Protecting Pets with Cat & Dog Vaccinations in Bear, DE
Your pet’s vaccinations should be tailored to their individual needs. At Summit Bridge Veterinary Hospital, we embrace our patients’ unique appearances and personalities, and we also respect their unique health needs. Dogs and cats both benefit from the protection provided by our vaccines, which are formulated for maximum effectiveness and safety. However, while we may recommend some cat and dog vaccines for all our patients, there are other vaccines we only recommend based on certain lifestyle factors, which we explain in more detail below.
To find out which vaccines your dog or cat needs to stay protected from disease, call or text us today at (302) 834-7387!
Our Recommended Vaccines for Dogs and Cats
Here are the vaccines we typically recommend for dogs and cats:
Dogs
- Rabies
- Distemper/parvo combination vaccine
- Leptospirosis
- Lyme
- Bordetella (kennel cough)
- Canine influenza
Cats
- Rabies
- Feline distemper combination vaccine
- Feline leukemia (recommended for cats that go outside)
What are Lifestyle-Based Vaccines?
As you might expect, lifestyle-based vaccines are recommended based on your pet’s lifestyle. A primary example is the Bordetella vaccine, which is a must for dogs that board, visit the groomer, or frequent dog parks. Canine influenza is also recommended for dogs that regularly spend time around other dogs.
For cats, the sole lifestyle-based vaccine we offer is feline leukemia. This vaccine is recommended for kittens, and annual boosters may be needed for cats that will spend at least some of their time outdoors. Indoor/outdoor cats are at an increased risk for feline leukemia, which is often transmitted by stray and feral cats.
Why We Recommend Lyme and Lepto Vaccines for Dogs
Here in our corner of Delaware, Lyme disease and leptospirosis are ongoing disease hazards for dogs. Lyme disease is transmitted by deer ticks, which are prevalent here in the northeast, and humans can contract the disease as well.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread by wildlife such as raccoons, deer, and possums. They shed the bacteria in their urine, and if your dog comes into contact with the bacteria in that urine, either by sniffing, licking, or having it enter through a small cut or scrape, they can become infected. Like Lyme disease, leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, able to infect humans as well as pets. Both diseases are treatable, but they can cause serious health problems and in the case of leptospirosis, even prove fatal in a worst-case scenario.
In addition to protecting your pet with vaccines, we also highly recommend year-round parasite protection. For more information, give us a call or text us today at (302) 834-7387!