Dog and cat vaccinations are an essential step towards a healthy immune system for your pet. Vaccines help prevent the spread of deadly and highly contagious diseases like rabies, distemper, parvovius, and leukemia. Though there is some debate on the need for annual vaccinations and how many shots a dog really needs, vaccines are essential for your dog and cat's health.
Recommended Dog Vaccines are:
Rabies
DHPA (Distemper-Parvo)
Leptosporosis
Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
Influenza (Canine Flu Vaccine)
Bordetella, also known as kennel cough is not just for pets that board, this is also recommended for pets that visit the groomer, dog parks, pet malls, or even walks in your neighborhood. If you pet is at increased risk of exposure we highly recommend this vaccine. It is cheaper to prevent it rather than treat it.
Canine Influenza (CIV) is a new and emerging virus that originated from a horse strain of influenza. We began vaccinating back in 2008 all pets that are in the same exposure risk for those pets who we recommend Bordetella to. CIV is similar to Kennel Cough, but different also. This is a new virus to pets, and pets have no natural immunity built up to this virus. As a result, it is making some pets very ill requiring weeks of hospitalization and medications. Some pets do not make it through treatment even with best efforts. This vaccine is essential to pets that are frequenting dog parks or high traffic areas, but this virus is also air born, and does not live on surfaces like kennel cough. If you pet is new to receiving the CIV vaccine we would simply administer the first vaccine and booster it in 3-4 weeks. Please schedule your pets visit for their flu vaccine today to help keep them healthy.
Puppy and Kitten Vaccines:
Every pet is different and we tailor our vaccination needs to our individual pets. We normally start vaccines at 7 weeks of age and split vaccines while your puppy and kitten is growing. We booster vaccines every 3-4 weeks up through 16 weeks of age. Administering these vaccines are essential to your pets health. Puppy and Kittens have weaker immune systems and while they are building up their own immune system their immune system needs to be properly challenged to be able to get them through their first birthday.
We make sure to recommend that every puppy under 16 weeks receives a minimum of 3 DHPA, 3 Bordetella, 2 Leptospirosis, 2 CIV (Flu vaccines), 1 Rabies (at or after 12 weeks of age).
Kittens are not much different than dogs, they still require the boosters like any puppy but their vaccine protocol is different
We make sure to recommend that every kitten under 16 weeks receives a minimum of 3 FVRCP (feline distemper), 2 FeLV (Feline Leukemia), and 1 Purevax Rabies (at or after 12 weeks of age).
Vaccine Reactions
It is common for pets to experience some or all of the following mild side effects after receiving a vaccine, usually starting within hours of the vaccination. If these side effects last for more than a day or two, or cause your pet significant discomfort, it is important for you to contact your veterinarian:
Discomfort and local swelling at the vaccination site
Mild fever
Decreased appetite and activity
Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine
More serious, but less common side effects, such as allergic reactions, may occur within minutes to hours after vaccination. These reactions can be life-threatening and are medical emergencies. Seek veterinary care immediately if any of these signs develop:
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Itchy skin that may seem bumpy ("hives")
Swelling of the muzzle and around the face, neck, or eyes
Severe coughing or difficulty breathing
Collapse
A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. If it persists more than three weeks, or seems to be getting larger, you should contact your veterinarian.
Always inform your veterinarian if your pet has had prior reactions to any vaccine or medication. If in doubt, wait for 30-60 minutes following vaccination before taking your pet home.
