Pet Vaccinations

DAPP: (Canine Distemper Virus, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
This combination vaccine protects against the most common and contagious viral diseases in dogs. Canine distemper and parvovirus are both serious and often fatal diseases affecting multiple organ systems. These illnesses generally require lengthy hospitalizations and usually result in a guarded prognosis. Adenovirus Type 2 vaccine protects against canine hepatitis, and the parainfluenza vaccine helps protect against tracheobronchitis. Typically, vaccinations start at eight weeks of age and continue every 3-4 weeks for a series of injections, followed by a booster a year later. Adults with previous vaccination require re-vaccination every three years.

Rabies: This dangerous virus can be transmitted to mammals, including humans, primarily through bite wounds from an infected animal. The most commonly affected animals in the surrounding New York City area are raccoons and bats. New York State law requires the vaccination of dogs because it is one of the few deadly diseases pets can transmit to people. If an unvaccinated pet bites or is bitten, serious consequences may occur, including quarantining the pet at your expense for up to six months and/or euthanasia. Puppies need this vaccination after 16 weeks of age, followed by a booster a year later. Adults with previous vaccinations require revaccinations every three years.

Bordetella Vaccine: If your dog is going to dog parks, dog shows, or boarding facilities, a kennel cough vaccination is recommended. Bordetella, a bacterial infection, affects the respiratory system and, while not usually life-threatening, can develop into pneumonia. This vaccination does not provide 100 percent immunity from the disease but reduces its clinical signs if your pet is exposed and speeds recovery time. For puppies, a series of two boosters administered 3-4 weeks apart is required for full immunity.

The New York City Department of Health requires that all boarding and grooming facilities ensure that clients’ pets have received this vaccine no more than six months apart. If not taking your pet to board or groom, we recommend a yearly vaccine booster.

Leptospirosis Vaccine: Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria and is transmissible to people. It is transmitted through contact with infected tissue. Indirect transmission occurs through the exposure of susceptible animals to contaminated water sources, food, and bedding. This bacterial infection can cause severe life-threatening damage to the liver and kidneys even after treatment with antibiotics and supportive care. For puppies, a series of two boosters administered 3-4 weeks apart is required for full immunity. Yearly booster vaccines are required to keep immunity at a proper level.

Lyme Disease Vaccine: Also called borreliosis, Lyme Disease is caused by the bite of a tick that is infected with the bacteria. Pet owners report finding ticks on their dogs even at the parks in Brooklyn and in neighborhood homes. We help you decide whether a Lyme vaccine is appropriate for your dog in addition to tick prevention. Lyme disease causes obscure symptoms, including recurrent lameness, fever, swollen lymph nodes, swollen joints, and reduced appetite. More serious complications include damage to the kidney. For puppies, a series of two vaccines administered three to four weeks apart is required for full immunity. Yearly booster vaccines are needed to keep immunity at a proper level.

Canine Influenza Vaccine: Canine influenza is a relatively new disease. In the US, it was first diagnosed in 2004 in a group of racing greyhounds in Florida. Testing has shown that the virus mutated from a strain of equine influenza and gained the ability to spread from dog to dog. The symptoms of canine influenza are indistinguishable from kennel cough – a generic term for a condition caused by a number of different viruses and bacteria. Canine flu spreads easily in enclosed spaces that house numerous animals. If your dog goes to a boarding facility, doggy daycare, groomer’s shop, or shows (not necessarily dog parks), they have a higher-than-average chance of getting sick. Our current recommendation is to consider this vaccine if your dog is kenneled consistently 3 to 5 days a week.

FVRCP Vaccine (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia): Panleukopenia, better known as feline distemper, is a highly contagious virus that causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and low white blood cell count. Since there is no cure for the disease, treatment involves supportive care that is costly and does not guarantee survival. Due to the seriousness of the disease and the rate of contagion, it is included in the core vaccines that the staff at One Love Animal Hospital recommends for all cats. Calicivirus and Rhinotracheitis cause upper respiratory infections and are also extremely contagious to other cats. Some chronic nasal and oral diseases can also be attributed to the infections. Typically, vaccinations are started at eight weeks of age and continue every 3-4 weeks for a series of three injections, followed by a booster a year later. Adults with previous vaccination require revaccination every three years.

Rabies: The rabies virus can be transmitted to mammals, including humans, usually through bite wounds from an infected animal. The most commonly infected animals in the New York City vicinity are raccoons and bats. New York City law requires that cats be vaccinated because it is one of the few deadly diseases pets can transmit to humans. If an unvaccinated pet bites or is bitten, serious consequences may occur, including the quarantining of your pet at your expense for up to six months and/or euthanasia. Kittens require this vaccine after 16 weeks of age, followed by yearly boosters.

We are able to assess your pet’s risk of contracting one of these diseases and help you decide whether your pet is a candidate for receiving any of these vaccines.

FeLV vaccine (Feline Leukemia Virus): Cats that are exposed to cats with unknown diseases and vaccine status are more at risk for contracting feline leukemia. It is transmitted through nasal secretions and saliva or bite wounds from infected cats and has no cure. During your cat’s wellness exam, our veterinarians discuss with you what level of risk there is for your cat. For kittens, a series of two boosters administered three to four weeks apart is required for full immunity. Annual booster vaccines are needed to keep immunity at a proper level.