Q: My cat doesn鈥檛 go outside, does she really need vaccines?
A: This is a question I get frequently and the answer is yes, but not necessarily all three vaccines. Let鈥檚 walk through the three feline vaccines together so that you can better understand what your veterinarian is recommending:
Rabies: The rabies vaccine is the most important vaccine for mammalian pets. Rabies is a lethal, zoonotic disease (meaning it can be passed to multiple species, including humans) and it does not yet have a cure. Rabies is transmitted from the saliva of an infected animal into an open wound (usually a bite or a scratch). Unfortunately, Flagstaff is considered an endemic region for Rabies. The most common vectors in the Northern Arizona region are foxes and skunks. So, you ask, 鈥渨hy does my indoor cat need to be vaccinated for rabies?鈥� That鈥檚 where the other vectors come in. Though not as common in N. AZ, bats can also be a vector for rabies, and there is a potential for a bat to find its way into your home. This is why I recommend that all cats, regardless of their adventuring status, be vaccinated for rabies.
FVRCP: The FVRCP vaccine covers three diseases; feline viral rhinotracheitis (or feline herpes virus), calicivirus and panleukopenia. These diseases are all highly contagious and easily transmissible. Unlike rabies which requires direct contact with a vector, these viruses can be passed from cat to cat on things such as human hands or clothing. For this reason, even if your cat does not go outside, it is highly recommended that they be vaccinated for FVRCP so that you don鈥檛 accidentally get them sick!
FELV: Feline Leukemia Virus is named such because in its end stage, it can lead to lymphoma. It is also highly contagious but does require direct contact with another cat for transmission, including mother to kitten. FELV affects a cat鈥檚 immune system to make them highly susceptible to other (potentially deadly) diseases. While some infected cats can fight this disease, others can have a significantly decreased lifespan. Because close contact with another cat is necessary for transmission, cats that go outside for any period of time should be vaccinated. Even if your cat lives indoors exclusively, it is still recommended that they be tested for FELV when you first adopt them so you know your cat鈥檚 full health status.
In conclusion, it is highly recommended that all cats, whether outside or indoor, be vaccinated for both Rabies and FVRCP. Many clinics in town even require that the rabies vaccine be administered due to the dangerous potential of the rabies virus. The FELV vaccine is optional, but generally recommended for cats that will have direct contact with other felines, especially our outdoor friends. If you are worried about vaccine reactions, there are special non-adjuvanted brands of vaccines designed specifically for your cat鈥檚 safety. Ask your veterinarian about these at your kitty鈥檚 next appointment!
Q: My dog ate a bee. What do I do?
A: Spring has finally arrived in Flagstaff, and with May flowers also come bees and wasps. If your dog is anything like my Tiberius, they may like to chase and try to eat these flying creatures. So, what happens if your dog eats, or is stung by this toy with a stinger?
The most benign reaction to a dog eating a bee is absolutely NOTHING happens. Your dog doesn鈥檛 get stung and the bee becomes a snack. If your dog is stung and has some localized pain, this can be treated like a bee sting in a human: clean the area, apply a cold compress and call your veterinarian if your dog is showing signs of pain.
A more extreme reaction to a bee sting is an allergic reaction. Like humans, dogs can have allergic reactions to any variety of things in any variety of ways. Some dogs are allergic to bees and some are not. Signs of an allergic reaction in a dog are most commonly localized swelling, hives or swelling of the muzzle and face. In more extreme cases, a dog can have difficulty breathing or they can even go into shock. If your dog is stung and you see any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately as an emergency visit may be necessary.
This may all seem scary, but don鈥檛 worry! Most dogs can have interactions with flying insects with absolutely no reactions. Enjoy the springtime with your pooch and relish all the things the warm weather brings!