Pets today can live longer, healthier lives than ever before—in part because of vaccines that help protect them from deadly infectious diseases. Over the years, vaccines against dangerous diseases have saved millions of pets and virtually eliminated some fatal diseases that were once common. Unfortunately, many infectious diseases still pose a significant threat to dogs and cats that are unvaccinated.

Although vaccine programs have been highly successful and vaccines are considered routine today, we (as caregivers) and you (as pet parents) cannot afford to become complacent about keeping pets up-to-date on their vaccinations.

Many vaccines are available for use in dogs and cats, but not every pet needs every available vaccine. Some vaccines are considered core vaccines and should be administered to all pets, whereas other vaccines are optional and may be recommended for pets based on a variety of factors, such as their risk for exposure to disease. Vaccine recommendations can also change throughout a pet’s life, as travel habits and other variables change. We will consider all these factors as we determine which vaccines your pet should have.

We understand that your pet is unique and that no single vaccine program will be ideal for every pet in every situation. Our doctors and other staff members are well-educated about veterinary vaccines, and our goal is to give you the best advice for keeping your pet healthy. Let us develop a vaccination schedule and ongoing booster routine that accounts for your pet’s lifestyle, overall health, risk for exposure to infectious disease, and other factors.

Vaccines help pets live longer, healthier lives. Protecting your pet is our primary goal, so developing an appropriate vaccine schedule for your pet is important to us. Call us today to set up an appointment to discuss your pet’s vaccination needs.

Canine Vaccines:

• Rabies
• DA2PP (Distemper)
• Bordetella
• Influenza
• Leptospira
• Lyme

Canine Annual Testing:

• Heartworm, Lyme, Ehrilichia, Anaplasma
• Intestinal Parasite Panel
• Wellness Bloodwork (Ages 1-5)
• Senior Bloodwork (Ages 6 & Up)

Canine Prevention:

•  Heartworm prevention 
• Flea & Tick prevention

Feline Vaccines:

• Rabies
• FVRCP (Distemper)
• Leukemia

Feline Annual Testing:

• FIV, Leukemia, Heartworm
• Intestinal Parasite Panel
• Wellness Bloodwork (Ages 1-5)
• Senior Bloodwork (Ages 6 & Up)

Feline Prevention:

• Flea & Tick prevention

Puppies are vaccinated against distemper, infectious hepatitis, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza and leptospirosis.

The first vaccination is given after 8 weeks of age, the second vaccination is given at 8 weeks, then the third and annual in 2-5 weeks after that.

Then they receive an annual booster vaccination to maintain a good level of immunity.

This can be given ideally at least 10 days before being kenneled but as protection lasts for 1 year, this can also be given annually or after the first year can be given every 3 years.

Kittens need to be vaccinated against cat flu (feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus), panleukopenia (also known as feline enteritis) and feline leukemia (a common cause of cancer in cats).

The first vaccination is given at 8 weeks old and the second vaccination is given 2-5 weeks later, and the third and annual given 2-5 weeks after that. 

Cats also need annual boosters to give them a good level of immunity. 

Dogs and cats need to be vaccinated against rabies. This is given through 1 injection after 12 weeks old. Boosters are given annually or after the first year can be given every 3 years. 

For pets travelling abroad, a blood test is taken 30 days after the vaccination to ensure there has been an adequate immune response. (Depending on travel destination!)

Our Clinic offers education on several Parasite Control Programs. 

The most common parasites pet deal with are fleas and ticks. Fleas and ticks are capable of transmitting infection and diseases to pets through a single bite. Many pets also suffer from severe allergic reaction to the bites of fleas and ticks. Internal parasites (such as worms) are also capable of causing severe illness in pets. It is imperative that owners use one of the many commercially available products that protect pets from these parasites in order to maintain their pet’s health.

Our staff and veterinarians will help you choose the correct product based on your pet’s risk factors and health status.

In addition, because of the damages posed by intestinal parasites to both pets and people, all dogs and cats should have at least one fecal examination per year to test for intestinal parasites (e.g., roundworms, hookworms, giardia).

We generally recommend to deworm puppies when first getting them. Otherwise deworming is done for positive fecal testing.

Please contact us for further details.