Spay/Neuter
Please spay and neuter your pets to prevent unwanted litters. Check out the following mobile vet www.mashvet.net for very reasonable spay/neuter rates. We highly recommend them!
Vaccinations
Arizona Animal Wellness Center strongly recommends minimizing vaccinations for your pet over the course of its lifetime based on your pet's lifestyle and risk for disease exposure. Most vaccinations protect your pet against common diseases. However, there are many vaccines available for diseases to which your pet may never be exposed in Arizona or the Western United States.
Arizona Animal Wellness Center recommends the following vaccinations based on your pets lifestyle and risk of disease:
Dogs
Bordetella Vaccine (kennel cough) - to be given on a yearly basis. If your dog goes to the groomer, dog park, boarding facilities or is otherwise exposed to other dogs, you should consider this vaccination every six months.
Rabies Vaccine - Maricopa and Pinal Counties require that dogs be vaccinated for rabies virus once every three years after they have completed their puppy series. Puppies receive a rabies vaccine at 16 weeks of age and then one booster a year later.
Distemper and Parvovirus Vaccine (DA2PP) - includes canine distemper virus, adenovirus (hepatitis), parvovirus and Parainfluenza. For adult dogs, this vaccine should be given once yearly. In older dogs, who have been properly vaccinated, a vaccine titer blood test can be done in order to determine if this should go on a rotating vaccine cycle.
Rattlesnake Vaccine - rattlesnakes are common in Arizona. Although this vaccine is not considered a core vaccine, it is available to help protect your dog against snake bites. This vaccine works by stimulating your dogs immune system to produce antibodies that start to neutralize snake venom immediately. This vaccine DOES NOT eliminate the need for immediate medical attention after a snake bite.
Cats
FVRCP (feline distemper) - yearly following initial vaccine series.
Rabies - every three years after the initial series depending upon risk and exposure.
Feline leukemia - recommended for kittens up to one year of age that will be going outdoors or live in a household with additional cats, then yearly depending upon risk of exposure to the disease.
Lifestyle and Risk Factors
The use of these vaccinations will be determined based on travel to other states and exposure to other pets at dog parks or boarding facilities. If your pet is at moderate risk for disease we may recommend yearly vaccines. However, if your pet's risk is low we may suggest a vaccine titer, which could allow a vaccine to be administered on a three year rotation.
A vaccine titer is a blood test that determines the level of immunity your dog has against certain diseases. In dogs, distemper and parvovirus titers are common, and rabies vaccine titers are also used occasionally to prove the level of protection your pet has against the rabies virus.
Some pet owners elect not to vaccinate and instead rely on vaccine titers to indicate whether or not their pet is due for the vaccine
In Arizona, the municipal animal control organizations will not recognize a titer in the place of a rabies vaccine. This is typically performed if pets are going to an international country and the country wants the status of the rabies blood level for that pet.
Some boarding facilities will accept vaccine titers in place of vaccinations.
In some instances these vaccines may adjust to a three year rotation schedule. At the time of your pet's wellness examination the team at Arizona Animal Wellness Center will discuss with you a custom vaccine protocol for your pet based on your pet's risk of disease and lifestyle.
Arizona Animal Wellness Center recommends the following vaccinations based on your pets lifestyle and risk of disease:
Dogs
Bordetella Vaccine (kennel cough) - to be given on a yearly basis. If your dog goes to the groomer, dog park, boarding facilities or is otherwise exposed to other dogs, you should consider this vaccination every six months.
Rabies Vaccine - Maricopa and Pinal Counties require that dogs be vaccinated for rabies virus once every three years after they have completed their puppy series. Puppies receive a rabies vaccine at 16 weeks of age and then one booster a year later.
Distemper and Parvovirus Vaccine (DA2PP) - includes canine distemper virus, adenovirus (hepatitis), parvovirus and Parainfluenza. For adult dogs, this vaccine should be given once yearly. In older dogs, who have been properly vaccinated, a vaccine titer blood test can be done in order to determine if this should go on a rotating vaccine cycle.
Rattlesnake Vaccine - rattlesnakes are common in Arizona. Although this vaccine is not considered a core vaccine, it is available to help protect your dog against snake bites. This vaccine works by stimulating your dogs immune system to produce antibodies that start to neutralize snake venom immediately. This vaccine DOES NOT eliminate the need for immediate medical attention after a snake bite.
Cats
FVRCP (feline distemper) - yearly following initial vaccine series.
Rabies - every three years after the initial series depending upon risk and exposure.
Feline leukemia - recommended for kittens up to one year of age that will be going outdoors or live in a household with additional cats, then yearly depending upon risk of exposure to the disease.
Lifestyle and Risk Factors
The use of these vaccinations will be determined based on travel to other states and exposure to other pets at dog parks or boarding facilities. If your pet is at moderate risk for disease we may recommend yearly vaccines. However, if your pet's risk is low we may suggest a vaccine titer, which could allow a vaccine to be administered on a three year rotation.
A vaccine titer is a blood test that determines the level of immunity your dog has against certain diseases. In dogs, distemper and parvovirus titers are common, and rabies vaccine titers are also used occasionally to prove the level of protection your pet has against the rabies virus.
Some pet owners elect not to vaccinate and instead rely on vaccine titers to indicate whether or not their pet is due for the vaccine
In Arizona, the municipal animal control organizations will not recognize a titer in the place of a rabies vaccine. This is typically performed if pets are going to an international country and the country wants the status of the rabies blood level for that pet.
Some boarding facilities will accept vaccine titers in place of vaccinations.
In some instances these vaccines may adjust to a three year rotation schedule. At the time of your pet's wellness examination the team at Arizona Animal Wellness Center will discuss with you a custom vaccine protocol for your pet based on your pet's risk of disease and lifestyle.
Kennel Cough
Infectious Canine Tracheobronchitis, more commonly known as Kennel Cough, is a contagious disease that affects the respiratory system. Like similar illnesses in people, it can be caused by a variety of organisms.
How Dogs Get Kennel Cough Kennel cough is spread mainly by airborne viruses and bacteria expelled when infected dogs cough. People can inadvertently spread it on their hands, shoes, or inanimate objects.
The organisms most often implicated in cases of Kennel cough are Bordetella bronchiseptica, Canine Para influenza Virus, and Canine Adenovirus. Kennel cough spreads readily in places where many dogs are housed in close confinement, such as kennels, animal shelters, grooming parlors, and dog shows.
Not every dog exposed to the organisms that cause Kennel Cough will get sick. Stress, health status, and respiratory irritants like dust or smoke also play a role.
What the Disease Does Most dogs with Kennel Cough are only mildly ill. The main symptom is a dry, hacking cough, sometimes accompanied by poor appetite. Most dogs recover within a few weeks. However, very young or highly stressed dogs can get seriously ill, progressing to bronchopneumonia. They may have a fever, greenish nasal discharge, and a productive cough.
How Kennel Cough is Diagnosed Diagnosis is based on medical history and physical examination. Dogs with this illness usually cough when the windpipe is palpated. Accurate information about vaccination history is valuable, because the veterinarian must make sure that coughing is not caused by Canine Distemper.
Treatment for Kennel Cough Dogs with mild illness may not require treatment, but cough suppressants and anti-inflammatories can help them feel more comfortable. More severe infections are treated with antibiotics and bronchodilators.
Preventing Kennel Cough The combination vaccination routinely given to all dogs gives partial protection against two of the organisms that cause Kennel Cough, Canine Para influenza Virus and Canine Adenovirus. Dogs at higher risk include show dogs and those that are boarded or groomed professionally. They should be given a comprehensive Kennel Cough vaccine. One dose of vaccine is given initially, and is safe for puppies as young as two weeks old. Re-vaccination is recommended annually, although some boarding facilities require more frequent boosters. Both injectable and intranasal (nose drops) vaccines are available. The intranasal type is more effective, but the injectable type is helpful for dogs that don't tolerate nose drops. The injectable vaccine requires two doses initially. Vaccinated dogs sometimes still get Kennel Cough, but the vaccine reduces its severity.
Dogs with Kennel Cough should be isolated from other dogs since the disease is contagious. Contaminated objects should be disinfected with a dilute bleach solution. It is possible, although uncommon in household situations, for Bordetella bronchiseptica to be passed to cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
How Dogs Get Kennel Cough Kennel cough is spread mainly by airborne viruses and bacteria expelled when infected dogs cough. People can inadvertently spread it on their hands, shoes, or inanimate objects.
The organisms most often implicated in cases of Kennel cough are Bordetella bronchiseptica, Canine Para influenza Virus, and Canine Adenovirus. Kennel cough spreads readily in places where many dogs are housed in close confinement, such as kennels, animal shelters, grooming parlors, and dog shows.
Not every dog exposed to the organisms that cause Kennel Cough will get sick. Stress, health status, and respiratory irritants like dust or smoke also play a role.
What the Disease Does Most dogs with Kennel Cough are only mildly ill. The main symptom is a dry, hacking cough, sometimes accompanied by poor appetite. Most dogs recover within a few weeks. However, very young or highly stressed dogs can get seriously ill, progressing to bronchopneumonia. They may have a fever, greenish nasal discharge, and a productive cough.
How Kennel Cough is Diagnosed Diagnosis is based on medical history and physical examination. Dogs with this illness usually cough when the windpipe is palpated. Accurate information about vaccination history is valuable, because the veterinarian must make sure that coughing is not caused by Canine Distemper.
Treatment for Kennel Cough Dogs with mild illness may not require treatment, but cough suppressants and anti-inflammatories can help them feel more comfortable. More severe infections are treated with antibiotics and bronchodilators.
Preventing Kennel Cough The combination vaccination routinely given to all dogs gives partial protection against two of the organisms that cause Kennel Cough, Canine Para influenza Virus and Canine Adenovirus. Dogs at higher risk include show dogs and those that are boarded or groomed professionally. They should be given a comprehensive Kennel Cough vaccine. One dose of vaccine is given initially, and is safe for puppies as young as two weeks old. Re-vaccination is recommended annually, although some boarding facilities require more frequent boosters. Both injectable and intranasal (nose drops) vaccines are available. The intranasal type is more effective, but the injectable type is helpful for dogs that don't tolerate nose drops. The injectable vaccine requires two doses initially. Vaccinated dogs sometimes still get Kennel Cough, but the vaccine reduces its severity.
Dogs with Kennel Cough should be isolated from other dogs since the disease is contagious. Contaminated objects should be disinfected with a dilute bleach solution. It is possible, although uncommon in household situations, for Bordetella bronchiseptica to be passed to cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
Canine Distemper
Canine Distemper is a serious viral disease. Widespread vaccination has reduced its incidence, but dogs that get it often die. Canine distemper can also infect pet ferrets.
How Dogs Get the Virus Susceptible dogs are infected by inhaling the Distemper virus, which is found in secretions and feces from infected dogs. Puppies under six months of age and unvaccinated dogs are most vulnerable.
What the Disease Does Canine Distemper infects the immune cells and spreads throughout the body via the lymph and the blood. The immune system is weakened, making the dog susceptible to other infections. The virus also directly attacks some tissues, particularly the nervous system. Signs of distemper include fever, cough, nasal and eye discharge that is usually thick and green, pneumonia, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, thickening of the toe pads, muscle twitching, seizures and blindness.
How Canine Distemper is Diagnosed Often veterinarians can diagnose Distemper by taking a careful medical history and performing a thorough physical exam. Laboratory tests are available to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for Canine Distemper There is no specific treatment that kills the virus, but sick dogs are hospitalized and treated for secondary infections and to reduce the symptoms. The disease is fatal in approximately 50-90% of cases. Survivors often suffer permanent nervous system damage. Seizures or other nervous system problems may occur even years later.
Preventing Canine Distemper The key to preventing Canine Distemper is a good vaccination program. Puppies should be vaccinated starting at 6-8 weeks of age. Sometimes, young puppies are vaccinated with measles, a related virus that also protects against Distemper. Distemper vaccines are repeated every 3-4 weeks until the puppy is at least 16 weeks old. After that, boosters are given every 1-3 years depending on the type of vaccine. It is especially important for female dogs intended for breeding to be current on vaccinations. This allows them to provide immunity that protects their puppies until they are old enough to receive vaccinations.
Adult dogs that have never been vaccinated before may only need a single vaccination, followed by re-vaccination every 1-3 years. Check with your veterinarian to find out the best vaccination protocol for your dog.
Dogs with distemper should be isolated from other dogs since the disease is contagious.
How Dogs Get the Virus Susceptible dogs are infected by inhaling the Distemper virus, which is found in secretions and feces from infected dogs. Puppies under six months of age and unvaccinated dogs are most vulnerable.
What the Disease Does Canine Distemper infects the immune cells and spreads throughout the body via the lymph and the blood. The immune system is weakened, making the dog susceptible to other infections. The virus also directly attacks some tissues, particularly the nervous system. Signs of distemper include fever, cough, nasal and eye discharge that is usually thick and green, pneumonia, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, thickening of the toe pads, muscle twitching, seizures and blindness.
How Canine Distemper is Diagnosed Often veterinarians can diagnose Distemper by taking a careful medical history and performing a thorough physical exam. Laboratory tests are available to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for Canine Distemper There is no specific treatment that kills the virus, but sick dogs are hospitalized and treated for secondary infections and to reduce the symptoms. The disease is fatal in approximately 50-90% of cases. Survivors often suffer permanent nervous system damage. Seizures or other nervous system problems may occur even years later.
Preventing Canine Distemper The key to preventing Canine Distemper is a good vaccination program. Puppies should be vaccinated starting at 6-8 weeks of age. Sometimes, young puppies are vaccinated with measles, a related virus that also protects against Distemper. Distemper vaccines are repeated every 3-4 weeks until the puppy is at least 16 weeks old. After that, boosters are given every 1-3 years depending on the type of vaccine. It is especially important for female dogs intended for breeding to be current on vaccinations. This allows them to provide immunity that protects their puppies until they are old enough to receive vaccinations.
Adult dogs that have never been vaccinated before may only need a single vaccination, followed by re-vaccination every 1-3 years. Check with your veterinarian to find out the best vaccination protocol for your dog.
Dogs with distemper should be isolated from other dogs since the disease is contagious.
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm Disease is a potentially life-threatening parasitic infection. Found worldwide, it infects wild and domestic dogs, sea lions, ferrets, and cats. In rare cases it can infect other animals and humans.
How Pets Get Heartworms Heartworm Disease is caused by a worm, Dirofilaria immitis, and spread by mosquitoes. When a mosquito feeds on an infected animal, usually a dog, it ingests microscopic larvae in the blood. These microfilaria mature in the mosquito for about two weeks. When the mosquito bites a susceptible animal the infectious larvae are injected into its tissues. They migrate through the animals body, maturing into adult worms over a period of months. The adult worms live in the heart and major blood vessels where they reproduce to create new microfilaria. The time from infection to appearance of microfilaria is about six months.
Dogs are highly susceptible to heartworm infection, while it is much less common in other domestic animals such as cats and ferrets. In the United States, heartworms are found in all 50 states but are most common along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and near the Mississippi River.
What the Disease Does The severity of the disease is related to the number of adult worms present. Adult worms cause inflammation of the blood vessels and the lungs. The disease can progress to heart failure, liver failure, and rupture of major blood vessels. Dogs with heartworms do not always show symptoms, especially in the early stages of the disease or if only a few adult heartworms are present. When symptoms do occur, they include coughing, tiring easily during exercise, difficulty breathing, fluid in the abdomen, fainting, and death.
Symptoms in ferrets resemble those in dogs. Symptoms in cats include coughing, difficulty breathing, vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, and seizures. Cats and ferrets may die without exhibiting any symptoms.
How Heartworm Disease is Diagnosed Adult heartworms can be detected with a simple blood test. Pets that test positive should undergo additional testing to determine the stage of the disease. Recommended procedures include a blood screen for microfilaria and chest x-rays. Prior to initiating treatment, dogs should have a complete blood panel. EKGs, echocardiograms, and angiograms may also be recommended.
How Pets Get Heartworms Heartworm Disease is caused by a worm, Dirofilaria immitis, and spread by mosquitoes. When a mosquito feeds on an infected animal, usually a dog, it ingests microscopic larvae in the blood. These microfilaria mature in the mosquito for about two weeks. When the mosquito bites a susceptible animal the infectious larvae are injected into its tissues. They migrate through the animals body, maturing into adult worms over a period of months. The adult worms live in the heart and major blood vessels where they reproduce to create new microfilaria. The time from infection to appearance of microfilaria is about six months.
Dogs are highly susceptible to heartworm infection, while it is much less common in other domestic animals such as cats and ferrets. In the United States, heartworms are found in all 50 states but are most common along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and near the Mississippi River.
What the Disease Does The severity of the disease is related to the number of adult worms present. Adult worms cause inflammation of the blood vessels and the lungs. The disease can progress to heart failure, liver failure, and rupture of major blood vessels. Dogs with heartworms do not always show symptoms, especially in the early stages of the disease or if only a few adult heartworms are present. When symptoms do occur, they include coughing, tiring easily during exercise, difficulty breathing, fluid in the abdomen, fainting, and death.
Symptoms in ferrets resemble those in dogs. Symptoms in cats include coughing, difficulty breathing, vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, and seizures. Cats and ferrets may die without exhibiting any symptoms.
How Heartworm Disease is Diagnosed Adult heartworms can be detected with a simple blood test. Pets that test positive should undergo additional testing to determine the stage of the disease. Recommended procedures include a blood screen for microfilaria and chest x-rays. Prior to initiating treatment, dogs should have a complete blood panel. EKGs, echocardiograms, and angiograms may also be recommended.
