Vaccinations

For Dogs & Cats: Rabies vaccine

Rabies vaccination is highly recommended. In this way, it is considered a “core vaccine”. It should be given at around 16 weeks of age, then a booster given in a year, then every 3 years thereafter.

Puppies/Dogs : DAP

DAP stands for distemper, adenovirus & parvo virus.
This core (recommended) vaccine combination should be given at 8 weeks, 12 weeks of age, and another at 16 weeks. A booster should be given a year after the puppy inoculations, and every 3 years thereafter.

Puppies/Dogs: Kennel Cough (Bordetella)

This non-core (optional) vaccine is given particularly to dogs that will be exposed to large numbers of other dogs in close quarters – such as boarding facilities, dog shows, obedience classes, daily regulars at the off-leash dog park, doggy daycare, flyball/agility dogs and frequent trips to the groomers (more than 6x in a year). This can be discussed with your veterinarian. This vaccine is given annually when needed.

Puppies/Dogs : Leptospirosis

Again, individual situations will dictate what is appropriate, and the Leptospirosis vaccine is considered non-core (or optional).  The contagious disease is spread from the urine of rats & raccoons and can cause kidney disease. Leptospirosis is also potentially transmissible to humans from their pets (or exposure to above wildlife). This is an annual vaccine when it is applicable.

Puppies/Dogs : Lyme disease

Again, individual situations will dictate what is appropriate, but the Lyme disease vaccine is considered non-core (or optional) and may be used in dogs who are exposed regularly to ticks. This is an annual vaccine when it is applicable.

Kittens/Cats: HCP

HCP stands for Herpes, Calici & Panleukopenia viruses.

This core (recommended) vaccine combination should be given at 8 weeks, 12 weeks of age, and another at 16 weeks. A booster should be given a year after the kitten inoculations, and every 3 years thereafter.

Kittens/Cats: FeLV

Feline Leukemia Virus is a non-core (optional) vaccine and is recommended for specific patients. These patients are usually young cats and those going outdoors or living in multi-cat households. Necessity regarding vaccinating mid-age and older cats is not well established, but you can discuss the need for this vaccine and any questions about it with your veterinarian.