Pet Vaccinations

Please note: the following is a general guide. We will develop a vaccine schedule that is specific to your pet’s age, breed, and lifestyle.

Rabies

The minimum age requirement is three months. The rabies vaccination is required by law. More information about Rabies can be found here: Rabies. The first vaccine is suitable for one year. Subsequent vaccines are good for three years.

DA2PP

The minimum age requirement is six weeks. A ‘core vaccine’ – protects against Distemper, Adenovirus type 2 (includes Hepatitis), Parainfluenza and Parvovirus. Distemper information can be found here: Canine Distemper. Hepatitis (Adenovirus) is a virus that attacks the liver, kidneys, spleen and lungs. Affected dogs will develop a fever, bleed abnormally, sometimes get a “blue eye,” and lose white blood cells. Parainfluenza is a highly contagious virus that can produce pneumonia. Parvovirus is a highly infectious virus that causes the intestines to “rot” from the inside out. Parvo is spread through feces. Parvovirus information can be found here:  Parvovirus Information Center. After the initial puppy series, it’s good for one year. The next time it’s given, it’s suitable for three years. For dogs who did not get puppy series: Initial vaccine is given, then a second vaccine three weeks later.

Bordetella

The minimum age requirement is two months. Vaccinates against Bordetella Bronchiseptica, commonly known as kennel cough. Kennel cough causes a severe cough that sounds like a goose honk. This vaccine is recommended for dogs who will be exposed to other dogs (in kennels, dog parks, grooming salons, training classes, etc.). Given every nine months after eight weeks of age.

Lyme

The minimum age requirement is three months. Optional, but highly recommended. Lyme’s Disease is carried by deer ticks. This is a bacterial disease that attacks the joints and the muscles causing severe pain, and most dogs, when affected, can’t get up. This disease can also cause kidney failure, and sometimes even attack the heart. Lyme disease is highly endemic in the Capital District. Most dogs will be exposed at some point in their lives. We highly recommend this vaccine to all dogs living in the Capital District. The initial vaccine is given, then a second vaccine 3-4 weeks later. After that, annually.

Leptospirosis

The minimum age requirement is three months. Optional – Highly recommended for dogs near ponds, lakes, streams, and pets that live near wildlife. This vaccine protects against Leptospirosis, spread by contact with animal urine infected by the disease (typically through water such as ponds and lakes). This bacteria causes kidney and liver failure. It generally is harrowing. This disease is also transmissible to humans through contact with the urine. The initial vaccine is given, then a second vaccine three weeks later. After that, annually.

Please note: the following is a general guide. We will develop a vaccine schedule that is specific to your pet’s age, breed, and lifestyle.

Rabies

The minimum age requirement is 3 months. The rabies vaccination for cats is required by law. Additional rabies vaccine information can be found here: Rabies. The first vaccine is good for 1 year. Subsequent vaccines are good for three years.

FVRCP

A ‘core vaccine’ for all cats – protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia (distemper). Rhinotracheitis and calicivirus information can be found here: Feline upper respiratory diseases. Rhinotracheitis  and calicivirus are two viruses that attach the nose and eyes of kittens and cats, resulting in sneezing, fever, and clear nasal discharge. Left untreated, these viruses can lead to pneumonia, heart disease, eye ulcers, and chronic respiratory problems. Feline Panleukopenia information can be found here: Feline Panleukopenia. After the initial kitten series, it’s good for 1 year. The next time it’s given, it’s good for 3 years. For cats who did not get kitten series: Initial vaccine is given, then a second vaccine 3-4 weeks later.

FIV/FeLV Test

The minimum age requirement is 6 weeks. A simple blood test that checks for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Feline Leukemia. FIV is similar to HIV/AIDS in humans. It is not contagious to humans, but both FIV and FeLV are spread from cat to cat. Highly recommended yearly for all cats who go outside.

Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

Information regarding feline leukemia can be found here: Feline Leukemia virus. Optional, but highly recommended for all cats who go outside. Initial vaccine is given, then a second vaccine 4 weeks later. After that, annually.

Heartworm/Lyme/Ehrlichia/Anaplasma

Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes. Heartworms will grow and reproduce in the bloodstream, causing heart failure and respiratory disease. This disease is preventable with monthly heartworm preventative like Heartgard. Puppies should be started on heartworm prevention at their first visit and given monthly for the rest of their lives. This simple blood test checks for Heartworm disease (which is spread by mosquitoes) and three tick-borne diseases: Lyme, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasmosis. This is an annual test starting between 6 months to 1 year.

Senior Wellness

This is a blood test that we recommend annually for pets over the age of 7. This tests the liver, kidney, thyroid, and pancreas function as well as checks for red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelet abnormalities. This simple blood test can be performed during your dog’s annual exam.