).  The disease causes not only immunodeficiencies making pets very susceptible to infections, but it also can change into a sarcoma virus (aka: cancer virus).  The vaccination is not 100% effective, so patients who are vaccinated are still at risk!   

**RABIES: this vaccination protects again the Rabies virus, a virus humans can actually get!  This virus attacks the nervous system.  Once an animal or human shows signs of the virus (foaming at the mouth, seizing, etc) it is too late to save the patient.  IT IS THE STATE LAW IN CALIFORNIA THAT EVER ANIMAL OVER 16 WEEKS OF AGE NEEDS TO BE VACCINATED FOR RABIES!!!!  The first vaccination a patient receives is good for 1 year duration.  Every Rabies vaccine the patient receives after that is good for 3 years.

Heartworm Testing and Prevention

Heartworm Tests – as per the American Heartworm Society “Los Angeles County is the next area for a severe heartworm storm”.  Years ago, heartworm disease did not exist in this area of the country.  Unfortunately, with the relocation of the Hurricane Katrina dogs (2/3 of the dogs in the South are heartworm positive!) heartworm disease has moved into our area. Heartworm disease is passed from dog to dog (and even to cats!) by mosquitoes.  These worms will then migrate through the body, build up in the heart, and cause Congestive Heart Failure.  This terrible disease can be completely avoided by placing your loved one on a medication that only needs to be taken once a month! (They even make a product now that covers your dog from flea infestation and heartworm disease for a month – IN 1 PILL - called TRIFEXIS!!!).  So, have your loved one stop in today, give us a few drops of blood (so we can make sure he/she is negative), and start on heartworm prevention!

Feline Leukemia and Feline Aids Testing

Feline Leukemia & Feline AIDS Tests – these diseases are no longer a “death sentence” in the feline world, much like HIV in the human world.  That is why it is vital to screen for these diseases initially as kittens, and then yearly if your cat goes outdoors.  This way, if Kitty does have an immune system that is already compromised, we can keep Kitty from developing a compounding problem.  So, have your cat screened today!

One of our representatives will be happy to contact you within 24 hours. For urgent needs call us at: 714-891-7600

Vaccinations

DOGS

(**Denotes "core" Vaccination)

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At Happy Tails Animal Hospital we strive to make sure your pets are protected from dangerous diseases. Therefore, we use the official UC Davis vaccination protocol. It is as follows:

Preventative Care