Vaccination isn’t a shot in the dark

It’s that time of year again when flu shots are important to get. I just got mine at Safeway and received a 10 percent discount coupon to boot. Pretty cool! Speaking of vaccines, I was recently informed that many of the cats in our area haven’t been vaccinated. The result is they sometimes die a rather ugly death.

There are two general types of vaccines: those that target core diseases and those that target non-core diseases. Core diseases are more contagious and severe. These diseases are commonly fatal or extremely difficult to treat. Non-core vaccines should be given only after the risk of exposure. Core vaccines provide long-term immunity, making most yearly vaccination unnecessary.

For cats the suggested core vaccines are feline panleukopenia (distemper), feline viral rhinotrachecitis, feline calicivirus and rabies. The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends vaccinating cats every three years. Non-core vaccines include feline leukemia, feline infectious peritonitis, bordetella and Chlamydophila.

The core vaccines for dogs include canine distemper, canine parvovirus, canine adenovirus1 infection and rabies. Non-core vaccines my include leptospirosis, Lyme disease, canine cough complex and canine influenza.

One disease that can be shared by humans and animals is rabies. Rabies is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be transmitted to humans from animals with potentially fatal results. After seeing the movie “Old Yeller” which broke my heart, I realized how important it is vaccinate animals to help ensure their health.

I know vaccines are expensive, but how can you not get your BBF (best furry friend) vaccinated? Vaccinating your BFF really isn’t a shot in the dark but a shot in the arm or rump.

IN NEED OF

Dog walkers, we desperately need volunteers to walk and socialize our dogs. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

Aluminum cans; if you have cans to pick up, give us a call (775-423-7500), and we will come get them.

SHOUT OUT TO

The Bailey family who are the owners of Flower Tree Nursery. We thank you for your support year after year. You are an asset to our community. A Four Paws Salute to you!

Hoof Beats for supplying us with hog wire. You got us hog tied!

Omaha Track Company for the railroad ties. Our tails are wagging for you!

COME SEE US

CAPS will be at Walmart on Oct. 20, with the Kissin’ Booth and a puckered-up pooch. Come by to get your pooch smooch. We have colorful caps and shirts, so be sure to check out the merchandise after you have loved on our pup.

DON’T FORGET

September: Deaf Pet Awareness Week.

SNAPS is a program offered to Churchill County residents through CAPS that provides low-cost spay/neutering for cats and dogs. To qualify for SNAPS, you need to have one of the following: Medicaid, a child enrolled in NV Check Up Program, food stamps, 2017 tax return stating income is less than $30,000 or veterans disability card including a photo ID. Also required are a Churchill County ID and a co-pay. For information, call CAPS at 423-7500.

Flower Tree Nursery will again be raffling a 20-gallon blue spruce on Dec. 15, and the winner doesn’t have to be present to win. The raffle tickets are available at Flower Tree, and they are $1 for one ticket and $5 for six tickets.

CONTACT CAPS

CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are really likeable.

CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Do you have questions, comments or a great story? Contact me, jkwmil@outlook.com.

Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer.