Wellness and Preventive Care

Rabies (Core) : Rabies is a serious, non-treatable virus in animals, passed in saliva through the bite of an infected animal. This is a public health concern as people can become infected if bitten by an infected animal. All dogs are required to be vaccinated in California. The first vaccine is given at 12+ weeks of age. A second vaccine needs to be given 1 year later and then, every 3 years after this. 

DHPP (Core): This vaccine needs to be given in a series for a puppy or unvaccinated adult. The vaccine is boosted 1 year after the initial series and then every 1-3 years, depending on lifestyle. 

D = Distemper: The virus creatspotential respiratory and neurologic signs that can be fatal or lead to life long deficits. 

H = Hepatitis (aka Adenovirus): This virus attacks the liver and can lead to liver failure. 

P = Parainfluenza: A virus that attacks the respiratory tract, causing cold-like symptoms that can lead to pneumonia. 

P = Parvovirus: This is a highly contagious virus that can hide in the environment for long periods of time. Parvo attacks the intestinal tract and leads to severe vomiting and diarrhea. Even with treatment, some infections are fatal, especially in young puppies. While there are new and emerging treatments being introduced for Parvo, prevention through vaccination is paramount. 

Lepto (Core for Northern California): Leptospirosis is a bacteria with multiple variants that primarily lives around waterways and in the surrounding soil. It is highly contagious and can infect both dogs and people. Wildlife and livestock have at times been implicated in the spread of the bacteria and cases have been on the rise across the US in recent years. Traditionally this vaccine was removed from the core requirement list, as there is a higher risk of vaccination reaction in some dogs. New formulations of the vaccine have been successful in reducing this risk and the risk of infection and potentially fatal disease far outweighs the risk of a vaccine reaction. This vaccine is given initially as a series of 2 vaccines, 3 weeks apart, after 12 weeks of age. It then needs to be given annually to maintain adequate levels of immunity. 

Bordetella (aka Kennel Cough): Recommended for dogs that come in close contact with other dogs in the environment (dog parks, day care, kennels, grooming facilities). Bordetella represents a group of viruses that attack the upper respiratory tract, creating dry hacking coughs with the potential to progress to pneumonia. The vaccination does not fully prevent disease, but helps to lessen the severity and duration of signs, should your dog become exposed. The vaccine is given every 6 to 12 months based on lifestyle (many boarding kennels request vaccination every 6 months).

Canine Influenza: This is a virus, similar to the human flu, that attacks the upper respiratory tract and can potentially lead to pneumonia. The vaccination is recommended for dogs that will be in high dog traffic areas or traveling to endemic regions. The vaccine is given as an initial series of 2 vaccines at a 3-4 weekinterval and then boosted annually. If greater than 6 weeks passes between the initial two vaccines, or 18 months between subsequent annual boosters, it is recommended to repeat a series of 2, as immunity wanes.

Lymes: Lymes disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted by the bite of an infected tick. The true incidence of Lymesdisease in Northern California is very low, but other areas of the country have higher risk. This is another vaccine that has a higher rate of vaccine reactions and is only recommended for pets that will be traveling to endemic areas. This vaccine is given as an initial series of 2 vaccines at a 3-4 week interval and the boosted annually. Use of effective flea/tick preventatives is highly recommended as the next best alternative for dogs in Northern California. 

Rattlesnake Vaccine: While designed to reduce the severity of inflammation and systemic reaction to rattlesnake bites, this vaccine is questionable in its efficacy and has a potential for serious reaction. It’s recommended use is limited and should be evaluated on an individual animal basis. 

Rabies (Core) : Rabies is a serious, non-treatable virus in animals, passed in saliva through the bite of an infected animal. This is a public health concern as people can become infected if bitten by an infected animal. California does not require vaccination of cats, but it is still highly recommended. The first vaccine is given at 12+ weeks of age. A second vaccine needs to be given 1 year later. There are two types of Rabies vaccines for cats, one that needs to be given on an annual basis and one that is given every 3 years after the initial vaccine. The yearly vaccine may be associated with fewer vaccine associated complications and is therefore the primary vaccine used. A 3 year booster can be administer if preferred. 

FVRCP (Core): This vaccine needs to be given in a series of 2 or 3 vaccines for a kitten or unvaccinated adult. The vaccine is boosted 1 year after the initial series and then every 3 years. 

FV – “Feline viral” 

R – Rhinotracheitis (aka Herpesvirus).  This virus attacks the respiratory tract creating flu like symptoms. It can become a persistent infection that flares during periods of stress or other illness. Vaccination reduces the severity of infection and flares, even in cats that have had the infection previously. 

C – Calicivirus. This virus acts similar to the Herpes virus, attacking the respiratory tract and creating flu like symptoms and persistent infections.

P – Panleukopenia (aka Distemper). This virus invades the stomach and intestine creating a severe dehydration and collapse. It also attacks the bone marrow and suppresses the production of white blood cells that are needed to fight infection. This disease has largely been eradicated through vaccination, but still shows up periodically, particularly in feral kittens and cat colonies and is frequently fatal or permanently debilitating. 

FeLV: The leukemia virus is attacks a catsimmune system and prevents them from being able to fight off other infections. It is a persistent virus with no treatment. It is transmitted by direct contactthrough nasal secretions or saliva of an infected cat. The vaccine is recommended for any cat that will be going outside where this close contact with an infected cat could occur. Or, for indoor cats that are likely to be exposed to foster cats or kittens. FelV is given as an initial series of two vaccines, followed by annual boosters. 

**Feline injection site sarcomas are rare cancerous masses that are thought to develop due to inflammation created when a vaccine or other injection is given to a cat. The rate of occurrence is very low (1 in 30,000) and the risk of disease or death from being unvaccinated is generally considered to be of much greater concern.  Vaccination need should always be based on a cat’s individual lifestyle and risk and overvaccination is never recommended. Newer vaccine technology is shifting away from including products that may have been associated with triggering these masses in the past and are being used at GVC.