In this article, we’ve outlined the vaccines recommended and required for cats and dogs in our country, particularly focusing on the diseases and symptoms they protect against. While some vaccines are essential, others are administered based on the epidemiological presence of diseases in specific regions, particularly for animals living in or traveling to those areas.
Having a healthy pet doesn’t mean that vaccination isn’t necessary. Various factors can weaken the immune system, making them more susceptible to illness. Moreover, we wouldn’t want our pets to contract a disease that could have been prevented by vaccination.
Vaccines protect our pets from the diseases discussed below, allowing us to confidently let them socialize with other animals. We recommend adhering to the vaccination schedule you’ve set with your veterinarian to ensure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date.
Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is caused by the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) and is transmitted through nasal discharge, eye discharge, and saliva. Puppies between 4-6 months old are particularly susceptible. The initial symptoms are non-specific, making it difficult to diagnose the disease early. Symptoms may include vomiting, bloody and foul-smelling diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, and fever. Neurological symptoms are also common, such as:
– Muscle tremors,
– Increased salivation and chewing motions,
– Circling, head shaking,
– Involuntary eye movements.
Due to the severe nature of the disease, vaccination is strongly recommended.
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough, a disease that causes inflammation in the trachea and bronchi, is highly contagious in places where dogs are in close proximity, such as animal hospitals and shelters—hence the name “kennel cough.”
If the disease progresses, it can lead to pneumonia in puppies and chronic inflammation in weakened older dogs. Affected animals may cough easily when the throat area is examined, develop a fever, and have nasal discharge.
Various bacteria and viruses, either alone or in combination, can cause the disease. These pathogens can cause secondary infections alongside a primary virus that damages the respiratory system. Bordetella bronchiseptica is typically the primary pathogen, but Canine Parainfluenza Virus (CPiV), Canine Adenovirus-2 (CAV-2), and Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) are also major contributors to the disease.
The contagious nature of kennel cough and its potential to affect any dog underscores the importance of vaccination against these potential pathogens. Combination vaccines that protect against these agents are common, and vaccinations are recommended during puppyhood with annual boosters after 6-12 months.
Rabies is a fatal disease that affects all warm-blooded animals, including humans, by attacking the brain. Vaccination against rabies is mandatory, and the disease is still present in our country. Given the severity of rabies, it is essential to be aware of its stages of development and importance. We highly recommend watching our YouTube video, where you can find more detailed information.
Parvovirus
Parvoviruses are species-specific viruses that cause various diseases. Canine Parvovirus (CPV-2) primarily affects the intestinal cells, leading to bloody or mucus-laden diarrhea. Symptoms include dehydration due to diarrhea and vomiting, abdominal pain, weight loss, fever, and depression. Diarrhea is the most common symptom, especially in puppies up to six months old.
The virus spreads through direct contact with the saliva and feces of infected animals or indirectly through contaminated objects. The transmission rate is quite high.
In cats, the Feline Parvovirus (FPV) causes Feline Panleukopenia, also known as Feline Distemper. The disease is named for its hallmark clinical sign, *panleukopenia*, a significant drop in the white blood cells that protect the body. With a high transmission and mortality rate, the first symptoms often include anorexia, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Cats up to one year old are considered at high risk.
Both diseases share similar characteristics. The acute form is the most common in both species and can be fatal. Canine parvovirus may cause cardiac issues in dogs, while feline parvovirus can lead to neurological disorders in cats.
This virus can cause severe symptoms, and even after recovery, animals may continue to suffer from weakness and depression. Additionally, by bringing contaminated objects home, you risk becoming a carrier of the disease.
Canine Infectious Hepatitis
Canine infectious hepatitis, caused by Canine Adenovirus-1 (CAV-1), usually affects puppies up to one year old. It leads to the death of liver cells, coagulation problems, and kidney inflammation. Although CAV-1 and CAV-2, both from the Adenovirus family, affect different areas, a single vaccine provides protection against both. As a result, the prevalence of this disease has significantly decreased since the vaccine became widespread.
Feline Calicivirus (FCV) and Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1)
These viruses cause respiratory infections in cats. Both are highly contagious and can cause serious lesions. Feline Calicivirus affects the tongue, mouth, and hard palate, and can spread to the lungs. Feline Herpesvirus impacts the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, pharynx, and eyes. Vaccines for both viruses are often combined.
Leptospirosis in Dogs
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by bacteria from the *Leptospira* group. The disease starts with high fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, and redness of the eyes. Symptoms of the most common form include bloody urine and feces. As it primarily affects the kidneys, even if the animal recovers, it may develop chronic kidney failure. Care should be taken to avoid urine contamination as it can transmit the disease to humans. Vaccination is recommended for puppies over eight weeks old.
If you have multiple pets, it’s essential to prevent contact after a diagnosis to avoid spreading the disease. If you’ve adopted an unvaccinated pet, keep it separate from your vaccinated pets until its vaccinations are complete to protect all your animals.
This blog post has been verified by Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Yunus Emre AŞICI.
SOURCES
A. Levent KOCABIYIK (2003). “Köpeklerde Leptospirozisin Epidemiyolojik Değişimi.” Etlik Veteriner Mikrobiyoloji Dergisi Cilt 14 S: 1-2 Son Erişim Tarihi: 25.11.2023
Bianca Stuetzer, Katrin Hartmann (2014). “Feline parvovirus infection and associated diseases.” The Veterinary Journal, Volume 201, Issue 2
S: 150-155 Son Erişim Tarihi: 25.11.2023
Goddard, Amelia, ve Andrew L. Leisewitz (2010). “Canine parvovirus.” Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice S: 1041-1053 Son Erişim Tarihi: 25.11.2023
MSD Manual. “Canine Distemper”. Erişim: 17.11.2023
MSD Manual. “Infectious Canine Hepatitis.” Erişim: 17.11.2023
MSD Manual. “Kennel Cough”. Erişim: 17.11.2023
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