An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that applies to your pets as well.
Routine vaccinations are important to the life and health of your furry friends. Take the time now to review your pet’s shot records, or contact your veterinarian to see if your cat or dog is due for any boosters.
“Vaccines are one of the wonders of modern medicine,” said Dr. Sue Moriyasu, DVM, veterinary medical director at Regional Animal Services of King County. “Just as in humans, initial immunizations and boosters are vital to ensuring that your pet lives a long, healthy and happy life.”
The list of vaccine-preventable animal diseases is long, but two illnesses that we are seeing in our region right now are panleukopenia, or feline distemper, in cats, and parvovirus in dogs.
These closely-related viruses spread easily, are resistant to most disinfectants, and can live on contaminated surfaces for years.
The diseases they cause are often fatal to kittens and puppies. Symptoms of both illnesses may include diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite and lethargy. If you see these symptoms in your pet, contact your veterinarian at once.
“Even with aggressive treatment, up to 90 percent of kittens and cats infected with panleukopenia die. Parvo can be treated more successfully if caught early, but treatment is expensive and survival is not guaranteed. This is why it is so important to get your new kitten or puppy vaccinated immediately, and to be sure to go back to your veterinarian for boosters when recommended,” Dr. Moriyasu said. “Prevention is easy and can help new pet owners avoid the heartbreak and expense of disease.”
Moriyasu added, “Since we will never eliminate these viruses from our environment, the best treatment is prevention through easily available and highly effective vaccinations. And just because your cat or dog lives inside does not mean they are not vulnerable to vaccine-preventable illnesses. Being a responsible pet owner includes making sure your pet is protected against disease, and routine immunizations from your veterinarian can help you do that.”
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