Because every pet has different risk factors based on their lifestyle, breed, age, medical history, and current health, only your veterinarian can tell you which vaccines are the right choice for your pet and how often your pet should be receiving them.

How do vaccines work?

A vaccine contains dead or weakened microorganisms that cause disease, such as bacteria or viruses. All microorganisms, dead or alive, are covered in molecules known as antigens. When a vaccine is injected into the body, the immune system will detect these unfamiliar antigens, which alerts the immune system to an intruder in the body. In response, certain immune cells will begin to produce proteins called antibodies, which can either destroy the pathogen or “tag” it for destruction by other cells in the immune system.

After the immune system destroys a pathogen once, immune cells known as memory cells become trained to recognize the intruder’s antigens if it ever infects the body again. The next time the body becomes infected by the pathogen, these memory cells will quickly recognize the intruder and launch a faster, stronger antibody response, giving the immune system the upper hand.

This is where the importance of vaccines comes in. When the immune system encounters an intruder like this for the first time, it can sometimes take days for it to generate enough antibodies to completely wipe out the infection. In some cases where the infectious microorganism is at full strength, this response will come too late and the infection will prove fatal. By administering vaccines, the immune system is safely trained to mount a strong, timely response to protect the body from dangerous diseases.

Unfortunately, no vaccine is one-hundred percent effective in preventing disease. Even after vaccination, the possibility of contracting a disease still exists–but the risk is much, much lower than prior to the vaccination. This is especially true when all animals in a community are vaccinated, which creates an effect known as herd immunity. So, even if a vaccine isn’t effective on one dog in the neighborhood, if it protects all the other dogs from infection, the chances for disease transmission are still lowered for the unprotected dog.

What vaccines does my pet need?

Core vaccinations are universally recommended vaccinations for dogs and cats. This includes the rabies vaccination for both dogs and cats, vaccinations against distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus for dogs, and vaccinations against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia for cats.

Non-core vaccinations that protect against diseases like kennel cough, Lyme disease, feline leukemia and others may be recommended by your veterinarian based on your pet’s lifestyle, environment, medical history, and other factors.

Should my indoor pet be vaccinated?

If your pet is an indoor animal, it might seem like there’s no chance of them catching an infectious disease. However, pathogens can be transmitted in many ways other than direct contact with an infected animal. For example, your pet sniffing through a screened window could result in the inhalation of an airborne virus. All sorts of pathogens, from parasitic eggs to viruses, can be brought into the house on shoes, shopping bags, backpacks, toys bought from the store… basically, any contact with the outside world brings with it the risk of disease transmission.

Because of this, veterinarians still recommend all the core vaccinations for your indoor pet. However, some of the non-core vaccinations might be unnecessary depending on your pet’s lifestyle. Your veterinarian can further advise you on what vaccines are right for your pet.

Can vaccines hurt my pet?

There can be side effects to the immune response generated by vaccines. Mild symptoms like soreness at the site of vaccination, lethargy, and loss of appetite are the most common side effects. Typically, these symptoms last only a short time after the vaccination. You should contact your veterinarian if you notice these symptoms persisting for more than a few days.

In rare cases, more serious symptoms can result from an allergic reaction to the vaccine. Signs of an allergic reaction will appear within hours of the vaccination. Symptoms include vomiting, swelling, difficulty breathing, itching across the body, and collapse. If you notice these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Cats have a small chance of developing a cancerous tumor at the site of the vaccination, known as a feline injection-site sarcoma (FISS). These tumors can appear at the site of any injection, not just a vaccine. Some vaccines contain substances known as adjuvants, which are used to stimulate the immune system in specific ways. There is evidence that adjuvants heighten the risk of FISS, so non-adjuvanted vaccines are recommended for cats. Research shows that there is about a 0.005% chance of a cat developing FISS after a vaccination. A small lump under the site of the vaccination is usually a normal sign and disappears within one to two weeks. However, if this lump persists after three weeks or begins to grow in size, schedule a veterinary exam for your cat immediately.

That being said, the risk of developing serious complications due to vaccination is much lower than the risks associated with the diseases that these vaccines protect against. The American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the American Humane Association, and the Humane Society of the United States all strongly suggest that you vaccinate your pets as recommended by your veterinarian.

How often should my pet be vaccinated?

All vaccines come with label recommendations from the pharmaceutical manufacturer on how often they should be administered. They range from yearly for some vaccinations, to every three years for others. This recommendation is based on how long the typical dog or cat will maintain an effective immunity in their body between vaccinations–that is, a level of immunity that will allow the dog or cat to successfully fight off an infection.

In recent years, there has been controversy about “over-vaccination” in pets, which has raised concerns that some veterinarians vaccinate pets when the animal doesn’t really need it. It’s true that some vaccinations are given while pets still have a protective immunity against a disease. Unfortunately, modern veterinary medicine does not yet have the technology to determine when the immunity to a certain pathogen will lapse in an individual dog or cat’s body. Performing a test known as an serologic titer (also called an antibody titer) can tell us the concentration of antibodies in a dog or cat’s blood, but this can only reveal two things: whether the pet has ever been vaccinated (the test will show more than zero antibodies) and whether the pet has been recently infected (the test will show antibodies over a certain threshold). Any quantity in-between only tells us that the animal is not currently sick and it has been vaccinated at some point during its life. Even though we can make some assumptions about what concentration could be protective, the status of the immune system depends on much more than just the number of antibodies present in the bloodstream, so a titer test cannot definitively measure how effective a response to infection would be, and it certainly cannot tell us when a pet will be due for re-vaccination.

Due to ethical and legal reasons, most veterinarians will recommend the suggested vaccine schedule for your pet, even if your pet is perfectly healthy and could still have a protective level of immunity in their body. Veterinarians do not want to gamble with your pet’s health, especially when the risk factors associated with vaccines are so rare compared to the harm that can be caused by diseases like distemper or parvovirus (see “Can vaccines hurt my pet?”).

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Periodontal disease refers to inflammation or infection of the tissue that surrounds the tooth. When plaque hardens into tartar and accumulates around the gum line, it can cause inflammation (known as gingivitis) and recession of the gum line. This allows bacteria to spread into the tooth socket, which can create a painful abscess and even organ failure if the bacteria spreads to the blood stream.

Tooth fractures are a dental issue that primarily affects dogs. Most of these fractures occur when dogs chew on objects that are too hard, such as ice cubes, bones, nylon chew toys, antlers, and horse hooves. If the fracture results in exposure of the tooth’s inner pulp, a root canal or extraction might be necessary. In any case, a fracture should always be examined by a veterinarian to make sure that there’s no direct entry into the tooth, which can cause serious complications like blood infections. To reduce the chance of tooth fractures, make sure that chew toys you give to your dog are somewhat “squishy” and bend when compressed.

Cervical neck lesions occur in cats and result from destruction of the tooth’s enamel that causes holes (or cavities) in affected teeth. The exposed part of the tooth, known as a lesion, can be extremely painful. The only humane treatment option is extraction of the tooth.

Common signs of dental disease include difficulty eating food (e.g., picking up hard food, then spitting it out), decreased interest in food and weight loss, bad breath, drooling and bleeding from the mouth, and pawing at the mouth. Tartar build-up, which leads to periodontal diseases, looks like a brown or tan layer below the gum line, possibly covering the whole tooth in serious cases. Sometimes dental disease in our pets might not have any obvious signs; this is another reason why maintaining regular check-ups with your veterinarian is so important.

Between dental examinations and cleanings at the vet, the best way to prevent dental diseases in your pet’s mouth is through brushing their teeth. Brushing their teeth effectively reduces build-up of plaque and tartar, which lowers the risk of periodontal disease occurring. Never use human toothpaste to brush the teeth of your dog or cat—human toothpaste contains ingredients that can cause internal problems in your pet. Instead, use toothpaste that is formulated for pets, and a toothbrush that is designed for your pet’s mouth.

Do not try to use metal instruments like dental picks to attempt to remove plaque or tartar from your pet’s teeth. This can lead to the creation of microscopic scratches on their teeth that will actually lead to plaque forming more quickly, because it becomes lodged in the scratches.

You can also reduce the incidence of dental problems in your pet by feeding them food that is formulated to help reduce the formation of plaque and tartar on their teeth. Other products that are designed to keep your pet’s teeth healthy also exist, like special chew toys for dogs, antibacterial mouthwashes and gels, and even water additives. Ask your veterinarian for more information about these options if your pet is experiencing frequent dental issues.

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Dangerous Decorations

Tinsel, Garlands and Ribbons

Cats love playing with these shiny, stringy decorations. Both cats and dogs are especially attracted to ones that have food on them, like popcorn garlands. These ornaments can become deadly when ingested, because they can obstruct a pet’s intestines, requiring live-saving surgery to remove. You can prevent this from happening by hanging these decorations out of the reach of your pets, or choosing to use other types of decorations that are less dangerous for your pets. We highly recommend that you avoid hanging up garlands and other decorations with food on them all together, because they are entirely too tempting for your pets to leave alone.

Candles 

Many holiday traditions use candles in their celebrations—for example, you can find candles in the menorah used during Hanukkah and the kinara used during Kwanzaa. If you find yourself lighting candles during the holidays, make sure that you do not leave open flames unattended and be mindful to place them out of the reach of curious cats and dogs. Not only can knocking over candles cause serious burns to your pet, but they could also start a destructive house fire.

Ornaments and Displays

Whether they’re bulbs hanging from a tree, or ceramic displays sitting on your counter, these decorations can shatter and cause serious health complications for your pets. Not only can pets accidentally cut themselves on broken glass, plastic, and ceramic decorations, but they can also consume them, causing dangerous conditions like choking, intestinal obstructions, and even internal bleeding. Again, be aware of these concerns when you decorate your home and try to keep decorations out of reach from playful paws. Make sure to secure your decorations as well, so they don’t accidentally fall and create a safety hazard for your pets.

Lights

If you use lights in your holiday displays, such as those on a Christmas tree, there are several risks that you should be aware of. First of all, lights that stay on for long periods of time can heat up to dangerous temperatures, which can burn your pets on contact. Some pets might also be tempted to chew through the cord connecting your lights, which can cause electric shock. The light bulbs can pose a risk if they shatter or are chewed. Avoid hanging lights in the reach of your pets—for example, do not hang them on the lower branches of a Christmas tree, but start higher up. You also may wish to invest in chew-proof extension cords or a bitter spray like Chew Stop that will ward off curious mouths.

Costumes

Dressing up your dog as a reindeer or putting them in a little Santa outfit is incredibly cute–we’re not going to argue with that! But some outfits can pose a health hazard to your pets, even if they’re marketed as being pet-safe. When buying seasonal outfits for your pet, make sure that they are not too tight around the chest or neck, that your pet can comfortably breathe in them, that they can easily be released or torn case they become caught on something (like break-away collars), and that they don’t have small parts like buttons or ribbons that your pet and tear off and eat.

Unsafe Foods

Chocolate

This sweet treat is highly toxic to both dogs and cats because of a substance found in the cocoa (or cacao) bean, which chocolate is made from. Avoid leaving chocolate in the reach of your pets. Even if the chocolate is still in its wrapper, with their sensitive noses, cats and dogs will be tempted by the smell. If your pet ingests chocolate, seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible. Symptoms include restlessness, vomiting, elevated heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, and collapse.

Poultry bones

Chicken and turkey bones are hollow and splinter easily. This means they can get lodged in a pet’s gastro-intestinal tract and even cause tearing throughout the stomach and intestines. Because of this, we emphasize that you should not give your pet poultry bones under any circumstances. Rawhides and other bones sold at the pet store are a safe alternative if you want to give your dog a special treat over the holidays.

Fatty foods and seasoning

Fatty foods like gravy and turkey skins can cause stomach irritation and diarrhea when eaten by cats and dogs. In some cases, this can escalate to a condition known as pancreatitis, which requires hospitalization. Seasoned foods can also irritate your pet’s stomach. Because of this, we suggest that you avoid feeding your pets table scraps all together.

Alcohol

Do not give your pets alcohol. According to the ASPCA, “Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death.”

Dough

Any type of dough containing yeast is unsafe for animals, because the dough can rise and release gas when eaten. This can result in their stomachs or intestines rupturing–a life-threatening condition. Do not feed these to your pets under any circumstances.

Grapes, raisins, and macadamia nuts

These treats are healthy for humans, but quite dangerous for animals. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in pets, while macadamia nuts damage the nervous system and muscles. Keep any cornucopia or fruit and nut bowls out of reach from your pets to avoid any accidental ingestion.

Sweets

There is an artificial sweetener known as xylitol that you can find in breath mints, candies, and gum. Xylitol is highly toxic for dogs and can cause death in as little as thirty minutes when eaten. Because of this, you should take precautions to place any candy dishes or candy canes out of the reach of your canine companions. If you think your pet has consumed xylitol, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Symptoms include weakness, lethargy, collapse, vomiting, tremors, seizures, and coma.

Perilous Plants

Holly

When ingested, the toxic red berries and spiny leaves on this seasonal plant cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and lethargy in both dogs and cats. If you think your pet has eaten holly, contact your veterinarian for treatment recommendations.

Mistletoe

Toxicity from this plant can range from mild to severe depending on the amount that has been consumed. Both dogs and cats will suffer from stomach irritation in small amounts and abnormal heart rate, seizures, collapse, and even death when large amounts have been eaten. If your pet has eaten mistletoe, contact your veterinarian immediately for a consultation. They will let you know what actions you should take depending on the symptoms.

Poinsettia

This plant is mildly toxic to dogs and cats. It can cause vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea when eaten, and skin irritation if your pet is exposed to the sap. Generally, exposure to the poinsettia plant does not require immediate medical attention. That being said, it’s still not a pleasant experience for your pets, so you should keep these plants out of the reach of curious snouts.

Christmas trees

Pine needles are not poisonous, but they can puncture your pet’s gastro-intestinal tract. Make sure that you tidy up any pine needles that might fall around your Christmas tree to avoid an emergency trip to the veterinarian. You should also be aware that Christmas tree water is toxic for pets. Not only does it contain poisonous fertilizers, but it’s also a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria that can cause your pet to become seriously ill. Try to block access to the water at the base of your tree by covering it with some sort of barrier, like a tarp.

Lilies

These plants are highly toxic to cats. Even eating one or two petals can be potentially fatal for cats, because it can cause severe kidney failure. If you think your cat has ingested a piece of a lily plant, immediately rush your cat to a veterinarian for emergency medical care.

Amaryllis

This lovely red flowering plant is moderately toxic for dogs and cats. It can cause drooling, vomiting, low blood pressure, and respiratory distress if the flowers, stems, or bulbs are eaten. If you think your pet has consumed amaryllis, contact your veterinarian for a treatment recommendation.

Daffodils

Ingestion of the bulb, stems, leaves, or flowers of the daffodil can cause mild to moderate symptoms in both dogs and cats. Symptoms include vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, cardiac arrhythmias, and respiratory depression. If you suspect your pet has eaten any part of a daffodil, contact your veterinarian for a treatment recommendation.

Alarming Noises

The last aspect of holiday safety that we’re going to touch upon concerns loud noises. Fireworks, party poppers, music, and even crowds of people can cause a great deal of stress for some animals. Your pet cannot control their reaction to these loud noises, but there are some precautions you can take to reduce their stress and improve their comfort during the holidays.

If you plan on hosting a holiday party, set aside a room for your pet that guests will not intrude upon. Furnish this quiet, familiar place with a blanket, bed, or crate and a bowl of water for their comfort. Consider leaving on a fan or recording of white noise to block startling sounds. Designing a comfort-zone like this is also an excellent precaution to take for pets that are scared of fireworks and party poppers.

If you expect fireworks or party poppers to make an appearance during your celebrations, make sure your pet is safely inside your home. Not only can the noise from these items damage your pet’s sensitive hearing, but they can also cause your pet to flee from terror—in fact, shelters experience an influx of lost pets every year around New Years and the Fourth of July because of this.

Consider taking your pet out for a long walk or giving them a vigorous play session to tire them out before the festivities begin. If you pet is tired, they will also be less anxious. Never give your pets sleeping aids or sedatives to calm them down, unless they have been directly prescribed by your veterinarian for that purpose.

Remember that you should never punish your animals for being stressed out—they can’t help it, and it will only make their fear worse for next time. Instead, comfort your animals when they are stressed. Pet them, speak softly to them, and provide them with treats if they have an appetite. This will teach them that there’s nothing to fear about parties or fireworks, and greatly reduce their anxiety.

We hope this guide has given you some useful strategies to protect your pets during this festive season. Happy Holidays!

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What is FAD?

As in any allergic reaction, the immune system is overreactive and produces antibodies to a substance that it would normally tolerate (in this case, the saliva of fleas). Adult fleas require a blood meal in order to reproduce. However, they do not usually remain on the dog except when they are feeding. When they feed, they inject a small amount of saliva into the skin. Proteins in the saliva cause an intensely itchy response to sensitive dogs.

“A single fleabite can cause itching for days.”

Dogs with FAD do not have to be infested with fleas to be itchy. In fact, a single fleabite can cause itching for days.

Are only certain dogs allergic to fleas?

FAD can affect any adult dog although some breeds appear to be more prone than others are.

How is flea allergy dermatitis diagnosed?

Clinical signs often give the first clue that your pet may suffer from FAD. Itching and hair loss in the region from the middle of the back to the tail base and down the rear legs (the “flea triangle”) is often associated with FAD. Intradermal allergy tests (skin tests) or specialized blood tests (IgE blood tests) can confirm a flea allergy in your dog.

What does treatment involve?

Since the injection of flea saliva causes the allergic response, it is important to prevent fleas from biting your dog. Strict flea control is essential. Even if you have not seen fleas on your dog, it is important that you continue rigorous flea treatment and maintain environmental control. Outdoor dogs pose a particular challenge.

What about desensitization?

Desensitization or administering “allergy injections” involves injecting increasing doses of a diluted flea antigen over a prolonged period. In some cases, these allergy injections may be required for the pet’s life. Desensitization therapy is successful in approximately half of FAD cases.

What about steroids or other drugs?

Corticosteroids, “cortisone” or “steroids” are widely used to treat FAD. They often bring about miraculous relief from the itching. However, there are significant potential side effects to steroid use. The long-term use of corticosteroids can ultimately result in more harm than good. Steroids can be safely used for short-term relief while flea control is being implemented. Combining corticosteroids with antihistamines and/or Omega fatty acid supplements is an ideal regimen for many patients. The goal is to use the lowest dosage of corticosteroids as possible, as infrequently as possible, preferably on an alternating-day basis. If your dog has developed a secondary bacterial skin infection because of the scratching, antibiotics may also be necessary.

We will be happy to discuss the pros and cons of the various treatments for FAD with you during your pet’s examination, and will recommend the safest and most effective treatment plan for your pet’s individual needs.

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