What are the most common diseases prevented by vaccinations?
RABIES (DOGS AND CATS) All warm-blooded animals, including humans, can become infected with the rabies virus. The virus attacks the nervous system and causes either “dumb” Rabies, where the animal drools excessively or avoid physical contact, or “furious” Rabies, where the animal becomes unnaturally aggressive. Most Rabies exists in wild animals, especially raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats. Dogs and cats acquire the disease from saliva in the bite of an infected animal. There is no cure for Rabies and no test for it that can be performed on a live animal. Proper vaccination is your pets’ only protection. Laws in Florida require vaccination of both dogs and cats for Rabies beginning after about four months of age. A booster is given one year after the first vaccination, and every three years thereafter. DISTEMPER (DOGS) This is one of the most important diseases affecting dogs. It is very widespread and up to 75% of unvaccinated dogs can develop the disease, especially puppies. The mos
