Pet vaccines benefit your animal friends by helping their bodies destroy the disease or reduce the symptoms. Core vaccines are essential to any cat or dog, while non-core vaccines are administered based on the animal’s lifestyle and exposure risk. Work with your veterinarian to determine the best vaccine schedule for your four-legged friend.

Top 4 Essential Pet Vaccines for Cats & Dogs

1. Distemper

The distemper, or FVRCP, shot for cats is a combination vaccine that protects against three severe diseases: Feline Herpesvirus-1, Feline Panleukopenia-1, and Feline Calicivirus. The herpesvirus and calicivirus are respiratory infections, while Feline Panleukopenia-1 attacks the white blood cells and gastrointestinal tract and can prove fatal. This shot is also given to dogs to protect against canine distemper. A highly-contagious disease, it affects the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, as well as the central nervous systems and conjunctival membranes in the eyes. Both viruses are passed via bodily fluids and waste.

2. Rabies

Rabies is a necessary pet vaccine not just for the health of your dogs and cats, but also for you and your family. The rabies virus is transmitted through animal saliva and comes in two forms. Furious rabies includes symptoms such as anxiety, hypersalivation, confusion, hallucinations, and swallowing difficulties. Paralytic rabies causes slow muscle paralyzation, coma, and death. Furious rabies accounts for 80% of cases, and once it has developed, there is no cure. 

3. Parvovirus

This contagious disease attacks your dog’s gastrointestinal tract and is fatal without treatment. It also targets white blood cells and can damage the heart, resulting in lifelong problems if contracted by a puppy. It spreads through infected waste, contaminated water, and tainted objects, such as shoes.

4. Adenovirus (Canine Hepatitis)

Adenovirus, or canine hepatitis, starts in a dog’s tonsils before infecting the blood and localizing in the liver’s white blood cells. It also attacks the eyes, kidneys, and the endothelial cells that line the surface of blood vessels. This virus spreads via infected urine, feces, and saliva.

Non-core vaccines that are highly recommended for cats include feline leukemia, as it is a complex disease that can result in multi-organ failure. Lyme vaccines are recommended for dogs if they spend a great deal of time outdoors. 

Parker Animal Clinic in Clarksville, AR, provides the full suite of pet care services you need for a healthy, happy animal. Pet vaccines, spaying, and neutering are among the services offered to River Valley pet owners. Regular check-ups and other preventative care, such as flea treatments, are also available. Call (479) 754-5656 to make an appointment today.