Vaccines play an important role in keeping your pet healthy. Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable to disease. Fredonia Veterinary Clinic follows the American Animal Hospital Association's (AAHA) vaccination guidelines, to give your new furry family member the best start in life!
Puppies
Life is very exciting when you're a puppy, and in those first few months your puppy will learn a lot about their new family and environment. During this exploration they may also be exposed to disease. Some vaccines are recommended for all puppies, others are lifestyle specific. The Fredonia Veterinary Clinic is ready to help you decide what's best for your pet!
Core Vaccines - recommended for all puppies
- Distemper
- Hepatitis (Adenovirus)
- Parvo
- Rabies
Distemper, Hepatitis, and Parvo (DHPP/DAPP) are given as a combination vaccine. The first vaccine is given at 8 weeks of age and then boostered every 4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Almost all manufacturers of this vaccine include Canine Parainfluenza in combination.
Rabies vaccine is given once in the first year. The puppy must be at least 12 weeks old. We generally administer this vaccine with the last of the puppy series at 16 weeks of age. All dogs are legally required to be vaccinated for Rabies.
Non-Core Vaccines - recommended based on lifestyle
- Leptospirosis
- Lyme
- Bordetella – kennel cough
- Canine Influenza
At your appointment, we will ask questions about your puppy's lifestyle to determine how best to keep them happy and healthy.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that your puppy may be exposed to outdoors in moist environments or by exposure to infected animals. The disease can also be transmitted to humans. This vaccine is often given in combination with DHPP/DAPP.
Lyme disease refers to a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks. Ticks are prevalent in our area and we have dogs that test positive for Lyme disease every year. The vaccine, as well as using a monthly tick prevention product and checking your puppy's coat thoroughly after walking in the woods, can help prevent infection. This vaccine is often given in combination with DHPP/DAPP.
Bordetella is the bacteria most often behind what is known as "Kennel Cough". This highly contagious upper respiratory disease is passed between dogs, and puppies may suffer the most severe complications if infected. We recommend this vaccine to all puppies who may come into contact with other dogs. Most boarding kennels require this vaccine.
Kittens
Kittens are curious by nature. Vaccines are an important part of ensuring they can continue to explore for many years to come.
Core Vaccines - recommended for all kittens
- Rhinotracheitis
- Calicivirus
- Panleukopenia
- Rabies
- Feline Leukemia Virus*
Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia are given in combination (RCP) starting at 8 weeks and boostered every 4 weeks until 16 weeks old. This is important even for indoor cats, as these viruses can be fatal in unprotected cats, and can be carried into your house on your clothing.
Rabies vaccine is given once in the first year. The kitten must be at least 12 weeks old. We generally administer this vaccine with the last of the kitten series at 16 weeks of age.
Feline Leukemia Virus* (FeLV) can only be contracted by close contact with another cat that has contracted the virus. While not considered a core vaccine, the current recommendation is for all kittens to receive the initial FeLV vaccination series. Even if the kitten is never vaccinated for Leukemia again in its lifetime, there is some benefit from that initial kitten vaccination. Your veterinarian may recommend testing for Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus prior to vaccination.
For More Information
Your veterinarian is prepared to answer any questions you may have on vaccines and your new puppy or kitten. Talk to us today about the best way to keep them healthy and stay current on vaccinations!