Vaccines and related Pet Supplies

Feline leukemia is a deadly viral infection in cats which results in the mortality of numerous cats every year in the U.S. and the world. The disease itself is most commonly acquired through contact with other cats. Transfer of saliva from an infected cat to a healthy cat is the most common route of viral infection, although lower levels of virus particles are also found in urine and feces. Transmission occurs by licking, biting and sneezing. Food, water dishes, and litter boxes are likely sources of infection when they are shared with an infected cat.

The virus impairs the immune system the cats similar to the AIDS virus in people. Cats lose much of their ability to fight disease-causing bacteria, viruses and fungi. Cats with feline leukemia can exhibit anemia, atrophy of the thymus gland, ulcers of the mouth, skin lesions, reproductive problems such as miscarriages and weak or dying kittens(fading kitten syndrome), chronic digestive and respiratory problems, and others.

Cats can be tested for leukemia using a simple blood test (done by your veterinarian). The most important step in prevention is vaccination. Kittens can be vaccinated starting at 8 to 10 weeks. After the initial vaccinations, boosters are done once yearly.

If your cat becomes infected with leukemia, there are 3 possible outcomes: Approximately 40% develop immunity and become resistant to future infections. About 30% become latent carriers, where they are neither fully recovered nor seriously affected. These carriers can be susceptible to the disease at some future point, and if reactivated, they can pass the virus to their offspring. The remaining 30% are persistently infected and, of these, 83% die within 3 years of the time of infection from leukemia or its associated diseases. Cats can die suddenly or after suffering for prolonged periods.

How to Vaccinate Your Pet

Why you should vaccinate your pet?

It's Much Less Expensive
You can save a lot of money by vaccinating at home.
It's Easy
While you may feel a little nervous the first time, it gets easier every time you do it. Pets, by the way, feel far less pain then we do from shots. Most vaccines are given under the loose skin on the back of the neck, where their mothers picked them up and carried them when they were babies.
It's Guaranteed Fresh
Because we sell so many, we receive fresh vaccines every week. All of our vaccines are shipped to you with ice packs in an insulated carton and in strict accordance with federal regulations. All vaccines are shipped through FedEX, please select the Vaccine Shipping option when checking out.
It's Less Stressful On Your Pet
The comfortable surroundings of your home are the most natural and relaxed place to vaccinate your pet. And it's convenient to you.

How To Vaccinate Your Pet

Tighten the needle on the syringe and insert it into the liquid vial. Withdraw all the liquid.
Inject the liquid into the vial that contains freeze-dried or powdered portion of vaccine.
Remove syringe and shake vial for a few seconds to mix well.
Insert needle and withdraw entire mixed contents. The vaccine is now ready to give to your pet.

Then inject . . . it's easy!

Note: If your pet is sensitive or hard to handle, ask someone to help hold your pet while you give the vaccine.

Most vaccines may be given just beneath the skin. For dogs, the best and least sensitive area is the loose skin on the back of the neck - where their mothers picked them up and carried them when they were young. Simply lift the skin, insert the needle, pull back slightly on the syringe plunger to be sure the needle is not in a blood vessel (if it is, blood will enter the syringe as you pull back the plunger), and then administer the vaccine. This method is called subcutaneous vaccination (under the skin).

In cats, inject most combination vaccines subcutaneously under the loose skin over one of the shoulders. Feline leukemia (FeLV) vaccines are usually given under the skin on the outside of the left rear leg. Rabies vaccine is generally given by your veterinarian into the right rear leg.

Many vaccines may also be given intramuscularly (into the muscle). However, given the choice, the subcutaneous method described above is the easiest and safest way for you to administer vaccines.

Caution: If you choose to vaccinate your own dog or cat, there are a few things you should consider first. Remember, any animal could have an adverse reaction to any vaccine.

Adverse reactions from vaccinations are rare but do happen. The worst case scenario occurs when the dog or cat has what is termed an analphylactic reaction. These hypersensitivity reactions cause a number of physiologic disturbances within the body that result in low blood pressure, slow heart rate and depressed breathing rate.

What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis?

The most common symptoms are the sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, coma, and death. The animal's gums will be very pale, and the limbs will feel cold. The heart rate is generally very fast but the pulse is weak. There is usually no facial swelling.

How is anaphylaxis treated?

Anaphylaxis is an extreme emergency. If you think your cat is having an anaphylactic reaction, seek emergency veterinary assistance immediately. Epinephrine should be given as soon as possible - we are talking within a few minutes. IV fluids, oxygen, and other medications are given as needed. If you vaccinate your own pets, you should have epinephrine available and know how to use it in case a reaction occurs.

If your pet has ever had a reaction to a vaccine, subsequent vaccinations should be given by your veterinarian.

Use Needles & Syringes Only Once With any vaccine or injectable medication, always use a separate sterile needle and syringe for each injection. Safely dispose of all used syringes and needles. top of page

source: our vendor partner: EntirelyPets