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Vaccines & Preventatives

A pet becoming ill can be stressful and upsetting not only to your pet, but also to you. Through comprehensive exams and evaluations, diagnostic testing and procedures, we’ll work with you to uncover the root cause of your pet’s illness.

Understanding that each pet comes equipped with their own health histories, genetics and environment, we take an individualized approach to caring for, diagnosing and treating your pet.

If the illness requires long-term care, you can count on us being with you every step of the way.

Please scroll down to see our recommended vaccines for dogs & cats.

Core Vaccines & Health Screenings

Dogs

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.

Core Vaccines & Health Screenings

Cats

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 after final puppy series for dogs and then every three years from then on for dogs.

FVRCP (Feline Distemper) Vaccination – the term for a very contagious group of respiratory diseases which can cause symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, sneezing, vomiting, or diarrhea. ATX protocol is for all kittens to be vaccinated against RCP at 8, 12 and 16 weeks, then another booster 12 months after the kitten series, then every three years for life.

FeLV (Feline Leukemia) Vaccination – Feline Leukemia is spread through contact with an infected cat, typically nasal or saliva secretions. Typical symptoms include pale gums, yellow whites of eyes, enlarged lymph nodes, bladder/skin/upper respiratory infections, weight loss and/or loss of appetite, poor coat condition, weakness/lethargy, and fever. ATX protocol is to recommend the FeLV Vaccine annually for any cat who goes outside (even just for a few minutes a day) or could potentially have contact with other cats. We recommend combo testing all kittens through a simple blood screening.

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.

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Learn About Our Veterinary Services

Vaccines & Preventatives

Preventative care is key to lifelong health with your pet. Vaccines & regular vet visits can help. Learn More

Wellness Exams

Yearly wellness exams help our vets catch any issues early on & aid in ensuring your pet’s overall health. Learn More

Surgery & Dentistry

Our vets are highly skilled surgeons and can perform any type of emergency surgery or dental surgery. Learn More

Microchipping

A microchip (digital ID) can help locate & identify your pet, should your pet run away or get lost. Learn More

Internal Medicine

Our exams & evaluations, diagnostic testing & procedures will uncover the root cause of your pet’s illness. Learn More

Allergy & Dermatology

Treating allergy & dermatological issues early on can help prevent them from becoming life threatening. Learn More

ATX Animal Clinic is a full-service veterinary clinic. Click here to see our full list of services.