Vaccination Programs

Vaccination Programs

Vaccines are important to ensure that your pet doesn't get sick. We offer a range of vaccines for dogs and cats, including a series of core vaccines that we recommend for all pets every 1-3 years.

CANINE VACCINES


CORE VACCINES

Core vaccines are those that are essential for all pets, regardless of their lifestyle or location. They protect against the most severe and common diseases that can affect animals, many of which can be fatal.

Canine Rabies

Rabies vaccines are required by law to be given every year by a licensed veterinarian. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including dogs, and is fatal once symptoms appear. The rabies virus is primarily transmitted through a bite from an infected animal. It travels via the nerves to the brain, where it causes inflammation and damage. Symptoms in dogs can vary, but often include changes in behavior, aggression, restlessness, and a variety of neurological signs. The disease can be prevented in dogs through vaccination.

DHLPP

The DHPP vaccine is a crucial immunization that offers protection against four major diseases in dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza. Distemper is a severe and often fatal disease that affects a dog's nervous system and respiratory system. Canine Hepatitis affects the liver and can lead to serious health problems. Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral illness that causes gastrointestinal tract issues and can also affect the heart muscles in young puppies. Parainfluenza virus is one of the many pathogens that can contribute to kennel cough. The DHPP vaccine is typically administered in a series of shots to puppies, starting from 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters given every 3-4 weeks until the puppies are about 16 weeks old. The next injection will take place a year after the last, and after this a booster will be given every 3 years.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can lead to serious health problems if not addressed promptly. It is caused by Leptospira bacteria, which are often found in standing water and damp soil, especially in rural or wooded areas. Dogs can contract the bacteria through contact with the urine of infected animals or by drinking, swimming in, or walking through contaminated water. Once infected, dogs may exhibit a range of symptoms including fever, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, jaundice, and in severe cases, kidney or liver failure. Additionally, Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning that humans can also become infected. While Leptospirosis may not not be recognized as a core vaccine in certain regions, is endemic in Sonoma County, leading us to classify it as one of our essential vaccines.

OTHER VACCINES

Bordetella

Bordetella, commonly known as Kennel Cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects dogs. It can cause inflammation of a dog's windpipe and voice box, and is characterized by a persistent, dry, hacking cough and can lead to more serious conditions such as pneumonia. It is most commonly contracted in places where dogs congregate, such as kennels, dog parks, or grooming salons. While this is not a core vaccine, it is strongly recommended for dogs that go to dog parks or play with others frequently. Additionally, vaccination against this disease is often required by groomers, doggy daycares, and boarding facilities. It is typically administered orally, but can also be given as an injection. This vaccine must be given yearly to remain up to date.

Canine Influenza

Canine Influenza, also known as dog flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that affects dogs and can also infect cats. There are two different strains of the virus - H3N8 and H3N2. Symptoms are similar to what humans experience with the flu, including coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, lethargy, reduced appetite, and fever. Dogs in close contact with infected dogs in places like kennels, groomers, day care services and shelters are at higher risk of infection. Vaccination is available and starts with a series of two injections 2-3 weeks apart, after which it is is given annually, especially to dogs in high-risk environments. These environments include dog parks, groomers, dog shows, kennels, and doggy daycares.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Dogs can contract Lyme disease from the bite of an infected tick, with the black-legged tick (or deer tick) being the primary carrier of the disease. Symptoms in dogs can include fever, loss of appetite, reduced energy, lameness, generalized stiffness, discomfort, or pain, and swelling of joints. In severe cases, it can also cause kidney damage. Lyme disease is present in Sonoma County, and dogs that go hiking or hunting with their owners, or live in rural areas or those with tall grasses are at higher risk of contracting it. The vaccination schedule for Lyme disease in dogs typically involves an initial vaccine, followed by a booster 2-4 weeks later and annual boosters thereafter.

FELINE VACCINES


CORE VACCINES

Core vaccines are those that are essential for all pets, regardless of their lifestyle or location. They protect against the most severe and common diseases that can affect animals, many of which can be fatal.

Feline Rabies

Rabies vaccines are required by law to be given every year by a licensed veterinarian. Rabies is a fatal viral infection that can affect all mammals, including cats. It is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Once the virus enters the body, it travels to the brain, causing inflammation and severe neurological symptoms. In cats, symptoms may include sudden behavioral changes, restlessness, aggression, and a variety of other neurological signs. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect your cat from rabies. It is administered when the kitten is 16 weeks of age, followed by a booster a year later. After the first two vaccinations, cats receive boosters every one to three years.

Feline Distemper Virus

Feline Distemper, also known as feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cats. FPV can be fatal, especially in kittens. It can cause severe and often life-threatening symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Vaccination against feline distemper is recommended for all cats, due to the severity and contagiousness of the disease. For kittens, vaccination takes place in a series of one injection every 3-4 weeks between 6 and 16 weeks of age, followed by an injection a year later. After this point, your cat only needs to be vaccinated every 3 years.

Feline Leukemia Virus

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a serious disease that can significantly compromise a cat's immune system, making them more susceptible to a range of secondary infections. It is spread through close contact, fighting, or from a mother cat to her kittens. Vaccination can help protect against FeLV, and keeping cats indoors and away from infected cats can help prevent the spread of the virus. This vaccine is not necessary for cats that will be kept indoors only, but is strongly recommended for cats that are indoor-outdoor or outdoor only. If you choose to vaccinate your cat against FeLV, the first dosage will be a series of two injections 2-3 weeks apart, followed by yearly injections for as long as it continues to go outdoors.

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