Tag: vaccines

Do Indoor Cats Need Vaccines? (Yes, and Here’s Why!)

Posted on by Maddie Cushing
An indoor cat needs vaccines even if they spend all of their days lounging on the sofa, like the orange cat in this photo.

Even if your cat spends their days lounging on the sofa, stretching out in a sunspot, or observing the outside world solely through the window near their cat tower, they still need vaccines!

Exposure to dangerous and even deadly diseases can occur in unexpected ways, meaning indoor cats need vaccines just as much as their outdoor counterparts.

Why do Indoor Cats Need Vaccines?

A cat is held up by a veterinary technician during their vaccine appointment.

Vaccines work by introducing a modified, inactive, or tiny amount of a virus or bacteria to the immune system, allowing our bodies to recognize an illness and learn how to fight it off. If a vaccinated cat then encounters that virus or bacteria in the wild, their body knows how to respond so they don’t get sick.

Vaccines are safe, effective, and protect more than just individual pets. The more vaccinated pets there are, the less opportunity there is for disease to spread through animal communities.

Viruses and bacteria are pathogens, which are microorganisms that can cause disease. Pathogens can travel in a multitude of ways, including by sticking to surfaces, clothing, or even skin. Some pathogens can even be airborne. This means that even if your cat is exclusively indoors, they could still be exposed to diseases that hitchhike through open windows, on objects you bring in the house, or even on you!

Indoor cats need vaccines because the unexpected is worth preparing for, especially when it could mean life or death. Vaccines provide both vital protection for your pet and peace of mind for you.

Core Vaccines vs Others

A veterinary technician pulls up a core vaccine for a cat. Indoor cats need vaccines just like outdoor cats as unexpected exposure to disease may occur.

Core vaccines are a category of vaccinations that are strongly recommended or even legally required for our pets. Indoor cats need vaccines from this core category, which include FVRCP and Rabies. Both of these vaccines prevent severe or potentially deadly diseases, which are unfortunately common and difficult or impossible to treat if contracted.

Vaccines outside of the core two may be recommended for cats at higher risk for illness. For example, though FeLV should be administered to all cats under a year old, annual boosters may only be needed for cats at high risk of exposure. A veterinarian may recommend additional vaccinations based on a cat’s health, age, and additional risk factors.

When Should I Vaccinate My Cat?

A cat snuggles up in their tower, watching out the window. One way indoor cats may unexpectedly be exposed to disease is through open or screened windows.

Both outdoor and indoor cats need vaccines throughout their lives to remain healthy. Kittens should be given their initial vaccines starting at 8 weeks of age. These shots continue in a series until the kitten is 16 weeks old. FeLV is considered a core vaccination for cats under 1 year old and should be administered accordingly.

Adult cats need annual or tri-annual boosters to ensure their protection remains in place. Cats at higher risk for disease may need vaccinations more frequently. Alternatively, they may need vaccines outside of the core set to stay healthy and happy.

If you have questions about which vaccines are right for your cat and when they should be given, speak with your veterinarian. They can help you choose the correct plan for your pet’s health.

Need vaccines for your cat? The Humane Society of Utah has two preventative care clinics offering low-cost vaccinations! View pricing, hours, and additional information at UtahHumane.org/Clinic.

Protect Your Dog: The Importance of the Leptospirosis Vaccine

Posted on by Guinn
A dog poses outside near a stream, which is one of the places pets can commonly contract Leptospirosis.

The Humane Society of Utah’s Murray Clinic now offers the Leptospirosis vaccine in accordance with the updated guidelines from the American Animal Hospital Association. This vaccine helps protect dogs from Leptospirosis, a serious, potentially life-threatening, and preventable disease.

What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can affect both animals and humans. It is transmitted through contact with the urine of infected wildlife, typically from contaminated water sources such as puddles, lakes, or rivers. Dogs that spend time outdoors or near wildlife are at risk. 

The infection can cause severe health problems, including kidney and liver failure, and may be life-threatening. Dogs that recover from Leptospirosis can continue to shed the bacteria in their urine, putting other pets and people at risk. If you suspect your dog is ill, please take them to a full-service veterinarian.

Why is Vaccination Important?

Vaccinating your dog against Leptospirosis is the most effective way to prevent the disease. It also helps reduce the risk of transmission in the community. Vaccination protects your dog and those around them from exposure to this potentially harmful disease.

Vaccination Options at the Murray Clinic

The Murray Clinic offers two convenient vaccination options:

  1. DAPP/Leptospirosis Combination Vaccine: This vaccine covers multiple core illnesses, including Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Leptospirosis. The cost is $50, and no appointment is needed. The leptospirosis vaccine requires a booster 3-4 weeks after the first time it is given and then once yearly after that.
  2. Individual Leptospirosis Vaccine: For dogs not due for the DAPP vaccine, the standalone Leptospirosis vaccine is available at a reduced price of $30 per dose (previously $45). No appointment is needed.

Protect Your Pet Today

Leptospirosis is a serious disease, but it’s preventable with proper care. The Murray Clinic offers affordable and accessible vaccination options to help protect your dog.

Visit the clinic today to take advantage of these services. We’re open Monday–Friday:9:00 am–11:45 am / 1:00 pm-5:45 pm Saturday: 9:00 am–11:45 am / 1:00 pm-3:45, and no appointment is necessary. To learn more, visit www.utahhumane.org/clinic-locations/murray-clinic

RHDV-2 & Leptospirosis Vaccines Available

Posted on by Shae

RHDV-2 Vaccine for Rabbits & Leptospirosis Vaccine for Dogs Available

Our affordable pet clinics in Murray, Utah and St. George, Utah are offering Leptospirosis vaccines to the public. Our Murray clinic is also offering RHDV-2 Vaccines to pet rabbits.

Dog kissing a lady

Leptospirosis has been associated with water sports in contaminated lakes and rivers, especially in tropical or temperate climates, so it can be a hazard for those who travel and do a lot of outdoor activities with their dogs.

LEPTOSPIROSIS

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by infection with Leptospira bacteria. Dogs can become infected and develop leptospirosis if they come into contact with infected urine, urine-contaminated soil, water, food or bedding; through a bite from an infected animal; by eating infected tissues or carcasses; and rarely, through breeding. It can also be passed through the placenta from the mother dog to the puppies. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be spread from animals to people. Infection in people can cause flu-like symptoms and can cause liver or kidney disease. Leptospirosis is more common in areas with warm climates and high annual rainfall but it can occur anywhere.

  • The vaccination requires a booster 3-4 weeks later. After the booster is given, the vaccination is effective for one year.
  • Customers do not need to schedule an appointment for vaccinations at our Murray Clinic. Appointments are recommended at our St. George clinic to make sure you have a short wait, but they accept walk-ins.
  • Dogs must be at least 8 weeks old to receive the vaccination.

The Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Vaccine is now available at our Murray, Utah clinic by appointment

rabbit

RHDV-2 in domestic rabbits has recently been documented in Salt Lake and Washington County.

RHDV-2

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease is a highly contagious, fatal disease in rabbits and is currently classified as a reportable, foreign animal disease in the United States. It has been spreading to multiple states across the Southwest since 2020. The vaccine should be fully protective 14 days after the second vaccine booster, which should be given 3 weeks after the first dose.

  • It requires an appointment in the Murray clinic. Customers can call 801-261-2919 ext 230 to schedule and need to make sure to mention upfront that they are scheduling for a rabbit (since we don’t take appointments for other pet vaccinations). Appointments will allow us to provide a lower-stress environment for rabbits.
  • Rabbits must be at least 8 weeks old to receive the vaccination.
  • The vaccination costs $40 and the USDA requires that the bunny is microchipped to receive the vaccine. We can provide the microchip implant for an additional $35. Your rabbit will need a booster (or second dose) three weeks later, which costs an additional $40.

If you have any questions about the preventative health services provided by our Affordable Clinics in Murray or St. George, please visit Clinic Locations to learn more.