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THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION
APRIL/MAY 2015
41 Morristown Road Bernardsville, NJ 07924 908.766.0041 www.bernardsvilleanimalhospital.com More time for you. Less stress for your pet. Full Service. Over 50 years combined experience. Come join us for a better veterinary experience. James Baxter, DVM Vedrana Gjivoje, DVM $50 off your pet’s 1 st Comprehensive Physical Exam* (Regulary $113) *Please bring coupon at time of service to redeem. Valid for new patients only. VACCINATING YOUR DOG By: James D Baxter DVM & Vedrana Gjivoje, DVM, Bernardsville Animal Hospital 908-766-0041 www.bernardsvilleanimalhospital.com It’s well established that our companion canines require vaccinations to keep them healthy. A dog’s lifestyle and behavior put him/her at risk of contract- ing diseases that can be readily prevent- ed with a good vaccination protocol. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that ALL dogs be protected against the following diseases: Rabies: Rabies is caused by a virus car- ried by animals in the wild. The four species that carry rabies in the wild are the fox, skunk, bat and raccoon. The bat and raccoon variants are the predomi- nant ones in the northeast. NJ Depart- ment of Health reports that hundreds of raccoons are diagnosed as rabies-positive every year. All dogs are required, by law, to be vaccinated against rabies. Vaccines are given either annually or every 3 years. It is important to note that cats are also required, by law, to be rabies vaccinated. It’s especially noteworthy that cats, not dogs, account for 90% of the domestic animals rabies cases in New Jersey, aver- aging 16 cats per year. Cats and dogs need direct exposure (usually through a bite) from an animal with an active case of rabies. Rabies is ZOONOTIC, meaning it can be passed from one species to another, i.e. from cat to human, so it is vitally important to rabies vaccinate your dog and cat for the health and safety of the humans in the house as well! DA2PP: Often called “distemper,” this multi-vaccine protects against several dis- eases. D = distemper and is caused by a virus similar to the one that causes measles in humans. Distemper is often fatal to the dog if it is contracted. A = adenovirus, which causes a liver infection or hepatitis. P = parvovirus, a potentially fatal intestinal virus, especially in pup- pies. The last P = parainfluenza, a severe form of influenza. This multi-vaccine is given three to four times as a puppy, then every one to three years thereafter. Leptospirosis: has now been upgraded to a core vaccine in New Jersey. It is a bacterial disease that propagates in the wild and is shed in the urine of host ani- mals. Any outside water source, from a stream to a puddle to soggy grass, can be contaminated with the leptospirosis bacteria. Taking a quick drink from a rain puddle is a common way dogs get infect- ed with leptospirosis. It is potentially fatal, causing liver and kidney failure in its most severe form. Leptospirosis is also ZOONOTIC and can be passed from dog to human. The vaccine is given as two initial doses, about 4 weeks apart, then annually thereafter. Lyme: Lyme disease is caused by a bac- teria and is transmitted through the bite of ticks, especially the deer tick. Ticks can be found on any warm blooded animal and are virtually everywhere. Ticks are most active in the spring and fall. While not technically a “core” vaccine for dogs across the US, it is considered a core vac- cine for New Jersey dogs. The vaccine available for dogs is safe and highly effective. Your dog needs to receive two initial shots, about 4 weeks apart, then once per year after that. All dogs should be protected against fleas, ticks, and heartworm disease. There are numerous options, and I recommend you consult your veterinarian for advice on which is best for your pet. Elective Vaccines: There are other vac- cines available for kennel cough and Canine influenza that may be required if your dog is groomed or kenneled. Please consult your veterinary health care team for these elective vaccines. www.theconnectionsnj.com