Vaccinations

Vaccinations prevent disease by stimulating your Pet's immune system to produce antibodies that protect them from disease causing viruses and bacteria.

Your puppy or kitten gets some antibodies from its mother when it is born. The initial series of vaccinations is given to replace these antibodies with antibodies produced by your pet's own immune system. This is done through a series of vaccinations beginning when your pet is 6-8 weeks old.

Vaccinations are repeated every 3-4 weeks until your pet is 16 weeks old. Each time a vaccination is repeated it reminds the immune system to produce protective antibodies. After the initial series, most vaccinations are repeated annually to continue to remind the immune system to protect your pet.

Adult pets that have not had vaccinations on an annual basis may need two doses of vaccine to rebuild protection. Your pet's age, breed, health and activities are important factors in determining the appropriate vaccination schedule for your pet.

It is important to plan ahead to protect your pet. It takes time for your pets' immune systems to build the number of antibodies that are needed to protect them. Having your pets vaccinated the same day as they are boarded or having surgery leaves them without protection while they are in a situation where they could be exposed to disease. Most vaccines take 10 days to provide protection. An intranasal bordetella vaccination can provide protection within 3 days.

Puppies and Kittens should not be considered "protected" until ten days after the last vaccination in the series has been given. Please keep them away from unvaccinated animals or areas where sick or unvaccinated animals may have been within the last 6 months (some viruses can live outside the body for 6 months).

Dogs
Dogs should have the following vaccinations:

  • DA2LPP or 6 in 1 ( Distemper, Hepatitis, Adenovirus Type 2, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, and Parvo.)
  • Corona
  • Bordetella
  • Rabies
  • Dogs that are exposed to ticks should also be vaccinated for Lyme disease.

Additionally, dogs should be protected from Heartworm, which is a life threatening disease carried by mosquitoes. Your dog is protected by being tested for Heartworm once a year, and taking a Heartworm preventative medication once a month.

Cats
Cats should have the following vaccinations:

  • FVRCP&C or 4 in 1 (Feline viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, and Chlamydia)
  • Feline Leukemia
  • FIP (Feline Infections Peritonitis)
  • Rabies

We also recommend that new cats or kittens be tested for Feline Leukemia and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus). There is no vaccine available for FIV. FIV is normally transmitted by bites, so outdoor cats that fight should be tested annually for this disease.

Vaccinations are an inexpensive and effective way to protect your pet from many potentially debilitating or deadly diseases.