Shorewood Animal Hospital
Vaccinations
Overview
Vaccinations are critical in protecting your pet from infectious disease over the course of their lifetime. Some are considered "core" vaccines, which means they are appropriate for all healthy pets. Rabies is considered a core vaccine, because it is legally required and is critical to public health. Other vaccines are only appropriate for pets with particular life styles. Our veterinarians can help you create a customized vaccination protocol for your dog or cat.
Canine Vaccinations Recommendations
Rabies
Transmitted through infected saliva; animal to animal contact usually required.
Can infect all mammals including humans.
Causes severe damage to the central nervous system and paralysis.
Almost always fatal.
Vaccination required by law for all dogs.
Vaccinate at 16 weeks, repeat in 1 year, then every 3 years
DHPP Combination Vaccine
This vaccine is recommended for all dogs. Vaccinate at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. Repeat in 1 year, then every 3 years.
Provides protection for the following infectious diseases:
Distemper (D)
Transmitted through body secretions & the air; no dog to dog contact required.
May cause fever, nasal & eye discharge, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea & seizures.
Often fatal.
Hepatitis (H) also known as Adenovirus
Transmitted through all body secretions & the air; also transmitted on surfaces such as floors, sidewalks, etc...; no dog to dog contact required.
May cause diarrhea, vomiting, respiratory problems and severe liver & kidney damage.
Sometimes fatal.
Parainfluenza (P)
Transmitted through the air; no dog to dog contact required.
May cause coughing & nasal discharge.
Usually mild but may be serious in young or debilitated dogs.
Parvo virus (P)
Transmitted through infected body fluids, especially feces; no dog to dog contact required.
May cause fever, lethargy, abdominal pain, dehydration, vomiting & bloody diarrhea.
Often fatal, especially in puppies.
Leptospirosis
Transmitted through the urine of infected wildlife (raccoons, opossums, skunks & rodents) & other dogs.
Can infect many mammals including humans.
May cause vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, lack of appetite, depression, liver failure and kidney failure.
Often fatal.
Vaccination recommended for all dogs.
Vaccinate at 12, & 16 weeks and annually thereafter.
Bordetella
Transmitted through the air; no dog to dog contact required.
Complex of bacteria/viruses which may cause eye & nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy and bacterial pneumonia.
Vaccination recommended for all puppies and for adult dogs if adult dog is to be kenneled in a boarding facility, is groomed regularly or comes into contact with other dogs (dog park, obedience classes, dog shows, etc...)
Vaccinate at 8 weeks or later and semi-annually or annually thereafter.
Lyme Disease
Transmitted through the bite of an infected tick.
May cause fever, inappetence, lethargy, heart or kidney disease, arthritis, nerve disorders, and long term intermittent lameness.
Vaccination recommended for dogs that enter heavily wooded areas or areas with a deer or tick population.
Vaccinate at 12 & 16 weeks, then annually thereafter as needed.
Feline Vaccinations Recommendations
FVRCPC Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR)
Transmitted through oral, nasal & ocular discharge & through the air; also transmitted on surfaces such as floors, a persons hands, etc...; no cat to cat contact required.
Causes sneezing, loss of appetite, fever, & discharge from the eyes & nose.
Often fatal in kittens.
Vaccination recommended for all cats.
Vaccinate at 8, 12, & 16 weeks, repeat in 1 year, then every 3 years.
Calicivirus (C)
Transmitted through oral, nasal & ocular discharge & through the air; also transmitted on surfaces such as floors, a persons hands, etc...; no cat to cat contact required.
Causes sneezing, loss of appetite, fever, oral ulcers, & discharge from the eyes & nose.
Certain strains often fatal.
Vaccination recommended for all cats.
Vaccinate at 8, 12, & 16 weeks, repeat in 1 year, then every 3 years.
Panleukopenia, also called Distemper (P)
Transmitted through the air; no cat to cat contact required.
Causes fever, loss of appetite, depression, dehydration, vomiting and diarrhea.
Often fatal.
Vaccination recommended for all cats.
Vaccinate at 8, 12, & 16 weeks, repeat in 1 year, then every 3 years.
Chlamydia/Pneumonitis (C)
Transmitted through the air; no cat to cat contact required.
Causes sneezing, fever, loss of appetite, nasal discharge & inflamed eyes .
Usually not fatal.
Vaccination recommended for all cats.
Vaccinate at 8, 12, & 16 weeks, repeat in 1 year, then every 3 years.
Rabies
Transmitted through infected saliva; animal to animal contact usually required.
Can infect all mammals including humans.
Causes severe damage to the central nervous system and paralysis.
Almost always fatal.
Vaccination required for all cats.
Vaccinate at 16 weeks, repeat in one year, then every 1-3 years depending on the type of vaccine administered.
Feline Leukemia (FeLv)
Transmitted through infected body fluids; cat to cat contact usually but not always required.
Often causes different forms of cancer.
Decreases the ability of the immune system to respond to infections.
Vaccination recommended for all cats that go outdoors.
Vaccinate at 12 & 16 weeks, then annually thereafter.
Why are vaccinations important?
Vaccinations are vital to the health and protection of your pet, and serve as a preventive measure in combating viral diseases like Parvovirus, Parainfluenza virus, Distemper, Lyme Disease, Panleukopenia, Feline Leukemia Virus, and Rabies.
When should my pet get vaccinated?
Vaccinations are particularly important for puppies, kittens, and other young animals that have immature immune systems. Veterinary vaccinations generally begin at 6-8 weeks of age and then boostered throughout your pet’s life depending on the vaccine. Our doctors will determine the appropriate vaccination plan for your pet.
How are vaccines administered?
Vaccines help to combat diseases by exposing the pet's immune system to inactive or small amounts of a particular form of bacteria or virus. Vaccines are administered through a subcutaneous injection (under the skin), orally, or intra-nasally, depending on the vaccine.
Vaccinations are accompanied by a consultation and examination with our veterinarians to make certain that your pet's condition is stable enough to receive them. Proper and timely administration is necessary to ensure optimal protection.
