Preventive medicine for your dog and cat

Core vaccines for dogs

Distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus are highly contagious viral diseases among dogs.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is spread directly from urine of affected animals, especially wildlife, and through outdoor sources of water. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, and is increasingly common throughout North America. The Clinique vétérinaire des petits animaux de l’Estrie recommends protection by vaccination against these diseases for all dogs in Quebec.

Rabies is an ever-present danger, spread to our pets by the bite of an infected animal (usually a fox, raccoon, or bat). The Clinique vétérinaire des petits animaux de l’Estrie recommends rabies vaccination for all cats and dogs. Rabies can be transmitted to humans, and is nearly always fatal.

Other vaccines for dogs

Kennel cough is prevalent wherever dogs are found in groups. This includes boarding facilities, dog parks, grooming parlors, and shelters.

Lyme disease is a devastating illness transmitted by deer ticks, and it is increasingly prevalent in Quebec, particularly in the Eastern Townships and Montérégie areas.

Depending on your dog’s environment and lifestyle, the Clinique vétérinaire des petits animaux de l’Estrie may recommend that your dog be vaccinated against these diseases.

Core vaccines for cats

Feline viral rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus cause upper respiratory disease and eye infections in cats and kittens.

Panleukopenia causes severe diarrhea in young cats and kittens and is often fatal. Because these diseases are highly contagious among cats, the Clinique vétérinaire des petits animaux de l’Estrie recommends vaccination for all cats and kittens.

Rabies is an ever-present danger, spread to our pets by the bite of an infected animal (usually a fox, raccoon, or bat).  We recommend rabies vaccination for all cats, even for those who do not go outdoors. Rabies can be spread to humans, and is almost always fatal.

Other vaccines for cats

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) cause devastating diseases that can be transmitted from a mother cat to her kittens, or by contact with infected cats through bite wounds or saliva. They are somewhat similar in the types of symptoms they cause, usually chronic illness and eventual death. At the CVPAE, we strongly recommend vaccination against FeLV for all cats that go outdoors. We no longer endorse vaccination against FIV due to the vaccine’s effects associated with serologic testing.

Intestinal parasites

Intestinal parasites are very common in dogs and cats. Because certain intestinal worms can be a source of contamination for young children, regular deworming should be a part of the preventive health plan for all pets.

Heartworm disease

Heartworm disease is transmitted to dogs, and less commonly cats, by infected mosquitoes.  Heartworm disease does occur in Quebec, therefore regular testing and prevention are recommended.  At the Clinique vétérinaire des petits animaux de l’Estrie, we suggest a monthly treatment that controls intestinal parasites as well as heartworm.

Fleas

Fleas are an ever-present nuisance throughout the world!  Not only do they cause intense discomfort and suffering in our pets, but they are often responsible for allergies and skin infections. Prevention and treatment of fleas are easily accomplished with monthly treatment, particularly throughout the summer and fall.

Tick-borne diseases

Diseases carried by ticks, especially Lyme disease, are rapidly spreading throughout Sherbrooke and the Eastern Townships. If your dog spends time in areas with tall grasses or woods, the CVPAE strongly recommends tick prevention.

Other less common parasites can affect the health and well-being of your animal and if present, can be detected by your veterinarian during a vaccination exam or health consultation.

Nutrition

During consultations, our veterinarians and technicians are very happy to discuss with you the nutritional needs of your pet, at all life stages. Nutritional concerns such as obesity, food allergies, dental disease and optimal growth in large-breed dogs are important subjects that are addressed during vaccination exams and annual health visits.