Vaccinations

Rabies is an incurable disease that is often fatal in humans and always fatal in unvaccinated animals. It is an infectious disease caused by a virus. The virus is transmitted by the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite and it attacks the brain and nervous system. The good news is that rabies is 100% preventable with proper vaccinations for pets and avoiding wildlife.

Dogs and cats over the age of 4 months are required by law to be vaccinated against rabies in Larimer County. Rabies is on the rise in our community, and we need to take steps to keep ourselves, our family, pets, and community safe. In addition to wildlife, we continue to see multiple cases of humans and pets exposed to the disease in Northern Colorado. The State of Colorado takes rabies exposure seriously. Because of the seriousness of this disease, the State of Colorado has strict laws in place regarding rabies exposure to keep people and pets safe.

DAPP stands for Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. These are common viruses that affect dogs.

Canine distemper is one of the most infamous of dog diseases. Dogs can be infected by airborne and droplet exposure. Once the virus enters the body, it affects the lymphatic, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital, and central nervous systems.

Canine adenovirus causes infectious canine hepatitis, a dangerous liver condition. It is transmitted by animal-to-animal contact or contact with inanimate objects which are likely to carry infection, such as clothes, utensils, and furniture. Adenovirus is shed in bodily fluids such as saliva, feces and urine. Infection affects not only the liver, but can also affect the kidneys, eyes, brain and even the body's ability to clot blood.

Canine parainfluenza is a common cause for upper respiratory tract disease in dogs. It is spread by contact with respiratory secretions (snot and mucus).

Canine parvovirus can be fatal and affect dogs of any age but puppies less than 12 months of age are the most susceptible. Dogs are infected by ingestion of the virus, which is shed in feces. Parvo is most known for causing issues with the gastrointestinal system but can also affect the heart. Parvovirus can survive in the environment for months to years.

FVRCP stands for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. These are common viruses that affect cats.

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis and Feline Calicivirus both cause inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, which can lead to respiratory infections. Both are very contagious and are spread by respiratory secretions (snot and mucus)

Feline Panleukopenia is an extremely serious disease that is often fatal, especially in kittens. It attacks the immune system, leaving infected cats vulnerable to other infections and diseases.

Leptospirosis is caused by various strains (serovars) of bacteria that occur worldwide, most commonly in the summer or fall. Colorado is a higher risk state due to our close proximity to wildlife and higher incidence of contaminated soil or bodies of water in which the bacteria can survive for weeks to months. Infected dogs often have a fever, do not eat well, may vomit, and may suffer from sudden liver and kidney damage. This disease, even when treated aggressively, can be fatal. Infected dogs shed the bacteria in their urine, and humans can become infected by contact with contaminated ground water, soil, or animal urine. In Larimer County, leptospirosis can be seen in squirrels, raccoons, deer, and rodents, which remain asymptomatic but continue the spread of the disease.

This vaccine helps protect dogs against some of the most common bacteria that cause contagious bronchitis and is recommended for dogs that stay in boarding facilities, go regularly to groomers, visit dog parks, attend dog shows or obedience classes, or frequently contact large numbers of dogs. There is still the risk of exposure to other bacteria and viruses that cause an upper respiratory infection in dogs, but the clinical signs or disease is usually less severe when a dog has protection from the Bordetella vaccine.

This vaccine prevents Feline Leukemia Virus, which can cause cancer and immunodeficiency in cats. Because of this, it has a very high mortality rate. FeLV is transferrred from other infected cats.