We offer a variety of vaccinations to help prevent the onset and spread of diseases to our four-legged friends. We will make recommendations for your pets based on his or her needs, activities, and lifestyle. We share a quick summary of each vaccination/disease below, but please reach out to us with your questions, concerns, and for further information.
Canine Immunizations
Rabies Vaccine This is a one- or three-year vaccine, depending on when it was last administered. Rabies is extremely dangerous; caused by a virus that affects the brain and central nervous system. The only way to test accurately for the virus is to biopsy brain tissue, which has to be done once the animal is deceased. There is no cure for rabies; it is fatal. For these reasons, vaccination against rabies is required by Maine State Law for all dogs and cats, regardless of their indoor/outdoor status.
DAP (Canine Distemper combination vaccine) This is a one- or three-year vaccine that will help protect your dog from three diseases: Distemper, Adenovirus, and Parvovirus. Distemper is a highly contagious, often fatal disease that is generally transmitted through saliva, urine, and feces. Adenovirus is an infectious viral disease that can lead to severe liver damage or death. This disease is very serious in puppies and older dogs and is spread through contact with infected urine. Parvovirus is a very highly contagious viral infection of the intestinal tract that is spread through contact with feces of an infected dog. This disease strikes quickly and is especially dangerous for puppies. Parvovirus is often fatal.
Leptospirosis Vaccine This is an annual vaccination that will provide the best way to protect your dog and your family from this bacterial disease. Leptospira bacteria can be present in any stagnant surface water, moist soil, ponds, and lakes. These bacteria are passed via the urine of infected pets, wildlife, and humans and can survive for long periods of time. Leptospirosis can be transmitted from dog to dog as well, and the most severe cases may lead to kidney or liver failure and potentially death. While not often fatal in humans, this disease can cause severe illness.
Lyme Vaccine This is an annual vaccination to help protect your dog from the very serious effects of Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a complex bacterial disease that affects both dogs and humans. The bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi are transmitted through the bite of an infected deer tick. Lyme disease is a growing concern as it is on the rise and comes with serious complications. If not detected and treated early, it can manifest and cause inflammation of the kidneys. This is known as Lyme nephritis, which is usually fatal.
Bordetella Vaccine This vaccine protects against the highly contagious Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD), better known as Kennel Cough. This disease is recognized as the most prevalent upper respiratory disease that infects a very high percentage of dogs at least once in their lifetime. Often contracted by a bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica, it causes inflammation of the respiratory tract and a dry, “hacking” cough. Animals with immature immune systems such as young puppies, as well as older dogs and pregnant mothers are harmed the most by this disease, as they may suffer from secondary infections and complications. The frequency of administration depends on your pet’s age, health status, lifestyle, etc.
Feline Vaccinations
Rabies Vaccine Feline rabies vaccine is administered annually. Rabies is extremely dangerous; caused by a virus that affects the brain and central nervous system. The only way to test accurately for the virus is to biopsy brain tissue, which has to be done once the animal is deceased. There is no cure for rabies; it is fatal. For these reasons, vaccination against rabies is required by Maine State Law for all dogs and cats, regardless of their indoor/outdoor status.
FVRCP (Feline Distemper combination vaccine) Referred to as distemper, this is a one- or three-year vaccine that will help protect your cat from three diseases: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper). Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis is a respiratory disease that is sometimes fatal which causes sneezing, fever, loss of appetite, and runny eyes and nose. Kittens and older cats are at greatest risk. Feline Calicivirus (FCV) is another serious respiratory infection of cats with symptoms including fever, drooling, and mouth and tongue ulcers. Even if successfully treated, cats infected with FCV can become chronic virus carriers with lifelong clinical signs of sneezing and runny eyes. Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper) is a highly contagious gastrointestinal disease that is widespread and often fatal. Most cats are likely to be exposed to Panleukopenia in their lifetime, so vaccination is important. Signs and symptoms may include fever, depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.
FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) This vaccine is administered annually and usually recommended to cats who go outside or live in multi-cat households, as they are particularly at risk. FeLV is a viral disease that attacks the immune system and potentially leaves the cat vulnerable to secondary infections. Usually transmitted through contact with other felines, signs may include immune system suppression, chronic susceptibility to other infections, and death within three years of infection.
