Vaccinations

Our veterinarians follow the most recent vaccination guidelines from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

For new puppies and kittens, vaccinations are performed every 3-4 weeks beginning at 6-8 weeks old for puppies and 8-9 weeks old for kittens.

Puppies are routinely vaccinated against canine distemper, parvovirus, parainfluenza, adenovirus 2(infectious hepatitis), bordetella (kennel cough), and rabies.

Kittens are first tested for FELV (feline leukemia) and FIV (feline AIDS) and then are routinely vaccinated against feline distemper (panleukopenia), feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, rabies.

It is vital to continue this series until your pet is the appropriate age to ensure that they are fully protected from these infectious and potentially deadly diseases.

Recent research has shown that vaccinated animals remain protected from certain infectious diseases longer than previously thought Major universities and groups such as the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) are now recommending cats and dogs get vaccinated every 3 years against certain common or “core” diseases. Our veterinarians follow the most recent vaccination guidelines and will discuss with you which vaccinations your pet will continue to need on a yearly basis, and which will be safer to get every 3 years. Typically, 3 year vaccines are also less costly than adding the up prices of annual vaccinations – so it’s a “win-win”, better financially for you and better medicine for your pet!

Puppies and Kittens need to receive their vaccines in a series of boosters given 3-4 weeks apart. This series should be continued until 16 weeks of age, then, given again in 1 year. After the first year, these “core” vaccinations are approved for revaccination in 3 years. Certain pets may have different risk factors than others, and may benefit from additional yearly vaccinations. For dogs, these include vaccines against Lyme disease, Leptospirosis, Bordetella (Kennel Cough), and Canine Influenza. For outdoor cats, or those exposed through a screen to outdoor cats, vaccination against Feline Leukemia vaccine is recommended. Ferrets also require a booster series of vaccines until 13-14 weeks of age as well as yearly vaccinations against rabies and canine distemper virus.

Please contact us to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about which vaccines are right for your pet at your next appointment.