Parkway Animal Hospital's

PET OWNER'S GUIDE TO

Preventing Diseases

WHY VACCINATE?

Many serious pet diseases can be prevented by vaccination. Even if always kept indoors, your pet can be exposed to viruses carried in the air, dust or on clothing. Vaccination is inexpensive protection against costly treatment or premature death of your pet. Booster immunizations are necessary to continue protection.

PUPPIES and DOGS

DHL (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis):Distemper is so widespread nearly every dog will be exposed during its lifetime. Distemper’s high death rate makes vaccination a must. Dogs with distemper may suffer coughing, vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms followed by death.

Infectious Canine Hepatitis:Affects the dog’s liver. It spreads through an infected dog’s urine and exposure can mean anything from a mild infection to death.

Leptospirosis:Is a bacterial infection that affects a dog’s kidneys. Disability or even death in severe cases is possible.

Canine Cough or Bordetella:Is an upper respiratory infection causing a persistent, dry, hacking cough. The disease may last several weeks and is highly contagious. See BORDETELLA for addition information.

Parvovirus:Is an intestinal infection resulting in viral diarrhea, fever, vomiting and depression. Transmitted through direct contact with an infected dog’s feces and urine, parvovirus is highly contagious and life-threatening, especially in puppies. See PARVOVIRUS for additional information.

See CANINE VACCINATIONS for addition information on these diseases.

CATS AND KITTENS:

Feline Leukemia:Is now considered the leading cause of cat deaths. FeLV breaks down the cat’s ability to fight off infections of any sort. The cat usually dies of a disease that it would normally be able to resist. Effective FeLV vaccines are now available to protect uninfected cats.

Feline Respiratory Diseases (Rhinotracheitis, Calici, Chlamydia):Are highly contagious and widespread. These diseases are easily spread from cat to cat by sneezing, etc. Even a cat that seems healthy can infect your pet. Chances are high that your cat will be exposed.

Feline Panleukopenia:Also known as distemper, is highly contagious and can be fatal. Nine of ten cats with distemper may die. Since the disease is easily transmitted from cat to cat, chances are very high that your cat will be exposed. Symptoms include depression, loss of appetite, fever, vomiting and diarrhea.

See FELINE VACCINATIONS for addition information on these diseases.

DOGS and CATS:

Rabiesis a fatal infection of the nervous system that attacks all warm blooded animals including humans. It is a public health hazard and risk to all pet owners. There is no cure for Rabies. Vaccination is your pet’s only protection. See CANINE VACCINATIONS or FELINE VACCINATIONS for additional information.

Heartworm:Is a life-threatening disease wherever mosquitoes are present. Your dog must be tested prior to starting on preventive medication. Use of preventive medication in an infected dog could result in death. Annual testing is required even in year-round use of medication. Preventive medication use is a must for both cats and dogs. See HEARTWORM DISEASE IN DOGS or HEARTWORM DISEASE IN CATS for additional information.

Intestinal Parasitesthreaten your pet’s health. In large numbers they can cause intestinal blockages, bloody diarrhea and even premature death. Microscopic examination of your pet’s stool should be done regularly for early detection and treatment. See INTESTINAL PARASITES for additional information.

Dental Examinationsshould be done at least annually. Periodontal disease affects most pets and can lead to infection in the liver, kidneys and heart. Regular examination, professional scaling, and proper dental home care are necessary for good pet health. See PREVENTING PERIODONTAL DISEASE for addition information.

Spaying or Neuteringis recommended for all pets not intended for breeding. Breast tumors, testicular disease, cancer and certain undesirable behavior may be significantly reduced with surgery. While this surgery is recommended when your pet is about six months old, it can be done at any age. See THE IMPORTANCE OF SPAYING / NEUTERING for addition information.

Fleascan cause anemia and even death in young pets. If swallowed, fleas can transmit tapeworms to your pet. Flea bites can cause allergic reactions resulting in a painful, difficult to cure skin disease. A flea control program may be needed for pets, home and yard at the same time. Your veterinarian is best qualified to prescribe the proper products for you to eliminate these parasites. See A PET OWNER'S GUIDE TO FLEAS for addition information.

Geriatric Workupshelp detect many of the problems caused by aging (kidney, liver, heart, arthritis, dental, etc.) Early detection can lengthen your pet’s life. Proper treatment will improve your pet’s quality of life. See SENIOR WELLNESS PROGRAM for additional information.

OUR MISSION:

"We embrace the art of healing and the science of medicine to enrich the lives of our animal companions.
We support you in making informed decisions that allow your pet to enjoy wellness as long as possible.
Our hospital team inspires an atmosphere of compassion and respect for our patients, our clients, and for one another."