[mntonv]

I was just at the vet today and they told me to wait until I got to Las Vegas to see what types of vaccines are necessary out there besides the standard distemper and rabies. Here in MN, you can get Lepto and a Lyme vaccine. The vet said that it's possible those may not be recommended out there (Lyme=mosquito, don't think that's a problem!). Also, they weren't sure about taking preventative heartworm meds either (again, mosquito).

Can anyone tell me if any of those listed above are prevalent in Las Vegas? What are the normal vaccines that your pet gets? Anything they might get there that I wouldn't get here in MN?

Thanks!

[unf0rgiven6262]

Lyme disease comes from ticks. Heart worm comes from mosquito's. You don't have to worry about either. Just about all the other diseases can be transmitted from dog to dog to my knowledge.

[mntonv]

Originally Posted by unf0rgiven6262

Lyme disease comes from ticks.

You're right! I knew that. Just typed the wrong thing! Duh! Thanks.

[MomMom]

Originally Posted by mntonv

I was just at the vet today and they told me to wait until I got to Las Vegas to see what types of vaccines are necessary out there besides the standard distemper and rabies. Here in MN, you can get Lepto and a Lyme vaccine. The vet said that it's possible those may not be recommended out there (Lyme=mosquito, don't think that's a problem!). Also, they weren't sure about taking preventative heartworm meds either (again, mosquito).

Can anyone tell me if any of those listed above are prevalent in Las Vegas? What are the normal vaccines that your pet gets? Anything they might get there that I wouldn't get here in MN?

Thanks!

Distemper, lepto and parvo along with rabies are the standard fare. Rabies is required by law. Parvo is very important as that canine disease is very contagious.

Unless traveling with your fur babies to pine country upstate or out of state, heartworm meds, flea meds and lyme disease preventatives are not necessary nor required.

[Buzz123]

Except that lately I've been finding mosquitoes in the house when the back door is left open. Not many, but how many does it take? I'm afraid that with all the foreclosures there are a lot of pools that are breeding mosquitoes. I don't know if all mosquitoes cause heartworms, but I'm starting to worry. At least fleas are still not a problem. Ticks are in them thar hills though, so if you're a hiker you'll want to examine your dogs after a hike in the mountains, especially further up north of Las Vegas.

[Danknee]

Originally Posted by Buzz123

Except that lately I've been finding mosquitoes in the house when the back door is left open. Not many, but how many does it take? I'm afraid that with all the foreclosures there are a lot of pools that are breeding mosquitoes. I don't know if all mosquitoes cause heartworms, but I'm starting to worry. At least fleas are still not a problem. Ticks are in them thar hills though, so if you're a hiker you'll want to examine your dogs after a hike in the mountains, especially further up north of Las Vegas.

My dog is current on heartworm medicine because we lived in Utah and I didn't think about stopping when we came out here.

I'll just play it safe and keep it up, $50 bucks per year for the brand name or $32 for generic from 1-800-Petmeds. This way I can take her hiking or visit Utah without worrying.

[unf0rgiven6262]

Originally Posted by Danknee

My dog is current on heartworm medicine because we lived in Utah and I didn't think about stopping when we came out here.

I'll just play it safe and keep it up, $50 bucks per year for the brand name or $32 for generic from 1-800-Petmeds. This way I can take her hiking or visit Utah without worrying.

You may want to reconsider. The medication itself is actually very hard on their liver and kidneys. Unless needed, it is much healthier for the dog to go without.

[unf0rgiven6262]

Originally Posted by Buzz123

Except that lately I've been finding mosquitoes in the house when the back door is left open. Not many, but how many does it take? I'm afraid that with all the foreclosures there are a lot of pools that are breeding mosquitoes. I don't know if all mosquitoes cause heartworms, but I'm starting to worry. At least fleas are still not a problem. Ticks are in them thar hills though, so if you're a hiker you'll want to examine your dogs after a hike in the mountains, especially further up north of Las Vegas.

I wouldn't be too concerned. The mosquito needs to draw blood from an infected animal. Since there's slim to no infected dogs running around, it's really a non issue. If the mosquito population grew out of control though all it would take is someone transporting in an infected dog from out of state to get bit. With the temps rising towards 100 degrees I think we'll see any stragglers dying off despite sitting water in places.

[Artynonymous]

Actually, Las Vegas/NV laws only require that your dog have rabies. If you board your dogs or enroll them in training classes, then each facility will have their own vaccination requirements.

Lepto is typically transmitted through contact with infected urine (usually of wildlife of some sort, not necessarily other dogs). Google "leptospirosis vaccine protocol" and you'll quickly see the debates re: not only lepto vaccines for dogs, but many other dog vaccinations as well. Lyme's is especially controversial since it's the same vaccination that was removed from the human market.

The latitude of Las Vegas laws allow you to choose for yourself what vaccinations and prevention plans are best for your dog. There is not, however, much latitude about having your dog intact, so you should read up on the specifics of that law if your dog is intact. Good luck.

[WestieJeff]

Most people don't have their dogs on heartworm meds out here, but dogs do get heartworm out here. My wife probably sees one case every month or two, not much, but it does happen. Costs over $1,000 to treat (depending on how quickly it is caught, usually is caught late out here) and is fatal if not treated.

Originally Posted by Danknee

My dog is current on heartworm medicine because we lived in Utah and I didn't think about stopping when we came out here.

I'll just play it safe and keep it up, $50 bucks per year for the brand name or $32 for generic from 1-800-Petmeds. This way I can take her hiking or visit Utah without worrying.