Vaccines

Most vaccines for dogs and cats need to be re-administered yearly. Continuing to stay up-to-date with vaccinations throughout a pet’s life not only protects them, but other pets they come into contact with, wildlife capable of catching the disease, and even you. While rare, zoonotic diseases are those which can spread from animals to humans, including rabies and leptospirosis.

Since young puppies and kittens do not have a fully developed immune system, they are more susceptible to diseases. By vaccinating at this age, we are better able to protect their health by preventing disease while also beginning to foster positive associations with the veterinary clinic to make future visits more enjoyable for pets and their owners. “Core” vaccines include rabies (for dogs and cats), DHPP (for dogs), and FVRCP (for cats).

Recommended Vaccine Plan for Dogs and Puppies:

Annual Exams:

• Routine Exams: Each visit includes a thorough physical examination. We recommend a yearly fecal and heartworm test. Annual heartworm tests are required in order to be given heartworm preventatives.
  • Rabies vaccine: After your pet has received a rabies vaccine for one year, they are then eligible for a vaccine that lasts for three years.
  • DHPP, Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Lyme, Canine Influenza are to be readministered yearly.
• Ongoing Care: Recommend monthly heartworm, flea, and tick prevention year-round.

This protocol ensures puppies are protected against common diseases while setting a foundation for long-term health.

Recommended Vaccine Plan for Cats and Kittens:

1. First Visit (6–8 Weeks of Age):
   • Vaccinations:
     • FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia). One out of four vaccines to develop immunization 1/4.
   • Deworming: Administer broad-spectrum dewormer and conduct fecal analysis.
     Kittens can get into a lot while they are exploring a world that is new to them! It is not uncommon for them to acquire intestinal parasites, but this should be addressed as soon as possible to ensure your pet’s best health.
   • Preventive Care: Start heartworm and flea prevention.
     Heartworms are spread by mosquito bites. Pets can get fleas from spending time outside, coming in contact with other animals who have fleas, or fleas can even hitch a ride inside your home on your clothes and shoes.
   • Exam: First visit health check. We may recommend FelV and FIV tests at this time
2. Second Visit (10–11 Weeks of Age):
   • Vaccinations:
     • Second FVRCP booster 2/4
   • Deworming: Repeat fecal analysis and deworming as needed.
   • Preventive Care: Continue heartworm and flea prevention.
   • Exam: General health check and a follow-up FeLV/FIV test.
3. Third Visit (13–14 Weeks of Age):
   • Vaccinations:
     • Third FVRCP booster 3/4.
     • FeLV Vaccine 1/2
   • Deworming: Conduct fecal analysis and administer dewormer if needed.
   • Preventive Care: Continue heartworm and flea prevention.
   • Exam: General health check.
4. Fourth and Final Visit in the Puppy Series (16 Weeks of Age):
   • Vaccinations:
     • Final FVRCP booster 4/4.
     • Final FeLV 2/2
     • Rabies (1-year duration).
   • Deworming: Conduct fecal analysis.
   • Preventive Care: Continue heartworm and flea prevention.
   • Spay/Neuter Discussion:
     • Recommended around 6 months of age
     • Blood work must be done before your pet undergoes any surgical procedure.
       This allows us to verify that they are healthy and can safely be put under anesthesia to undergo the surgery.

Annual Exams:

• Routine Exams: Each visit includes a thorough physical examination. We recommend a yearly fecal test.
  • Rabies vaccine: After your pet has received a rabies vaccine for one year, they are then eligible for a vaccine that lasts for three years.
  • FeLV is to be readministered yearly.
• Ongoing Care: Recommend monthly heartworm, flea, and tick prevention year-round.

This protocol ensures kittens are protected against common diseases while setting a foundation
for long-term health.