VACCINES
Who, What, When, Which Ones?
Not sure which vaccines are appropriate for your pet? We’ve addressed some of the most common recommendations below, but if something still isn’t clear, feel free to contact us and one of our team members will be happy to help you out.
WHO
To live their best lives and to reduce disease transmission, it is recommended that all cats and dogs receive regular vaccinations as detailed here.
WHAT
FVRCP
Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia. These are a combination of viruses that usually cause upper respiratory tract infection although panleukopenia can cause severe disease in some cases. They are easily transmitted from one cat to another. Even if a cat recovers, it can remain a carrier for life.
DAPP
Distemper/Parvo combo. Protects against often fatal and hard to treat diseases. Distemper is spread through urine, blood, or saliva while parvo is spread though infected feces (someone who has handled an infected dog or objects that have been around an infected dog).
Rabies
Protects against the incurable viral disease which attacks the central nervous system. Rabies is spread though contact with the saliva of infected animals. It is a zoonotic disease, which means it can spread from animals to people.
Bordetella
Protects against canine kennel cough and other upper respiratory infections. It is a highly contagious disease of the upper respiratory tract and is spread through coughing or sneezing.
Lepto
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that attacks the kidneys and liver. It is caused by bacteria that live in standing water and urine of infected animals. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, which means it can spread from animals to people. Common in wildlife and farm animals.
FELV
Feline Leukemia is an infection that can result in a multitude of serious health problems. The virus is shed in saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, and milk of infected cats. This virus is the second leading cause of death in cats.
WHEN
CORE (Recommended for ALL pets)
DAPP (Canine Distemper/Parvo)
Begins at 6-8 weeks + needs boosters*
Frequency: 1 year then every 3 years
FVRCP (Feline Distemper)
Begins at 6-8 weeks + needs boosters*
Frequency: 1 year then every 3 years
Rabies (Canine/Feline Rabies)
Begins at 12 weeks
Frequency: 1 year then every 3 years
NON-CORE (Based on lifestyle):
Bordetella (Canine Kennel Cough)
Begins at 8-12 Weeks
Frequency: 1 year or every 6 months if frequenting dog parks, doggy daycares or groomers
Lepto
Begins at 12-16 Weeks + Needs booster*
Frequency: 1 year
FELV (Feline Leukemia)
Begins at 12-16 Weeks + Needs booster*
Frequency: 2 years
*ANY vaccine requiring a booster needs to be done 3-4 weeks apart. If this timeline is not followed, the series will need to be restarted.
WHICH ONES
CANINE Lifestyle Recommendations
Free Spirit: Hunting dog, rural living, eats/drinks from unknown sources
Recommended Vx: DAPP, Rabies, Lepto
Urban Socialite: Exposed to other dogs at parks or daycare, exposed to rodents
Recommended Vx: DAPP, Rabies, Lepto, and Bordetella
Pampered Pooch: Frequent trips to the groomer, social outings to public places
Recommended Vx: DAPP, Rabies, and Bordetella
Homebody: Never exposed to other dogs; known or unknown, under strict control of their activities and not allowed access to unknown food/water
Recommended Vx: DAPP and Rabies
FELINE Lifestyle Recommendations
Free Spirit: Contact with other cats or animals, hunter, spends time outdoors, likely to eat/drink from unknown sources
Recommended Vx: FVRCP, Rabies, and FELV
Nervous/Aggressive Kitty: Bad temper, nervous around people, biter or scratcher, hisses at people
Recommended Vx: FVRCP, Rabies, and FELV
Social Butterfly: Exposed to other known cats, sometimes exposed to unknown cats
Recommended Vx: FVRCP, Rabies, and FELV
Homebody: Never exposed to any other cats, known or unknown, under strict control of activities and no allowed access to unknown food/water
Recommended Vx: FVRCP, Rabies