Why we vaccinate?

* To protect against and to avoid diseases

* To promote the best health of the patient

How often do we vaccinate?

Puppies receive  DA₂PPL every  2-3 weeks until they are 4 months old. 

Kittens receive FVRCP and FELV twice, 2-3 weeks apart. 

Puppies and Kittens receive their Rabies at 3 months of age. 

Dogs receive Lyme Vaccine, which is given twice, 2-3 weeks apart. 

AFTER INITIAL VACCINES AND BOOSTERS.

Dogs receive Lyme, Bordetella, DA₂PPL once a year

Cats receive FVRCP, FELV, and feline Rabies once a year.

Dogs who receive their Rabies, then get their 1-year booster before their previous one expires will receive a 3 year Rabies.

Optional Vaccines & When they are Needed

Feline Leukemia - Is needed for Outdoor cats but is optional for Indoor only cats.

Bordetella ( Kennel Cough) - This is needed for dogs that are going to a Boarding Facility, Groomers or Obedience class, or any place that they will be around other dogs.

Lyme Vaccine - If dogs are around areas with a lot of ticks, (woods, high grasses, camping, hiking)  this vaccine is needed.

Dog Vaccines

D     Canine Distemper- Affects the respiratory and nervous system and is often  fatal. Start vaccines early to avoid this disease as it usually starts in puppies.

A    Canine Adenovirus Type 1 & Type 2- Type 1 infection causes hepatitis  which may lead to severe kidney damage. Type 2 can be a complicating factor in kennel cough.

P     Canine Parvovirus- This contagious viral disease usually causes severe diarrhea and vomiting in dogs of all ages but is especially deadly in puppies.

P     Canine Parainfluenza- A viral respiratory disease often partially responsible for "Kennel Cough".  Infection can be severe in young puppies.  Parainfluenza protection is often included in distemper-parvo vaccines.

L      Canine Leptospirosis- Bacterial disease carried by many wild animals.  A dog can contract the disease from infected animals or by drinking contaminated water.

Canine Bordetella- Frequently involved in kennel cough complex, this bacterial infection may occur simultaneously with distemper, adenovirus type 2 infection, parainfluenza and other respiratory infections.

Canine Borreliosis( Lyme Disease) - A bacterial infection spread primarily by the bite of an infected tick.  Symptoms in the dog include fever, lethargy, muscle stiffness, arthritic joint pain, depression, and lack of appetite.  In  more severe cases, lameness can occur.

Rabies- A virus that attacks the brain and is fatal.  Exposure to rabies is caused by bites from wild animals.  The disease can be transmitted to humans through the bite or scratch of an infected pet.

Cat Vaccines

FVR   Feline Rhinotracheitis - Widespread respiratory disease caused by a virus.  It is most severe in small kittens and can cause profuse discharge from the eyes and nose.

C         Feline Calicivirus- Calicivirus infection causes a variety of symptoms including fever, excess salivation and mouth or tounge ulcers.  It is usually less fatal than rhinotracheitis or panleukopenia.

P         Feline Panleukopenia- The disease is caused by a virus and is highly contagious.  It causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.  It is the most widespread disease of cats and causes high death loss especially among kittens.

FELV Feline Leukemia- A form of cancer found in cats that can be fatal.  Caused by a virus and an lead to tumor growth nearly anywhere in the body as well as a variety of other symptoms.  Infected cats are unable to resist other diseases and may die from associated infections.  Testing for the disease is recommended prior to initiating a vaccination program.