Archive for the ‘Pet Vaccinations’ Category

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Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

Vaccination Schedule for PuppiesCongratulations on getting a new puppy! They are a lot of fun and can bring an amazing amount of joy to a family. But with every new puppy comes the responsibility of getting their vaccinations. During the first year of life, puppies just like children, need a series of vaccinations, which help to keep them safe and protect them from diseases and illnesses.

While getting a puppy is exciting, you want to make sure that they are healthy, parasite free, and on the right road toward health. The best time to call a veterinarian is when you first get a puppy. They will need to have an examination to ensure the puppy is healthy and to get them on the proper vaccination schedule.

Here is the typical vaccination schedule for puppies:

•    6-8 weeks – Physical Exam; DA2PL-CPV and Bordetella Boosters; Start on Heartworm and Flea Prevention; and Fecal Analysis to check for intestinal parasites.
•    10-12 weeks – Physical Exam; 2nd DA2PL-CPV and Bordetella Boosters; and Fecal Analysis.
•    12-16 weeks – Physical Exam; 3rd DA2PL-Cpv Booster; Rabies Vaccine; and Fecal Analysis.

Once our puppy has reached a year old they will still need vaccines, only not quite so often. Typically they will need all of their core vaccines every one to three years.  Additionally, Florida law requires that they receive a rabies vaccine every one to three years.

If you have any questions about vaccinations for your puppy, contact the veterinarians at Pet Doctors of America. They are experts in the field and provide pet care to the entire Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach area. They can answer your questions, provide you with tips, and make sure your puppy stays on a healthy track. Contact us today; we would love to meet your new puppy!

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Vaccination Schedule for Kittens: Keep Your New Kitten Happy and Healthy!

Monday, June 13th, 2011

Vaccination Schedule for KittensThere is nothing like getting a new kitten! The little furry critters are a ball of energy and amazingly cute. If you are thinking about getting a new kitten, great! If you have already gotten one, congratulations! A kitten can be a friendly companion for the whole family and bring a lot of fun to the home.

Now that you have had some time to play with your new kitten, it is time to make sure you are on the right track with getting them off to the best possible start. And you do that by making sure they get the vaccinations they need, when they need them! It is important to get your new kitten their vaccinations, so they have protection from some of the various diseases and illnesses that can affect them.

Here is a typical vaccination schedule for kittens that you will want to keep in mind:

•    6-8 weeks – Physical Exam; FeLV/FIV-test; Fecal Analysis; 1st Round of FVRCP and FELV vaccines; and Start on Heartworm and Flea Prevention.
•    8-10 weeks – Physical Exam; 2nd Round of FVRCP and FELV Boosters; and 2nd Fecal Analysis.
•   12-14 weeks – Physical Exam; 3rd and Final FVRCP Booster; Rabies Vaccine; and Final Fecal Analysis.

Once your kitten reaches a year old, they will be ready to get their routine vaccinations, which will occur less frequently. These include getting adult combination vaccines, as well as a Rabies vaccination after one year, and then every one to three years thereafter.

At Pet Doctors of America our veterinarians are ready to meet your new kitten and help you get it off to a healthy start. We have helped people all over the Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach area get their kitten off to a healthy start, as well as keep them healthy throughout their adulthood. Contact us today; we look forward to doing the same with you!

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Posted in Cat Diseases, Pet Vaccinations, Puppies/Kittens | 1 Comment »

The Feline FVRCP Vaccine: 3 Reasons to Keep Your Cat(s) Up to Date

Wednesday, May 18th, 2011

Feline FRCP VaccineIf you have a cat or kitten you know that there are certain vaccines that they should get throughout their life. These vaccines help to protect your cat from a variety of illnesses and diseases. One of those vaccines that your cat should be getting is the FVRCP vaccine, which stands for feline rhinotracheitis, calici, and panleukopenia.

About Panleukopenia

The panleukopenia virus is a potentially deadly one that can even cause rapid death, due to severe dehydration. The virus is passed through fecal-oral transmission as a result of poor hygiene and contaminated cages, food bowls, and litter boxes. The symptoms associated with the virus include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and anorexia. Test results also show that there is a low white blood count.

About Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus

Feline rhinotracheitis, or herpes virus, are the most common cause of respiratory diseases that are seen in cats. They are common and are spread through feline sneezing, droplets, and coming into contact with the virus. Signs of this virus include inflammation of the tissue around the eyes, sneezing, and anorexia. The feline rhinotracheitis virus is not usually life threatening, but can be quite uncomfortable and recurring.

The feline calicivirus can be responsible for causing a serious gum disease problem. It is transmitted through contact with discharge from the eyes, nose, or mouth.

The FVRCP vaccine helps to protect cats from all three of these conditions. All kittens should receive a series of FVRCP booster vaccines in order to prevent these illnesses. Then, adult cats should be put on a schedule to receive the FVRCP vaccine on a regular basis.  It is important to discuss a vaccine schedule with your veterinarian during your cats annual exam.

If you have a cat, it is important to keep up on getting their scheduled FVRCP vaccine. At Pet Doctors of America, we can help you with that! We serve the entire Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach area, providing a full range of veterinary services to meet your needs and keep your pets healthy. Contact us today!

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Expecting and Have a Pet? No Problem!

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

Each year, millions of expectant motheIntoducing Pets to New Babyrs prepare for the birth of their baby. Meanwhile, their first “baby” is still on their mind – their pet! Whether you have a dog or cat, there are some things you should keep in mind when it comes to your pet and your new baby. From preparing your pet to making sure their first meeting goes well, preparation is the key to a successful introduction and transition!

Tips to ensure your pet/baby experience goes well!

Before Baby Arrives

Even before baby is born, there are things you can do to start preparing your pet for the new arrival. For starters, it is important to make sure your pet gets a check-up with your veterinarian, to ensure good health. This way, you will rest assured, knowing your pet does not have any harmful parasites. If your pet is not spayed/neutered, it is also a good idea to get that done, as it usually helps keep them calmer. If you have a cat, it is important that you avoid the litter box, as the feces can be toxic and dangerous to the fetus. This is the time to get someone else to do those litter duties. It is also a great time to address any behavior issues your pet may have, by getting obedience training or asking the veterinarian for recommendations. Prior to the baby being born, you will also want to trim your pet’s nails and enable your pet to start getting used to the new scents and sounds of a baby. You can do this by setting up the nursery ahead of time and having a friend bring their baby over. You can also play a crying-baby CD, so your pet can get used to the sound.

Introducing Baby to Your Pet

Once you have had the baby and are still in the hospital, you are ready to take the next step for pet/baby success! Select a blanket or cap and put it on the baby for a little while. Then have someone take it home and put it in the house, where the pet can check it out. This will give them time to discover the baby’s scent in advance. When you are ready to come home from the hospital, have someone else carry the baby in, as the pet will likely be excited to see you. Surprise them with a new toy or treat. Take a seat, holding the baby, and let the pet come over and sniff the baby. Monitor for any signs of aggression, and never leave the pet alone with the baby. It’s also a good idea to keep pets out of the baby’s room as they sleep.

…and Beyond

If you notice that there are any behavioral issues with your pet, check with your veterinarian for recommendations on how to address the situation. Also, keep up on necessary pet vaccinations and check-ups, to ensure that they remain healthy and avoid bringing parasites into the home.

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Posted in Pet Care, Pet Vaccinations, Puppies/Kittens, Spaying/Neutering, Training | No Comments »

The Canine Distemper Virus: Is Your Dog Protected?

Monday, April 18th, 2011

Canine Distemper VirusWhen was the last time that your dog had a canine distemper vaccine? If you have no idea, it may be time to check with your veterinarian to see if it is time. Puppies and dogs of all ages are susceptible to contracting the canine distemper virus, making it important that they not only get a booster against it while a puppy, but that they get vaccines for it throughout their adulthood.

Canine distemper is a virus that is similar to the one that causes humans to get the measles. If a dog contracts the virus, it can be quite dangerous, with symptoms including eye and nasal discharge, diarrhea, coughing, fever, vomiting, and possibly seizures. With some dogs, it may even get more severe and progress to pneumonia. It is transmitted from infected dogs through coughing and urine.

Dogs of all ages can get canine distemper, but it poses the most serious risk for puppies and senior dogs. When dogs in these groups get the disease, it often leads to death. Many dogs who do survive canine distemper are left with permanent problems, such as damaged vision or problems with their teeth.

In all dogs the condition can lead to problems with their eyes, skin, organs, and respiratory system. The best way to protect your dog from canine distemper is to make sure that you get the series of canine distemper booster vaccines as a puppy and continue with scheduled vaccines as they age.

Call the veterinarians at Pet Doctors of America with any questions you may have regarding canine distemper or other pet-related issues. Being one of the leading vet offices that serve the Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach area, we care about helping your pets live a healthy and happy life. We are there when you need us. Contact us to see how we can help protect your pet today!

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