Preventive Care And Pet Vaccinations in Bellevue, WA
Physical Exams
Many people don't realize that annual exams are often more important than receiving annual pet vaccinations. Physical exams are the best tool our Bellevue, WA veterinarian practice has to evaluate the health of our patients and prevent disease. Often times with early detection, we are able to stop or slow the progression of many diseases that affect our pets, such as organ function problems, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. We recommend physical exams annually for pets 1-7 years old, and bi-annual exams for pets over 8 years old. Please see our Senior Wellness page for more information about caring for older pets.
Why vaccinate?
There is much information out there today about the necessity of vaccines for our pets. While the recommendation for the frequency of pet vaccinations has changed, the need for them has not. Many serious pet diseases can be easily prevented by vaccination. Even if your pet is strictly indoors, they can be exposed to viruses carried in the air, dust, on clothing and even in your yard. Vaccinating your pet is very easy and inexpensive protection against costly treatment or premature death of your pet. These diseases are out there and many can live in the environment for extended periods of time.
Recommended Pet Vaccinations
For pet vaccination recommendations for puppies and kittens, please see our Puppy and Kitten Plan page under "Services"
Recommended every 3 years in adult dogs
Distemper—is so widespread nearly every dog will be exposed during its lifetime. Distempers high death rate makes vaccination is a must. Symptoms include coughing, vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms.
Hepatitis—affects the dogs liver. It spreads through the infected dogs urine and exposure can mean anything from mild infection to death.
Parvovirus —Is an intestinal infection resulting in viral diarrhea, fever, vomiting and depression. Transmitted through an infected dogs urine and feces, it is highly contagious and life threatening, especially in puppies and senior dogs
DOGS—Leptospirosis
Recommended annually in adult dogs
Lepto is a bacterial disease that affects animals and humans. It is caused by the bacteria of the genus Leptospira. Symptoms include fever, severe headaches, muscle aches, vomiting and diarrhea and abdominal pain. Some cases show no symptoms at all.
DOGS—Bordetella Vaccine (Kennel Cough)
Recommendations vary in adult dogs
Bordetella is the most common cause of tracheobronchitis or kennel cough in dogs It is a bacterial illness that is most common among dogs that congregate at things like shows boarding facilities or other places frequented by large numbers of dogs at once.
CATS—FVRCP
Recommended every three years in adult cats
Feline Respiratory Diseases- (Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Chlamydia) are highly contagious and widespread. These diseases are easily spread from cat to cat by sneezing, etc. Even a cat that appears healthy can infect your pet. Chances are very high your cat will be exposed.
Panleukopenia– also known as feline distemper, is highly contagious and can be fatal. Nine of ten cats with distemper may die. Since the cat is easily transmitted between cats, chances are very high your cat will be exposed. Symptoms include depression, loss of appetite, fever, vomiting and diarrhea.
CATS—Feline Leukemia Virus
Recommended annually in adult cats
FeLV Is now considered the leading cause of death in cats. FeLV breaks down the cats ability to fight off infections of all kinds. The cat usually dies of diseases that it would normally be able to resist. FeLV vaccines are recommended for all outdoor cats. Testing for both FeLV and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) is performed at 12 weeks old.
CATS AND DOGS—RABIES
Recommended every three years in adult dogs, and annually in adult cats, Rabies is now required by law in Washington State
Rabies is 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.
Your animals are more than just pets. They’re family. At Companion Animal Hospital in Bellevue, WA, we understand the importance of keeping your family and animals healthy. That’s why we offer the best preventative care, including pet vaccinations. Keep your animals happy and healthy and bring them to our pet clinic for quality veterinarian services. Contact Companion Animal Hospital in Bellevue today for more information on how we can keep your pets healthy or to schedule your next round of pet vaccinations!