Pet Vaccinations

DHPP – The DHPP vaccine is what’s known as a combination vaccine. This important vaccine protects against several common viruses that dogs can experience, including distemper, infectious hepatitis/adenovirus, and parvovirus. At Animal Clinic of Woodruff, we administer the DHPP vaccine when a puppy is 9 weeks, and then again every three weeks for a total of four sets. Let’s break DHPP down to understand each part of this vaccine:

• The “D” in DHPP stands for distemper, a very contagious (and often fatal) viral disease that can affect the respiratory, gastrointestinal, dermatological and neurological systems. Animals can experience serious symptoms associated with affected systems, and unfortunately there is no cure. Prevention of this disease is essential, which is why the DHPP vaccine is so important.
• The “H” in DHPP stands for hepatitis, an infectious virus targeting the liver and lining of the blood vessels. Hepatitis also has no cure and fatalities can occur in severe cases.
• The first “P” stands for parvovirus, another highly contagious disease. Most often, this virus occurs in dogs under 1 year. The virus affects the intestines and bone marrow. This is one of the most important parts of the DHPP vaccine because it is so prevalent in the environment.
• The second “P” stands for parainfluenza. This is one of the culprits of “kennel cough,” a respiratory infection that can spread rapidly through the air and often occurs at kennels.

The DHPP vaccine is safe, effective and administered every year. Give Animal Clinic of Woodruff a call to make sure your dog is caught up on their latest DHPP vaccine.

FVRCP Vaccine – The Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia vaccine protects cats against feline herpes and feline distemper. These are both viruses that can cause major upper respiratory infections that could have long term effects on cats. This combination vaccine is an excellent way to protect both cats and kittens, and should be administered early, followed by regularly scheduled boosters. Have questions about the FVRCP Vaccine for your furry feline? Don’t hesitate to give us a call at Animal Clinic of Woodruff.

Canine Influenza (Dog Flu) – If your dog goes on trips, attends dog shows, socializes at dog parks or grooming facilities, or shares space with other dogs, then you may want to consider getting the canine flu vaccine. This inoculation includes two initial sets of vaccines followed by an annual booster. The Canine Influenza vaccine can reduce the risk of contracting dog flu, however it may not completely prevent it. Ask Animal Clinic of Woodruff if your dog is a good candidate for the Canine Influenza vaccine.

H3n2 Vaccine – This vaccine protects dogs from current strains of the canine influenza virus. Read all about canine influenza on our blog. If pets are social, attend dog shows and/or will be boarded, we recommend that they receive the flu vaccine.

Lyme Disease Vaccine for Dogs – Lyme disease (Borreliosis) is caused by a bacteria transmitted by tick bites. Infected ticks are much more common in the Northwest and Upper Midwest states, so dogs who travel to these areas should be vaccinated. Hunting dogs and those who spend a lot of times outdoors in tall grass and other areas where ticks are numerous should also talk to our vets about vaccination. (Dogs should also be regularly treated with tick-repelling medications/treatments). Dogs who contract Lyme disease usually show fever, lameness, swollen joints, and lethargy, and some develop kidney disease and heart problems.

Leptospirosis – Also known as the “lepto” vaccine, this vaccine prevents Leptospirosis, a disease caused by being infected with the Leptospira bacteria. Dogs who play in still/stagnant water or roam freely around water are most at risk. Read our blog all about leptospirosis.

Parvo - Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious and dangerous virus in dogs. It causes extreme intestinal distress, especially in young puppies. The disease is spread by infected dog’s feces; another dog who sniffs the poop or even comes in contact with the ground around it, or by poop tracked in by others, can contract the disease. Cleaning products do not kill this virus. The only way to keep your dog safe is a regular vaccination protocol. Learn more about parvo here, and read the schedule for puppy parvo vaccines here.

Rabies – Rabies vaccinations are not just important for your pets’ health – they’re required by law. Rabies is a severe, incurable viral infection in pets that affects their brains and nervous systems. Cats and dogs can get rabies via contact with saliva of infected animals, often foxes, raccoons, skunks and bats. If your pet is bitten by or comes in contact with a wild animal and is not vaccinated, contact Animal Clinic of Woodruff immediately. Due to the awful consequences of this disease, rabies vaccinations are a must. Kittens and puppies are vaccinated for rabies at 15 weeks old, and rabies vaccine is required every year for the rest of the pet’s life.

Canine Tracheobronchitis (Kennel Cough) – More commonly known as kennel cough or bordetella, infectious tracheobronchitis is a highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs. The disease is caused by various airborne bacteria and viruses that spread from dog to dog, so it most often affects dogs who are regularly boarded, visit dog parks, or otherwise spend time near other dogs. Not all dogs need this vaccine; we recommend bordetella vaccinations, which are administered as a squirt in the nose, for social dogs and any dogs who will be boarded. Read more about the bordetella vaccines here. 

Feline Leukemia (FeLV) - FeLV is a retrovirus that affects kittens and cats. It is one of the most common infectious diseases in cats, and kittens are more susceptible. Cats who should get vaccinated include those who spend time outside, are boarded, or spend time with other cats who may be infected. Kittens should all be vaccinated.  Read more about Feline Leukemia and its traits here. 

Rattlesnake Vaccine (Cortalus Atrox Toxoid) – This vaccine provides dogs with some protection against some types of snake bites. It was developed for Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes, but may provide cross protection from other types of rattlesnakes and related venomous snakes, such as Copperheads. The vaccine is recommended for outdoor, sporting dogs, or dogs who travel regularly to places where these snakes live. Learn more about the rattlesnake vaccine here.