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Proactive Pet Care

What You Need to Know About Pet Vaccinations

Regular well-checks and vaccinations play a crucial role in maintaining your beloved companion’s overall health and well-being. These routine visits not only allow for early detection and prevention of potential health issues but also ensure that your pet receives essential vaccinations to protect against various diseases.

For Your Canine Companions

During a well-check, your dog will receive a thorough examination, assessing their weight, coat condition, dental health, and overall physical condition. During this examination, your dog’s diet, exercise routine, and behavior, will be discussed offering valuable insights and recommendations for their care. Additionally, vaccinations are a vital aspect of preventive healthcare, safeguarding your dog against common infectious diseases such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and canine respiratory disease. By scheduling regular well checks and keeping up with vaccinations, you are taking proactive steps to keep your dog happy and healthy for years to come.

For Your Feline Friends

During a well-check, your pet will receive a comprehensive examination, evaluating your cat’s weight, coat condition, dental health, and overall physical condition. During this examination, your cat’s diet, litter box habits, and behavior, will be discussed providing valuable advice and guidance for their health. Vaccinations are a key component of preventive healthcare for cats, guarding against diseases such as rabies, feline distemper, and feline leukemia virus. By scheduling regular well checks and keeping up with vaccinations, you are taking proactive measures to ensure your cat’s long-term health and happiness.

Vaccination Checklist

Dog Vaccinations

  • Distemper Combination Vaccine: Protects against distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and coronavirus.
  • Leptospirosis Vaccine: Helps prevent leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through contact with contaminated water or infected animals. This vaccine is often included with the Canine Distemper Combo Vaccine.
  • Rabies Vaccine: Provides protection against the rabies virus, which is required by law in many jurisdictions.
  • Bordetella Vaccine: Provides protection against Bordetella bronchiseptica, one of the many causes of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (aka Kennel Cough). This vaccine is especially important if your dog is regularly exposed to other dogs in places like boarding/grooming facilities or dog parks.
  • Lyme Disease Vaccine: Recommended for dogs living in or visiting areas where ticks are prevalent and carry Lyme disease.
  • Additional Vaccines: Depending on your dog’s specific needs and risk factors, your veterinarian may recommend other vaccines such as those for canine influenza, rattlesnake or other regional-specific diseases.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule:

  • 8 Weeks – Distemper (DHPP)
  • 12 Weeks – Distemper w/Lepto (DHLPP) and/or Bordetella
  • 16 Weeks – Distemper w/Lepto (DHLPP) and Rabies

Cat Vaccinations

  • FVRCP Vaccine: Protects against these common feline diseases: feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), calicivirus, and panleukopenia (distemper), and chlamydia.
  • Rabies Vaccine: Provides protection against the rabies virus, which may be required by law in many jurisdictions.
  • Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Vaccine: Recommended for cats at risk of exposure to FeLV, especially if they spend time outdoors or live in a multi-cat household. Testing for FeLV is always recommended prior to the initial vaccination.

Kitten Vaccination Schedule:

  • 8 Weeks – 1st FVRCP
  • 12 Weeks – 2nd FVRCP
  • 16 Weeks – 3rd FVRCP and Rabies