Vaccines & Preventatives

Nose to Tail Examination – a comprehensive examination of your pet should be done at least annually (even if they seem happy and healthy so we can keep them that way!).

Rabies Vaccination – Texas State Law requires all dogs and cats to be rabies vaccinated by 4 months old and in regular intervals thereafter for life. Rabies is a highly contagious viral disease that attacks the brain and central nervous system and is zoonotic (humans can become infected from animals, by direct contact with saliva. ATX protocol: given once when puppies and kittens are 12-16 weeks old, then repeated every 12 months after that for cats, once 12 months later for puppies and then every three years from then on for dogs.

Distemper/Parvo Combination Vaccination – Distemper is an often fatal disease characterized by flu-like symptoms, and in later stages, neurological symptoms. Distemper can be transmitted by direct contact or even being in a place where an infected animal has been, is easily transmitted on clothing, can be spread through the air, and through contact with infected bodily fluids including contaminated food and water. Distemper is a serious virus for which there is no specific treatment other than general supportive care…vaccination saves lives! Parvovirus typically involves bloody diarrhea accompanied by dehydration, fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy and loss of appetite. Parvo is highly contagious, can be carried on clothing and can live in an environment for a long time. ATX protocol: Distemper/Parvo vaccination is given in a series of puppy boosters (8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks old) then another booster one year after this series is completed, then every three years for life.

Bordetella (Kennel Cough) Vaccination – Bordetella is a bacterial, highly contagious bronchial infection, transmitted through the air. Typical symptoms include a hacking cough, sore throat, and sometimes vomiting. Bordetella vaccinations are available via injection, orally, and intranasal mist. ATX Protocol: Oral Bordetella vaccine every 6 months is the most effective vaccine protocol and our most common recommendation.

Leptospirosis Vaccination – Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial zoonotic disease that is easily contracted by dogs and humans from several types of animals through their urine (raccoons, skunks, opossums, rats, mice, foxes, coyotes, squirrels, cows, pigs, horses, and deer). Just walking in wet grass, soil, puddles, streams or ponds that have been contaminated with the urine of an infected animal can cause a dog or human to become infected, since it can enter the body very easily through a scratch, nose, mouth, eyes, etc. Symptoms of Leptospirosis can include decreased appetite, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, jaundice, changes in urinary pattern or frequency. It can cause kidney and/or liver failure in dogs and humans and can be fatal if not treated. It is common in Texas and ATX protocol is to vaccinate puppies for Lepto by 12 weeks and again at 16 weeks, then annually for life.

Canine Bivalent (H3N2 & H3N8) Influenza Vaccination – Canine Influenza is so highly contagious that it can be spread through air vents between rooms. We take infectious disease control very seriously and require all dogs to have this vaccine in order to stay in our facility for boarding or baths. Symptoms may not appear at all but may include: cough, runny nose, fever, lethargy, eye discharge, and reduced appetite, but not all dogs will show signs of illness. The severity of illness associated with canine flu in dogs can range from no signs to severe illness resulting in pneumonia and death. ATX protocol is to vaccinate puppies at 12 weeks, with a booster no later than 16 weeks. The bivalent flu vaccine is administered every 12 months thereafter.

Blood Parasite Screening – Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes and live in the heart and the lungs of infected dogs and cats, which can cause lung and heart failure and clotting of the arteries. Heartworm disease is a serious and dangerous condition that can be prevented with one of the many varieties of heartworm preventions on the market. Feel free to ask Dr. Rob about your options at your next visit. ATX protocol is to use an Abaxxis heartworm antigen panel annually to screen for heartworm. For tick borne disease detection in animals that have been exposed, we also carry the 4DX panel that not only tests for heartworms (spread by mosquitos), but also Lyme Disease, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma (spread by ticks) as well.

Intestinal Parasite Screening – fecal samples from dogs and cats are tested for the most common intestinal parasites and eggs, including tapeworms (usually from ingesting a flea) roundworms, whipworms, hookworms, and giardia. ATX protocol to screen throughout puppyhood and whenever diarrhea and/or vomiting are observed, or parasites such as intestinal worms have actually been seen in the feces.