Vaccinations are important preventive care measures for the health and well-being of your pets. Vaccines help protect pets from potentially life threatening infectious diseases such as Distemper, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis and Rabies in dogs; and Panleukopenia, Feline Leukemia Virus (FLV) and Rabies in cats. Vaccines also help prevent people from contracting zoonotic (animal to human) diseases such as Rabies and Leptospirosis.

Vaccines protect pets by exposing their immune system to inactive or parts of a bacteria or virus. Our veterinarians will help you decide which vaccines are appropriate based on your pet's lifestyle and risk factors. Proper vaccine administration at the correct age and time interval is vital for disease protection. Just like young children, vaccination is especially important in puppies and kittens that have immature immune systems. Vaccination typically begins at 6-8 weeks of age and the is completed around 16-18 weeks of age.

 

Vaccinations are divided into two categories: core and non-core (AKA "lifestyle"). Core vaccines are recommended for all cats and dogs, regardless of their lifestyle or risk level. Core vaccines protect against highly contagious and pathogenic diseases. Both dogs and cats should be vaccinated for Rabies Virus between 12 to 16 weeks of age and every year to 3 years depending on the manufacturer's guidelines and the veterinarian's recommendations.

Vaccination appointments begin with a veterinary examination and discussion to ensure your pet is healthy enough for the vaccines. We will keep you informed about when your pets are due for vaccinations.

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You can view your pet's vaccination history and details about upcoming and past appointments through the Pet Portal. Click the link below for more information.

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Canine Vaccines

 

For dogs, core vaccinations include Canine Distemper Virus, Parvovirus, Adenovirus-2, and Parainfluenza Virus. These are often included in one vaccine referred to as the "combo vaccine" or "Distemper-Parvo vaccine". Puppies should receive these vaccines beginning at 6-8 weeks of age and receive boosters every 3 weeks until at least 16 weeks of age. The vaccine should continue to be given every 1-3 years depending on manufacturer's guidelines 

and the veterinarian's recommendations.

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Canine non-core (AKA "lifestyle") vaccines are recommended based on factors such as geography, risk of exposure, lifestyle, and incidence of disease. Examples of canine non-core vaccines include Bordetella bronchiseptica and Parainfluenza Virus (AKA Kennel Cough), Canine Influenza Virus, and Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease).

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Feline Vaccines

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For cats, core vaccinations include Feline Herpesvirus type 1, Feline Calicivirus, and Feline Panleukopenia Virus. Kittens should receive these vaccines beginning at 6-8 weeks of age and receive boosters every 3 weeks until at least 16 weeks of age. The vaccine should continue to be given every 1-3 years depending on manufacturer's guidelines and the veterinarian's recommendations.

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Feline Leukemia (FeLV) is the non-core (AKA "lifestyle") vaccine for cats. This vaccine is recommended only in cats at risk of exposure (outdoors or FeLV positive cat in household).

 

You can view your pet's vaccine history and details about upcoming and past appointments through the Pet Portal.  Click the link below for more information.

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