Canine Vaccinations

Distemper/Parvovirus - The DA2PP vaccine is given initially between 6-8 weeks of age and then every 3-4 weeks until 18-20 weeks of age (a 4-part series) and then every 3 years thereafter. If dogs are older than 16 weeks at the start of vaccinations, a series of 2 doses 3-4 weeks apart and then vaccinated every 3 years thereafter. Certain breeds are considered high risk (Pit bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans) for contracting the Parvovirus. The Parvovirus is found in the ground and can survive from 7-10 years. Demographically, our mountain area is a breeding ground for this virus and we have observed increasing numbers of Parvo cases in the last few years.

Rabies - Rabies is considered a core vaccination as stated in the American Animal Hospital Association Canine Vaccine Guidelines.

The Rabies vaccine is given initially between 12-16 weeks of age. A booster is given 1 year later and then every 3 years thereafter. Local law influences frequency of vaccination regardless of the product labels. Currently California recognizes a 3-year Rabies vaccination protocol. Rabies can be spread by wildlife (bats, skunks, coyotes, raccoons) to your dog or cat by a bite or saliva. If your dog or cat is not vaccinated against Rabies and has bit a human, your dog or cat will be quarantined for 6 weeks and possibly euthanasia. The Rabies Vaccine is required by LAW for the safety of you and your pet.

Lyme - Lyme is considered a non-core vaccination as stated in the American Animal Hospital Association Canine Vaccine Guidelines. Recommendations should be made based on each individuals risk assessment. Dogs living in or traveling to Lyme endemic areas or areas where the risk of vector tick exposure is high should be vaccinated. Dogs that have tested positive for Lyme disease should be treated and then vaccinated to prevent re-infection as natural infection does not prevent re-infection. Lyme vaccine is administered initially at 9-12 weeks of age with a booster 2-4 weeks later. Annual vaccination is required.

Leptospirosis - Leptospirosis is considered a non-core vaccination as stated in the American Animal Hospital Association Canine Vaccine Guidelines. Recommendations should be made based on each individuals risk assessment. Dogs that are at high risk for exposure (free run of the neighborhood, go hiking, swimming in lakes/ponds, wildlife exposure) should be vaccinated. This vaccine should NOT be given to dogs less than 12 weeks old. Risk of exposure should be heavily discussed in dogs that are less than 20 pounds as they are more likely to have vaccination reactions. If vaccination is necessary pre-treatment with diphenhydramine is recommended.

Bordetella/Parainfluenza - Bordetella is considered a non-core vaccination as stated in the American Animal Hospital Association Canine Vaccine Guidelines. Recommendations should be made based on each individuals risk assessment. Dogs that are at high risk for exposure (kennels, frequently groomed, go to training classes, go to dog parks, stay at boarding facilities) should be vaccinated. We recommend intranasal vaccination.

Bordetella can be administered intranasally as early as 3 weeks of age. For best results a second dose should be given 2-4 weeks after the first. If dogs are older than 16 weeks, a single dose is recommended. Annual boosters are required. If dogs have not been vaccinated within the previous 6 months, a booster is recommended 1 week prior to known exposure. Since this vaccine is modified-live, transient coughing, sneezing, or nasal discharge can be seen in a small number of patients.

Bordetella can also be administered by subcutaneous injection in dogs unable to receive the vaccine by the intranasal route. This killed vaccine is labeled for use in dogs 8 weeks or older and is a series of 2 injections 2-3 weeks apart with an annual booster.

Canine influenza Virus (H3N8) - The H3N8 vaccine is considered a non-core vaccination. It was approved in June 2009 and is a killed, adjuvanted vaccine. Recommendations should be made based on risk/lifestyle assessment and are similar to those listed above for Bordetella. Dogs in shelter or cluster housing situations may be the best candidates for vaccination. Vaccination does not prevent disease but does decrease the severity and duration of clinical signs and damage to the lungs. The disease has been reported in at least 30 states.

H3N8 can be administered to dogs 6 weeks of age and older. Two doses are given subcutaneously 2-4 weeks apart. Booster vaccination should be given yearly.

Feline Vaccinations

FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis or herpes virus 1; calicivirus, parvovirus or panleukopenia) - FVRCP is considered a core vaccination as stated in the American Association of Feline Practitioners Vaccine Advisory Panel Report.

The FVRCP vaccine is given initially between 6-8 weeks of age and then every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. If cats are older than 16 weeks at the start of vaccinations, a series of 2 doses 3-4 weeks apart are given. A booster vaccine is then given at 1 year of age and then every 3 years thereafter for both scenarios.

If the combination vaccination protocol listed below is used, the panleukopenia can be given as above via injection and the rhinotracheitis and calicivirus given as above but intranasally. Cats that are vaccinated with intranasal vaccine may have annual boosters if they are frequently boarded or groomed.

They should be non-adjuvanted products when at all possible.

Rabies - Rabies is considered a core vaccination as stated in the American Association of Feline Practitioners Vaccine Advisory Panel Report.

Rabies vaccinations should be given subcutaneously at/below the right knee.

The rabies vaccine is given first at 12-16 weeks and then boosted yearly. Continual yearly boosters of a non-adjuvanted vaccine are recommended but a 3-year vaccine can be given to cats after the initial yearly booster if desired.

They should be non-adjuvanted products when at all possible.

Feline Leukemia (FeLV) - We strongly recommend feline leukemia vaccination (FeLV) in all kittens (considered core) and in cats that have a high risk of exposure. The first vaccine is started at 9 weeks of age, boosted in 3-4 weeks and then yearly.