For most pets, routine vaccinations start around the age of 6 to 8 weeks old and continue regularly throughout adulthood. Some vaccines initially require multiple doses given within a specific period of time. After initial vaccination, boosters are required in regular intervals (every 6 months, every year, or every 3 years depending on vaccine type).

Pets who have been vaccinated have an advantage over those who have not. When a disease is detected in the body, a vaccinated pet’s immune system quickly responds, decreasing severity of the illness or preventing symptoms altogether.

“Core” vs “Non-Core” 

Core vaccines are those which are recommended for all dogs or cats, and non-core vaccines are only administered to pets considered to be “at higher risk.” Vaccination recommendations for your pet will be discussed prior to vaccines being given.

Canine vaccines

Rabies

  • Core vaccine. Legally required in many states.
  • First given at 16 weeks old. Then 1 year later, and then typically every 3rd year following that.
  • Rabies tags are helpful identification, but are not recognized as legal proof of vaccination. The certificate of rabies vaccination is signed by the veterinarian who gave the vaccine, and is considered legal proof of vaccination.

Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus (DHPP) 

  • Core vaccines. This selection of vaccines are manufactured together and administered in a single injection.
  • First given between 6 and 8 weeks old, and boostered every 3-4 weeks until your puppy is 16 to 20 weeks old. After the initial series, a booster is needed 1 year later, and then typically every 3rd year following that.
  • Canine Hepatitis is caused by an Adenovirus. Therefore, sometimes this vaccine is referred to as DAPP.

Leptospirosis

  • Non-Core vaccine
  • Bacterial infection spread commonly encountered in puddles and wet areas in the environment. It is spread in the urine of wildlife, which collects into these puddles and runoffs. This bacterial infection can cause acute liver and kidney failure in dogs, and is transmissible to humans as well.
  • Initially this vaccine requires 2 doses in timely succession. After that, it is boostered once yearly.

Bordetella Vaccine (kennel cough, CIRDC) 

  • Non-Core vaccine
  • Bordetella vaccine is given to reduce risk of “kennel cough” syndrome, which is now called Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC).
  • First given around 8 to 12 weeks old, and repeated yearly depending on your dog’s risk level. Some boarding facilities / groomers may require Bordetella to be updated every 6 months.

Lyme

  • Non-Core vaccine
  • Recommended for dogs that travel to or reside in areas with increased tick prevalence
  • Initially this vaccine requires 2 doses in timely succession. After that, it is boostered once yearly.

Feline vaccines

Rabies

  • Core vaccine. Legally required in many states.
  • First given at 16 weeks of age, and is repeated 1 year later. After that, depending on the vaccine administered, it may be labeled for 1 year, or 3 years.
  • Rabies tags are helpful identification, but are not recognized as legal proof of vaccination. The certificate of rabies vaccination is signed by the veterinarian who gave the vaccine, and is considered legal proof of vaccination.

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calici, Panleukopenia (FVRCP, “feline distemper”) 

  • Core vaccines. This selection of vaccines are manufactured together and administered in a single injection.
  • First given between 6 and 8 weeks old, and boostered every 3-4 weeks until your kitten is 16 to 20 weeks old. After the initial series, a booster is needed 1 year later, and then typically every 3rd year following that.

Feline Leukemia (FeLV) 

  • Non-Core vaccine
  • Recommended for all kittens in a 2 shot series, to provide some immunity should your kitten ever encounter this virus. After that time, it is not necessary if your cat is strictly indoors, and not interacting with unknown cats.
  • If it is elected, it will be boostered yearly

Pet vaccination concerns

Similar to human vaccinations, pet vaccinations do carry a risk of side-effects. While negative side-effects do exist, it is important to note that your pet is statistically more likely to develop a life-threatening illness when not vaccinated, than to suffer adverse results from a vaccination. None-the-less, it is important to remain informed so you can ask your veterinarian the appropriate questions at your pet’s appointment.

After being vaccinated, the injection site can be swollen or sore. Some pets also have a reduced appetite, fever, and experience lethargy. These side-effects should diminish over the next 24 to 48 hours. If you notice your pet’s side-effects are not subsiding, please contact our office. Very rarely, pets develop an allergy to a vaccine. Allergies can be detected within minutes of receiving a vaccination and if left untreated, can result in death. If you witness any of the following, contact our office immediately: collapse, non-stop diarrhea, continual vomiting, difficulty breathing, itching, or swelling of the legs or face.