Veterinary Visits - Pets Need It Every Year Just Like You!
Your pets need to see the doctor every year just like you! Any good wellness plan requires an annual visit to the vet.
The medication, vaccinations, physical examination your pet will receive at MRAC are the first (and very important) step in keeping your pet happy and healthy.
You should always feel free to call us to ask any questions you have about medication and vaccinations for your furry friends - we love to help you!
DOGS
Rabies
Rabies is fatal and Texas law requires vaccination. It is a viral disease of the brain and central nervous system transmitted by direct contact with saliva (often from a bite wound). The rabies vaccine is administered first when a puppy is 12 weeks old, repeated at 1 year and then every 3 years thereafter.
Distemper/Parvovirus (DA2PP)
Distemper is often fatal and there is no cure. Symptoms: upper respiratory issues progressing to gastrointestinal problems and culminating in neurological signs. It is transmitted through contact with other sick animals, shared food and water and spreads through the air and bodily fluids.
Parvovirus is often fatal. Symptoms: severe bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and loss of appetite. It is transmitted through contact with other sick animals.
The good news: The DA2PP vaccination will prevent diseases. It is given in a series of puppy boosters, then annually after the series is completed.
Leptospirosis
We have noticed an uptick in leptospirosis in North Dallas recently and strongly recommend that your dog be vaccinated for this almost always fatal disease. This bacterial disease dwells in many wild animals such as squirrels and mice and opossums that inhabit our yards and parks. Humans can contract leptospirosis.
Symptoms: vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, jaundice, urinary tract problems progressing to kidney or liver failure.
Transmitted through contact with the urine of an infected animal or even wet grass, soil, or standing water that has been contaminated with the urine of an infected animal.
The leptospirosis vaccine is administered initially in a series of two shots and then administered annually.
Bordetella
You may have heard this referred to as kennel cough. It is a highly contagious bacterial infection. Symptoms: dry cough and sore throat. Transmitted through air and contact. The vaccine may be given annually or as a booster every 6 months.
Heartworm Test and Prevention
Heartworm disease is very dangerous, but can be prevented easily with heartworm preventative. Heartworms are contracted through mosquito bites and live in the hearts and lungs, causing lung and/or heart failure. Your dog should be tested annually for heartworm whether or not he is on medication for heartworm prevention. You administer heartworm medication orally on a monthly basis at home.
The FDA has recently approved ProHeart12, a more convenient, less expensive form of heartworm prevention administered in the office through a once a year injection. You won’t have to remember to give your pet heartworm medication each month or worry about him throwing up a pill and having to re-dose. We are very pleased to offer this annual injection.
Intestinal Parasite/Fecal Testing
It's best that your dog has an annual check-up for intestinal parasites.
Deworming for intestinal parasites
You may want to let your dog have an annual deworming with medication in order to prevent common parasites.
CATS
Rabies
Rabies is fatal and Texas law requires vaccination. It is a viral disease of the brain and central nervous system transmitted by direct contact with saliva (often from a bite wound). The rabies vaccine is given when the cat is 12 weeks old and then once a year thereafter.
FVRCP Feline Distemper
Feline distemper is a contagious respiratory disease. Symptoms: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, sneezing, and loss of appetite. The vaccination is given in a series of boosters and then annually thereafter.
FeLV (Feline Leukemia)
Feline leukemia is contagious and transmitted through contact with infected cats. The vaccination is given once a year.
Deworming for Intestinal Parasites
Your cat can have an annual deworming with medication in order to prevent common parasites.