Vaccinations

Vaccinations against infectious diseases are an important part of a preventative health
program. Core vaccines are those which should be part of all vaccine protocols, while
elective vaccines are administered according to the pet’s risk of exposure.  

Our hospital recommends the following vaccines:












  • Bordetella: A bacterial respiratory infection often referred to as “kennel cough," this can effect any dog. Dogs who go to
    groomers or who are boarded are at greatest risk, but any dog is susceptible.  We routinely booster yearly, but many boarding
    facilities now require vaccination within six months of a stay, so some dogs get more frequent vaccination.

Non-core:  
  • The following vaccines can be omitted from dogs at low risk, but are highly recommended for the majority of our patients:

  • Leptospirosis: This bacterial infection is carried by raccoons and rodents, and is passed in their urine into puddles or moist
    areas of ground. A dog becomes infected by licking these areas, or themselves if they have become wet.  People can contract
    the bacteria either orally or through cuts in their skin.

  • Lyme disease: Ticks transmit Lyme disease, which affects joints, kidneys, liver and the nervous system, through a bite.  
    Although the Ixodes (deer tick) species carries the organism, it is important to know that these ticks are everywhere, not just
    where there are deer.
Cats:

Core:  
  • FVR-CP: This is a vaccine combining the respiratory viruses Rhinotracheitis and Calici
    and Panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper. These viruses are airborne, like
    the human cold, and can make cats extremely ill.

  • Rabies: This is an always-fatal virus contracted from the saliva of an infected animal.
    The most common carrier in our region is the raccoon, followed by bats and foxes.  
    RABIES EXISTS ON LONG ISLAND and is deadly to humans well as pets.
Non-core:  
  • Feline Leukemia: This virus is contracted mostly through contaminated saliva, although there can be some virus in excretions.  
    Cats that go outside should be vaccinated, but those with no risk of exposure are generally not vaccinated.


Home Again Micro-chipping

Many pets that get lost are never reunited with their owners because of a lack of identification.
A visible ID tag is an important piece of “jewelry” for your pet.  For pets who are found without
obvious ID, an implanted Home Again chip can be the way home.  The chip, the size of a large rice
grain, is injected under the pet’s skin, usually around the neck area.  It contains a bar code like
the price codes on products we buy, and is read by a scanner.  Once your pet is registered
with the company, this unique code links to your contact info, and Home Again puts you in
contact with your pet’s rescuers.  We can implant the chip at any time, although we might
recommend a light sedation for tiny pets due to the size of the needle.  We also carry the chip
that is required for European travel.  
Dogs:

Core:  
  • Rabies: This is an always-fatal virus contracted from the saliva of an
    infected animal. The most common carrier in our region is the raccoon,
    followed by bats and foxes.  RABIES EXISTS ON LONG ISLAND and is
    deadly to humans well as pets.

  • DA2PPV: This is a combination of respiratory (Distemper,
    Parainfluenza), gastrointestinal (Parvovirus) and hepatic (Adenovirus)
    viruses. Currently this practice advocates every-other-year vaccination
    when a blood test shows a protective antibody level, or yearly
    vaccination if no test is done.
West Hempstead Animal Hospital
104 Cherry Valley Avenue
West Hempstead, New York 11552
Phone: 516-483-9720
Hospital Care

West Hempstead Animal Hospital is a full-service medical and surgical hospital.  Our staff prides itself on the
care we give each and every hospitalized patient, and we truly believe that loving, individualized attention can
make a difference in a pet’s recovery.  Most internal medicine, surgical and dental needs can be taken care of
here, but if we feel we cannot provide the level of diagnostic or other care your pet needs, we will refer you to
one of the local board-certified veterinarians who are specialists in their fields, with whom we consult regularly.
"100 cc's of love, STAT!"
**LASER THERAPY NOW AT W.H.A.H.!**
Non-invasive laser therapy helps to improve or eradicate
many chronic conditions, such as:

  • Arthritis
  • Lick sores
  • Infections

It only takes about 5-10 minutes, and is done during a
regular appointment time. Ask us if we can help your pet!

*
We have seen it work wonders*