Vaccines

Core vaccinations are vital to all cats and dogs. Non-core vaccinations depend on your pet’s environment and lifestyle. Our doctors can recommend which vaccinations are best for your pet’s needs.  We are currently recommending an extended vaccine protocol for most vaccinations.

Cat Vaccinations:

Rabies: The rabies vaccine is the only vaccination required by law for all cats. After being vaccinated, each cat will receive a tag number and a vaccination certificate. We recommend the PurVax 1 year Rabies vaccine for its reduced cancer risk. This vaccine will need to be booster annually.

Feline Distemper Combination Vaccine: This includes protection against Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper) virus, a lethal virus that can infect your cat’s digestive tract, and two potentially fatal respiratory viruses: Rhinotracheitis and Calici Virus. It is given every 3 years and is recommended for every cat.

Feline Leukemia Virus: This vaccine is recommended for cats that go outdoors, or that contact cats that go outdoors. When necessary, this vaccine is given annually.

Dog Vaccinations

Rabies: The rabies vaccine is the only vaccination required by law for all dogs. After being vaccinated, each dog will receive a tag number and a certificate which you can send in to your local county to get your dog license. The canine rabies vaccine will be a 1 year vaccine the first time, and every 3 years after that.

Canine Distemper Combination Vaccine: Canine Distemper combination vaccination includes protection against Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza virus. It is given every 3 years after the initial series. We recommend this for all dogs.  If your dog likes to swim, hike, or drink from every rain puddle we recommend the Leptospirosis portion of the vaccine be boostered annually. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through urine contamination of water. It is zoonotic (spreading from animals to people) and can be fatal for multiple species. It typically affects the liver, kidney, or both depending on the strain.  

Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through the urine of wildlife. Today, lepto is the number one infectious cause of acute kidney failure in dogs.¹ Common lepto carriers include raccoons, skunks, opossums, squirrels and rats. The lepto bacteria can survive for long periods in water and on wet grass. Infection occurs when dogs wade through or drink from contaminated water sources. The bacteria can enter through a cut in the skin or mucous membranes, such as the eye, nose or mouth. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic infection, which means that the infection can spread from animals to humans and vice versa.

Lyme: Lyme vaccine provides protection against the Lyme bacteria, which is transmitted by ticks that are commonly found throughout most of the U.S., including Virginia. Common symptoms include lethargy, swollen joints and fever. This vaccine is recommended for all dogs that are exposed to ticks, which thrive in areas of vegetation and the Virginia climate. Good flea and tick prevention is the first line of defense.  We recommend monthly flea and tick prevention. The vaccine will help protect animals who are exposed.

Bordetella: This vaccination protects against one of the important microbes that causes “Kennel Cough”, a mixed bacterial and viral infection of the respiratory system. Common symptoms include coughing and gagging. Kennel Cough is highly contagious; the vaccine is recommended for all dogs who visit kennels, grooming facilities, parks, or doggie daycare. Puppies are highly susceptible. It is recommended annually for dogs at risk, but can be boostered every 6 months for those pets who are at the highest risk.

Canine Influenza (CIV): CIV vaccination provides protection against a highly contagious strain of influenza, a virus known as H3N8. This canine “flu” virus causes upper respiratory disease. 80% of infected dogs suffer nasal discharge, lethargy, loss of appetite, persistent cough and fever. Typically we only offer this vaccine for those whose boarding kennels require it. We will continue to monitor this virus and its movements and adjust our recommendation appropriately.