A healthy animal is a happy animal. We would always rather promote good health than treat disease. Fundamental to good health is high-quality nutrition, conscientious husbandry, adequate exercise, and preventive measures such as vaccination. The following are some vaccination guidelines. Please call us today to discuss your specific needs.

Small Animal Vaccination Guidelines

Puppies and dogs

 We start vaccinations at five to eight weeks of age, boostering vaccines at 12 and 16 weeks of age, then boostering the various antigens between every one to three years.

DHPP (Distemper, Parvo, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza)

First dose is between five and eight weeks of age, booster at 12 and 16 weeks of age, booster after one year, then booster every 3 years. We see may cases of Parvo viral enteritis (vomiting and diarrhea) every year. Prevent Parvo by vaccinating your puppy. Keep it at home until it has had its 16-week-old booster. Do not vaccinate pregnant bitches; vaccinate before breeding.

Rabies

First dose at 12 to 16 weeks of age, booster one year later, then booster at 3-year intervals. We have seen several rabid bats in Grant County in the past few years. Rabies is a fatal disease of the central nervous system. Protecting your pets also protects yourself and your family, as the pets are much more likely to have contact with bats.

Leptospira, Bordetella (kennel cough), Borrelia (Lyme disease), and rattlesnake

These vaccines are recommended based on your dog's level of risk. First dose as early as 12  weeks of age, booster at 16 weeks, then annually.

Kittens and cats

FVRCP (Feline Panleukopenia, Herpes, Calicivirus, and Chlamydophila)

First dose is between five and eight weeks of age, booster at 12 and 16 weeks of age, booster after one year, then booster every 3 years. This complex of viruses and bacteria cause upper respiratory disease, very common in Grant County. Most kittens with goopy eyes and a runny nose will have one or more of these agents. Vaccination or you cats and kittens can help control these infections. Do not vaccinate pregnant queens.

Rabies

First dose is between 12 and 16 weeks of age. Booster non-adjuvanted vaccine annually. Rabies is a fatal disease of the central nervous system.
We have seen several rabid bats in Grant County in the past few years. Protecting your pets also protects yourself and your family, as the pets are much more likely to have contact with bats.

Feline Leukemia

This non-adjuvanted vaccine is recommended if your cat goes outside. First dose at 12 to 16 weeks, booster one month later, then annually. Feline leukemia is an incurable viral disease transmitted by body fluids and bites.

Large Animal Vaccination Guidelines

See Large Animals

 

Parvo. Unfortunately, we see canine parvovirus frequently in the local dog population. Common symptoms of parvo are vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy (lack of energy). Vaccines are very protective, if stored and given properly as a series. Parvo can be lethal, and it is very contagious. When a dog has parvo, everywhere it defecates, vomits, or urinates is loaded with parvovirus. Parvovirus is viable for years in the environment. Bleachable surfaces like cement, linoleum and hardwood can be sanitized of parvo. First remove the organic material (like dirt and manure), then mop with dilute bleach water, and the area will be sanitized. Surfaces that cannot be bleached can be sanitized of parvo with products like Roccal, which we have available at JDRVC. Soil and grass cannot effectively be sanitized of the virus. If you have had a parvo dog at your house, do not let unvaccinated dogs come to your house. Fortunately, intravenous fluids and supportive therapy can often save pups with parvovirus.