If you're wondering why so many Toronto pet guardians bring their dogs and cats to Jane Animal Hospital for their yearly examinations, it's because they value the personal care provided by our veterinarian. Many pet owners credit the health of their pets to the preventive exams that caught potential problems and took care of them before they became actual ones. They also trust the hospital to notify them when their pets are due for their yearly vaccinations and booster shots. Some are required by law. Others are strongly recommended. Let's take a look at which are which.
Vaccinations Required by Law
The list of diseases Canadian law mandates animals to be vaccinated against is a short one. Only one disease is on it — rabies. The rabies vaccine is required for both cats and dogs, even if the cat never goes outdoors. Rabies can be transmitted by animals your pet may easily come into contact with, including rodents and skunks. The fatal disease is transmitted through saliva so once a pet is infected, all it takes is one bite to transmit it to other pets and humans alike. This is why yearly vaccinations are vital and critical
Vaccinations Recommended by Our Vet
While other diseases are not deadly, they are contagious and can make an animal very sick. For this reason, even though Canadian law does not require them, our veterinarian strongly recommends the following immunizations. Many grooming and boarding facilities require vaccines as well.
The list for cats includes two diseases:
- FRCP — a 3-in-1 vaccine against Rhinotracheitis, Panleukopenia, and Calicivirus
- Feline Leukemia
The list for dogs numbers four:
- DA2PP or DHPP - a 3-in-1 vaccine against Distemper, Hepatitis (Adenovirus) Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
- Lyme Disease
- Leptospirosis
Since many clients are not familiar with that last disease, let's take a moment to look at it.
How Can You Tell if Your Dog Has Leptospirosis?
Identifying leptospirosis is not easy. Its symptoms are similar to many other illnesses and include:
- lethargy
- anorexia
- stomach pain
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- stiffness
- and in some cases, infertility in females
Why Toronto Dogs Need a Leptospirosis Vaccination
Leptospirosis, like rabies, is zoonotic, meaning it can be spread from dog to human. If your dog comes down with it, so might you or any member of your family. Leptospirosis also infects wildlife, so if you ever let your dog run free in a park or out in the country frequented by raccoons, skunks, opossums, squirrels, or deer, there is a chance your dog will come down with Leptospirosis. The disease’s main vehicle of transmission is through the urine of an infected animal, meaning your dog does not even need to come into contact with wildlife to catch leptospirosis.
Animal Hospital in Toronto
The chances of your dog being infected go up exponentially if you live in an area dense in wildlife. Our vet will assess your dog’s condition and create a vaccination schedule tailored to your pet’s needs and lifestyle. For more information or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian, call Jane Animal Hospital at (416) 762-5558.
