Keeping your dog or cat up-to-date with their vaccines is an important part of pet ownership. Because we are committed to the health of your animal, we want to make sure your dog or cat gets the right immunizations at the right times in their life. Vaccines stimulate the animal’s natural immune system by introducing a small amount of an inactive virus. If your pet is ever exposed to the live virus, he or she already has the antibodies in his or her system to fight off the disease.
The three-year vaccine includes the standard vaccines common to your animal, plus any specific vaccines for the particular breed. For dogs, we can also provide a one-year Bordetella vaccine, which prevents kennel cough. Dogs who are exposed to other dogs, for example at dog shows, kennels or dog parks, should be protected against this ailment.
We are here to answer all of your questions about the vaccines we recommend. Please ask our technicians about the importance of protecting your dog or cat, and we will be glad to discuss the benefits and risks of all the vaccines we provide.
Vaccination Schedule for Cats
Distemper combination vaccine*
Begin as early as 6 weeks of age and repeat every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Booster at 1 year after completion of initial series, then every 1 to 3 years depending on risk.
Feline Leukemia
Begin as early as 8 weeks of age and repeat in 3-4 weeks. Booster at 1 year after completion of initial series. Continue annual boosters for those cats at risk of exposure.
Rabies
Given by Dr. Stephanie at 12 weeks. Revaccinate one year later, and then every 3 years.
* Distemper combination vaccine includes panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and calicivirus. Consider inclusion of Chlamydophilia for cats at risk of exposure.
Vaccination Schedule for Dogs
8, 12, & 16 Weeks
Combination vaccine*: Depending on assessment, vaccine may start at 6 weeks.
12 weeks**
Rabies: Given by Dr. Stephanie
Adult
Combination vaccine*
Leptospirosis: include leptospirosis in the combination vaccine where leptospirosis is a concern, or if traveling to an area where it occurs.
Rabies: Given by Dr. Stephanie every 3 years after initial booster.
Recommendations vary depending on the age, breed, and health status of the dog, the potential of the dog to be exposed to the disease, the type of vaccine, whether the dog is used for breeding, and the geographical area where the dog lives or may visit.
*A combination vaccine, often called a 5-way vaccine, usually includes adenovirus cough and hepatitis, canine distemper, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Some combination vaccines may also include leptospirosis (7-way vaccines) and/or coronavirus. The inclusion of either canine adenovirus-1 or adenovirus-2 in a vaccine will protect against both adenovirus cough and hepatitis; adenovirus-2 is highly preferred.
**Some puppies may need additional vaccinations against parvovirus after 15 weeks of age. Consult with Dr. Stephanie.
Bordetella and parainfluenza: For complete canine cough protection, we recommend Intra-Trac III ADT. For dogs that are shown, in field trials, or are boarded, we recommend vaccination every six to twelve months with Intra-Trac III ADT.
