Pet Vaccinations
Why should I vaccinate my pet ?
Vaccines are preventive medications that protect your pet from contagious and possibly fatal diseases. To keep your pet healthy, it is important to vaccinate your pet and record all immunizations.
How do I know what vaccinations my pet needs ?
There are two types of vaccinations core and non - core. Core vaccinations are universally recommended by veterinarians. These immunizations protect your pets from diseases that can be fatal when contracted. The core vaccinations help your pet develop immunities to these serious illnesses :
- Core vaccines for puppies and dogs include Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, and Adenovirus (canine hepatitis).
- Core vaccinations for kittens and cats include Rabies, Feline Distemper, Feline Herpesvirus and Calicivirus.
- Contact us with any questions you have about vaccinations and to schedule the necessary core vaccinations that your pet requires.
- Non-core vaccinations are additional immunizations recommended for pets living in specific geographical areas or situations.
- Non-core vaccinations for puppies and dogs include Bordetella or kennel cough, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis, and Canine influenza.
- Non-core vaccinations for kittens and cats include Feline Leukemia, and Bordetella.
- Contact us for advice on additional non-core vaccinations that your kitten or cat might need.
When should I vaccinate my pet ?
Puppies and kittens can begin their core vaccinations at six weeks.
Older animals, who have not been vaccinated, should start their initial vaccinations as soon as possible. Your veterinarian can answer any questions you have about the vaccinations your older pet needs and schedule the necessary core vaccinations.
The detailed schedule of Core Vaccinations is listed below. As you can see, the schedule is quite complicated. Contact us and we can help you determine an appropriate and efficient appointment schedule for your pet.
How long does a vaccination last ?
Many vaccinations require a series of inoculations. Most vaccinations also require periodic boosters to keep their protection viable.We can help you keep track of the vaccinations your pet has received and remind you what vaccinations they need.
Basic Guideline for Vaccinations :
Puppies
Core Vaccinations for Puppies under 16 weeks of age :
- Rabies : Puppies can receive their Rabies vaccinations at 3 months of age.
- The Rabies 1-year and 3-year vaccines are given as a single dose.
- A Rabies booster is then required every year.
- Distempe : Puppies should be given 3 doses of Distemper vaccine when then are between 6 and 16 weeks of age.
- After completing the series, puppies should be given a booster shot at one- year of age.
- A Distemper booster should then be given every 3 years.
- Parvovirus : Puppies should be given 3 doses of the Parvovirus vaccine when they are between 6 and 16 weeks of age.
- After completing the vaccine series, puppies should be given a booster shot at one-year of age.
- A Parvovirus booster should then be given every 3 years.
- Adenovirus (canine hepatitis) : Puppies should be given 3 doses of the Adenovirus (canine hepatitis) vaccine when they are between 6 and 16 weeks of age.
- After completing the vaccine series, puppies should be given a booster shot at one-year of age.
- An Adenovirus (canine hepatitis) booster should then be given every 3 years.
Dogs
Core Vaccinations for dogs over 16 weeks of age :
- Rabies
- This will be given as a single dose.
- A Rabies booster is then required every year.
- Distemper
- Two doses will be given, 3-4 weeks apart.
- A Distemper booster should then be given every 3 years.
- Parvovirus
- Two doses will be given, 3-4 weeks apart.
- A Parvovirus booster should then be given every 3 years.
- Adenovirus (canine hepatitis)
- Two doses will be given, 3-4 weeks apart.
- An Adenovirus (canine hepatitis)booster should then be given every 3 years.
Non-core vaccinations for puppies and dogs. Non-core vaccinations are additional vaccinations given to pets living in specific geographical areas or situations. For puppies and dogs non-core vaccinations include Bordetella or kennel cough, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis, and Canine influenza. Contact us to recommend any additional non-core vaccinations that your puppy or dog might need.
Kittens
Core Vaccination for kittens under 16 weeks of age :
- Rabies
- A single dose at 8 weeks.
- At one year, the kitten is revaccinated.
- A follow-up booster is required every 3 years.
- Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia)
- The first dose at 6 weeks.
- Additional doses every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks.
- At one year, the kitten is revaccinated.
- A follow-up booster is required every 3 years.
- Feline Herpesvirus
- The first dose at 6 weeks.
- Additional doses every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks.
- At one year, the kitten is revaccinated.
- A follow-up booster is required every 3 years.
- Calicivirus
- The first dose at 6 weeks.
- Additional doses are given every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks.
- At one year, the kitten is revaccinated.
- A follow-up booster is required every 3 years.
Cats
Core Vaccination for cats over 16 weeks of age :
- Rabies
- Two doses are given 12 months apart.
- Follow-up booster shots are given as per State regulations.
- Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia)
- Two doses are given 3-4 weeks apart.
- At one year, the cat is revaccinated.
- A follow-up booster is required every 3 years.
- Feline Herpesvirus
- Two doses are given 3-4 weeks apart.
- At one year, the cat is revaccinated.
- A follow-up booster is required every 3 years.
- Calicivirus
- Two doses are given 3-4 weeks apart.
- At one year, the cat is revaccinated.
- A follow-up booster is required every 3 years.
Non-core vaccinations for kittens and cats. Non-core vaccinations are additional vaccinations given to pets living in specific geographical areas or situations. Non-core vaccinations for kittens and cats include Feline Leukemia, and Bordetella. Contact us for information about any additional non-core vaccinations that your kitten or cat might need.
We have all the vaccines that your pet requires at out clinic. Contact us to inquire about the vaccines your pet needs and to make an appointment.