When it comes to your pet, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Vaccinations and preventative wellness checks are the best way to keep your pet healthy and happy. Depending on your pet’s age and medical history, we may recommend a different set of vaccinations and preventative treatment plan.
Vaccinations for Your Dog
As our pets’ guardians, we need to ensure their safety through preventative measures. In today’s living conditions, it is impossible to isolate our dogs from exposure to diseases. Vaccinations play a vital role in protecting our pets from some of the most significant infectious threats to their health. These are our general guidelines that will be tailored for your individual pet.
Your puppy’s first visit to the veterinarian is at 6-8 weeks of age. The puppy is examined and, if healthy, given the first “distemper” vaccine. The distemper vaccine (or DA2PPV) is actually a 4-in-1 vaccine which includes distemper, infectious hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Vaccinations are administered every 3-4 weeks until the puppy is at least 15-16 weeks of age. This is usually a series of 3 vaccinations. Thereafter, boosters for DA2PPV are given annually or once every three years, depending on your dog’s individual needs.
The first rabies vaccine is administered to puppies at a minimum of 12 weeks of age, and is protective for 1 year. Subsequent vaccinations are protective for 3 years. It is critical to have your pet kept up-to-date on this crucial vaccine. The rabies vaccine is required by law, and very strict regulations apply if a pet is unvaccinated or overdue for this crucial vaccine. Rabies is prevalent in this area. If your pet comes into contact with a rabies suspect or incurs an unknown bite wound, a rabies booster must be administered.
Bordetella, or “kennel cough,” is a very contagious and potentially dangerous upper respiratory infection. The Bordetella vaccine is required before your puppy is spayed/neutered, if your pet is being groomed, or if your pet is boarding. This vaccine is also highly recommended if your pet comes in contact with other dogs, such as in training classes, dog parks, or daycare.
Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease which is common in this area. The Lyme vaccine is recommended for dogs that spend time in wooded and grassy areas where ticks can be found. All dogs require a test to assess previous exposure before Lyme vaccines are administered. This blood tests also tests for several other tick-borne diseases as well as heartworm, a deadly mosquito-transmitted parasite. Testing is repeated annually.
Leptospirosis, or “lepto,” is a deadly disease shed in the urine of wildlife. Once shed, the bacteria are transmitted through contact with contaminated water sources. Dogs should be vaccinated if they come into regular contact with standing water, whether in rural, suburban, or urban environments. Lepto is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can infect people as well as animals.
Influenza is a respiratory infection which is highly infectious and causes significant illness. It is recommended for pets that are boarding or traveling, particularly those frequenting the New York City area.
Vaccinations for Your Cat
The first year in a kitten’s life is one of new experiences. As our pets’ guardians, we need to ensure their safety through preventative measures. In today’s living conditions, it is impossible to isolate our cats from exposure to diseases. Vaccinations play a vital role in protecting our pets from some of the most significant infectious threats to their health. These are our general guidelines that will be tailored for your individual pet.
Your kitten’s first visit to the veterinarian is at 6-8 weeks of age. The kitten is examined and, if healthy, given the first “distemper” vaccine. The distemper vaccine (or FVRCP) is actually a 3-in-1 vaccine which includes feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. Subsequent vaccinations are administered every 3-4 weeks until the kitten is at least 15-16 weeks of age. This is usually a series of 3 vaccinations. Thereafter, boosters for FVRCP are given annually or every three years, depending on your cat’s individual needs.
The first rabies vaccine is administered to kittens at a minimum of 12 weeks of age, and is protective for 1 year. Subsequent vaccinations are protective for 3 years. It is critical to have your pet kept up-to-date on this crucial vaccine. The rabies vaccine is required by law, and very strict regulations apply if a pet is unvaccinated or overdue for this crucial vaccine. Rabies is prevalent in this area. If your pet comes into contact with a rabies suspect or incurs an unknown bite wound, a rabies booster must be administered.
Feline Leukemia (FelV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) suppress an infected cat’s immune system and can result in uncontrolled infections and cancers, ultimately causing death. Cats contract these viruses from their mother at birth, from bites and scratches, or from contacting the saliva of other cats, as during shared grooming or sharing food dishes. Humans can NOT catch these viruses from their cats. It is recommended that cats be tested for FelV/FIV as early as 6 weeks of age. There is a vaccination available for FelV, but not FIV. The first vaccination is boosted in 3-4 weeks, and then boosted annually. The FelV vaccine is highly recommended if your cat goes outdoors, or lives with other cats which go outdoors.
How Often Should My Pet Go for a Wellness Check?
The recommendation for wellness checks can vary based on your pet’s age. In general, adult cats and dogs need schedule a wellness check each year. For geriatric pets, we recommend doing wellness checks twice a year. During these visits, the vet may perform blood or urine tests to check on your pet’s organ health.
Keep Your Pet in Peak Health
Vaccinations and preventative medicine can help you keep your pet healthy. Other than diagnosing problems, these visits can prevent future health issues. If you are uncertain about when to schedule your pet’s first appointment, reach out to Glenville Veterinary Clinic today.
