Vaccines and regular health exams are critical preventative care measures to help protect pets from potentially deadly infectious diseases like Distemper, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis and Rabies in dogs; and Panleukopenia, Feline Leukemia Virus (FIV) and Rabies in cats. Vaccines protect pets from disease by exposing their body's immune system to inactive parts of a bacteria or virus. Our doctors will help you decide which vaccines are appropriate for your pet based on their risk factors. Proper administration and proper timing of vaccination is vital for proper protection.
Vaccination is particularly critical in young animals that have a naïve immune system. Vaccinations typically start at 6-8 weeks of age and finish around 16 weeks of age. Vaccinations are generally accompanied by a consultation with your pet's doctor to ensure your pet is healthy enough for the vaccines. Our hospital will let you know when your pet is due for booster vaccinations during their adult years.
Dogs
- Rabies Vaccination - Rabies is always fatal in both humans and pets. Since there is no cure, prevention through vaccination is the only solution. Pets must be at least 12 weeks old for their first rabies vaccine. After that, the vaccine is typically given every 3 years.
- Lifestyle Vaccination Plan - Your dog's lifestyle determines his risk level for various diseases. Our doctors will individualize a vaccination plan for your dog based on his or her health and risk factors. The recommended vaccinations may include Canine Distemper, Adenovirus/Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, Bordetella, , Influenza, Leptospirosis and/or Lyme and Rattlesnake.
Cats
- Rabies Vaccination - Rabies is always fatal in both humans and pets. Since there is no cure, prevention through vaccination is the only solution.
- FVRCP Vaccination - (Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) This vaccine protects and maintains your cat's antibody levels to protect them from these common viral disease.
- Feline Leukemia Vaccination - This vaccine protects cats from one of the most common cat viruses in our area. While it is more common in outdoor cats, it can be seen in indoor cats as well. Your cat is considered "at risk" for the leukemia virus if he or she spends ANY time outdoors, supervised or not. Yearly boosters provide the best prevention program.