Along with getting your pet spayed or neutered, vaccinating your pet is one of the most important ways you can help protect not only your pet, but your whole community from disease. Even if your pet stays indoors, its health still has an impact on the neighborhood, whether through airborne contagions or excrement that travels out the door to the garbage collectors. Responsible boarding kennels, salons, and other animal care services often require all animals be vaccinated prior to service, as these are prime hot spots for virus propagation.

Today, Dells Animal Hospital in Wisconsin Dells, WI, will highlight the most essential (or core) vaccines for cats and dogs:

• Essential Canine Vaccinations – DHPP: This vaccine is actually a combination of vaccines that protect your dog from Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. Some veterinary hospitals refer to it as the “distemper shot.”

• Essential Feline Vaccinations – FVRCP: This is another combination vaccine, also referred to as to the “distemper shot.” The letters stand for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia, with Panleukopenia often called “feline distemper” by some veterinary clinics.

  

• Essential To Both Cats & Dogs – Rabies: Fatal to all mammals, including humans, rabies is usually transmitted through the saliva (i.e. through bites) of wild animals, including raccoons, skunks, coyotes, foxes, and other animals your pet is likely to come into contact with in the outside world. Rabies vaccinations are required by law in most states for both cats and dogs.

Your pets can be vaccinated against many other diseases as well, which may be necessary for certain lifestyles. Talk to your local veterinary clinic if you plan to let your pet breed, compete in athletic events, or do other high-risk activities. To schedule an appointment at Dells Animal Hospital, you can reach their office in Wisconsin Dells at (608) 253-7361. More information on their animal care services is also available online.