Vaccinations & Diagnostics

The leptospirosis vaccine for dogs is designed to protect against a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira species. This infection can be transmitted through contact with contaminated water, soil, or infected animals’ urine. Leptospirosis can affect a dog’s liver, kidneys, and other organs and can lead to severe illness or even death if left untreated.

This vaccine is particularly important for dogs that spend time outdoors, especially in areas with standing water or where wild animals (like raccoons, fox, or rodents) are present. Dogs living in urban environments or in close contact with other animals may also be at higher risk.

The DHPP vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects dogs against four major infectious diseases: Distemper, Hepatitis (Adenovirus), Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza. It is often referred to as the “core” vaccine, as it is considered essential for all dogs due to the severity of these diseases.

Here’s a breakdown of each component:

1. Distemper: A viral disease that affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It can be fatal and is highly contagious, often spreading through airborne particles or direct contact with an infected animal.
2. Hepatitis (Adenovirus): Caused by the canine adenovirus type 1, this disease affects the liver and can lead to symptoms such as fever, jaundice, and abdominal pain. It can be severe and even fatal, although the vaccine helps prevent infection.
3. Parvovirus: A highly contagious and often deadly viral infection that affects a dog’s gastrointestinal system, leading to severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Puppies are particularly vulnerable to this virus, and the vaccine is crucial in protecting them.
4. Parainfluenza: A respiratory virus that contributes to kennel cough, a highly contagious condition affecting a dog’s upper respiratory system. Though it is generally less severe than the other diseases, it can still cause coughing, sneezing, and discomfort.

Titering is a blood test that measures the level of antibodies present in a dog’s system to determine their immunity to certain diseases, including distemper and parvovirus. Instead of automatically administering a booster vaccine, titer testing is an option.

For distemper and parvovirus, titering can help ensure that your dog has retained adequate protection against these potentially severe diseases. If the titer levels are high enough, a booster may not be necessary at that time, potentially reducing the number of vaccines your dog needs, which can be particularly beneficial for older dogs, dogs with compromised immune systems, or those who have had prior adverse reactions to vaccines.

However, it’s important to note that while titering can help determine immunity, it is not always a guarantee that a dog is fully protected against infection, as the immune response can vary from dog to dog. Titer testing is an option that provides an additional layer of understanding about a dog’s immunity status and can be discussed with your veterinarian to determine if it’s the right approach for your pet’s healthcare plan.

The Lyme vaccine for dogs is designed to protect against Lyme disease, a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks, particularly the black-legged tick (also known as the deer tick). Lyme disease can cause symptoms such as fever, lameness, joint pain, and, if left untreated, can lead to kidney damage or more severe complications.

Lyme disease can have serious consequences if not addressed early, so the vaccine is often recommended for dogs at risk, especially those that spend time outdoors in areas known to have ticks. Your veterinarian can help determine whether the Lyme vaccine is appropriate based on your dog’s lifestyle and environment.

The Bordetella vaccine is designed to protect dogs against Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacterium that is related to the same bacteria that cause Whooping Cough in humans, a highly contagious respiratory infection. This vaccine is especially recommended for dogs that are frequently in environments where they interact closely with other dogs, such as boarding facilities, dog parks, grooming salons, training classes, and dog shows.

Administration Methods:

The Bordetella vaccine can be administered through three primary methods:

1. Intranasal: Delivered into the nose, this form often uses live bacteria and may provide rapid immunity.
2. Oral: Given by mouth, this method also typically uses live bacteria and is effective in stimulating immunity.
3. Injectable (Subcutaneous): Administered under the skin, this version uses inactivated (killed) bacteria. It may require a longer period to establish immunity compared to the intranasal and oral forms.

The bivalent canine influenza vaccine is formulated to protect dogs against two strains of the canine influenza virus (CIV): H3N8 and H3N2. These strains are responsible for respiratory infections in dogs, leading to symptoms such as coughing, nasal discharge, and fever. Vaccination aims to reduce the severity of illness and the spread of the virus among canine populations.

The rabies vaccine is a critical immunization for dogs, providing protection against the rabies virus—a fatal disease affecting the nervous system. In many regions, including New Jersey, rabies vaccination is not only a vital health measure but also a legal requirement for all dogs.

Legal Requirements: In New Jersey, as in many states, rabies vaccination is mandated by law. Failure to comply can result in legal consequences and poses a public health risk.

Public Health Importance: Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Ensuring your dog is vaccinated helps protect your pet, your family, and the broader community from this deadly virus.

1. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) – caused by feline herpesvirus, it affects the respiratory system and causes sneezing, nasal discharge, and eye inflammation.
2. Calicivirus (C) – another major cause of respiratory infections in cats; it can also lead to mouth ulcers and, in severe cases, pneumonia.
3. Panleukopenia (P) – also known as feline distemper, it is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease that affects the immune system and gastrointestinal tract.

The FVRCP vaccine is typically given to kittens in a series of shots starting at 6–8 weeks of age, followed by booster shots at regular intervals. Adult cats receive boosters every 1–3 years depending on their risk level and the vet’s recommendation.

FeLV is spread through close contact between cats, typically via saliva, nasal secretions, grooming, shared food bowls, and sometimes from mother to kitten.

• The FeLV vaccine is considered non-core, meaning it’s recommended based on a cat’s lifestyle and risk level — especially for kittens, outdoor cats, or those living with FeLV-positive cats.
• Vaccination schedule: Kittens can receive their first FeLV vaccine as early as 8 weeks of age, followed by a booster 3–4 weeks later. Adult cats may need annual or biannual boosters depending on exposure risk.
• The vaccine does not treat FeLV if a cat is already infected but can help prevent infection.

FeLV vaccination is a key preventive measure for at-risk cats, especially in multi-cat households, shelters, or if a cat spends time outdoors.

The rabies vaccine is a critical immunization for cats, providing protection against the rabies virus—a fatal disease affecting the nervous system. In many regions, including New Jersey, rabies vaccination is not only a vital health measure but also a legal requirement for all cats.

Legal Requirements: In New Jersey, as in many states, rabies vaccination is mandated by law. Failure to comply can result in legal consequences and poses a public health risk.

Public Health Importance: Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Ensuring your cat is vaccinated helps protect your pet, your family, and the broader community from this deadly virus.