Vaccinations

As they say, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” In order to keep our “furry family members” healthy and minimize ailments, our wellness recommendations are individualized to each patient’s species, breed, age, size and environment. Here are some guidelines we suggest to pet owners:

Canine Vaccinations

The AVMA recommends that vaccinations should start at 6-7 weeks of age with boosters every 3 weeks through 16 weeks of age. All puppies should receive core vaccinations. Noncore vaccinations should be individually tailored to each pet and its environment. Rabies should be given between 12 and 16 weeks of age. Below is a chart showing the core and noncore vaccinations.

Core Noncore

Canine dhlpp vaccine (distemper, parvo, adeno 2, parainfluenza, leptospira viruses)

Rabies virus

Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough)

Canine influenza virus-H3N2/H3N8 (Canine flu)

Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease)

Adult canines will receive yearly boosters with the exception of Rabies. The pet’s first Rabies vaccination is good for one year. Afterwards the rabies vaccination is boostered every 3 years.

Feline Vaccinations

Kitten vaccinations start at 6-7 weeks of age and are boostered every 3 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Rabies is given between 12-16 weeks of age. All kittens should receive core vaccinations. Noncore vaccinations are very different in Felines. They are not generally recommended mainly because of a lack of efficacy to the point that even most veterinary schools do not even keep them in stock.

Core Noncore

Feline Herpesvirus

Feline Calicivirus

Feline Panleukopenia

Feline Leukemia

Rabies

Feline immunodeficiency virus

Feline infectious peritonitis

Feline Chlamyida

Feline Bordetella bronchiseptica

Adult felines will receive yearly boosters with the exception of Rabies. The pet’s first Rabies vaccination is good for one year. Afterwards the rabies vaccination is boostered every 3 years.