The Importance of Vaccinations
Vaccines for puppies and kittens are particularly important. The immune systems of puppies and kittens are not fully developed, making them particularly vulnerable to diseases. Puppy and kitten vaccines lay down the foundation for a healthy immune system throughout their lifetime.
What are Core Vaccines?
Core Vaccines are considered vital to all pets based on risk of exposure, severity of disease or transmissibility to humans.
Core Dog Vaccinations
Rabies: This is a state-required vaccine that prevents against the rabies virus. This is a "core" vaccine that is done every 1 - 3 years depending on the situation.
DHPP: This is a combination vaccine that protects against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza-four viruses that could be very harmful to your pet. This is a "core" vaccine that is usually done every 3 years in adults after the appropriate puppy series.
Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is spread through the urine of infected animals including rodents and wildlife. It can cause liver and kidney failure and can affect humans. In 2024, 3 major veterinary institutions responsible for research and guidelines for veterinarians (ACVIM, WSAVA and AAHA) conferred that leptospirosis should be considered a "core" vaccine for all dogs. This is due to the disease being seen more commonly and the highly infectious, potentially deadly risk to animals and people.
Non-Core or Lifestyle Vaccines for Dogs
Lifestyle vaccinations are non-core vaccines that your pet may need depending on their lifestyle or risk of exposure. We will help you determine what is best for your pet. We may ask you to come back in 3 - 4 weeks or split the vaccines as giving too many at one time can adversely affect your pet and make them feel unwell.
Bordetella: Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacteria that causes inflammation of the upper respiratory system. Kennel cough is a syndrome of a multitude of highly contagious upper respiratory viruses and bacteria of which bordetella can be a component. This vaccine can be given in the nose, mouth or via a subcutaneous injection. This vaccination does not completely eliminate the risk of your pet contracting kennel cough, but reduces the severity of the disease.
Influenza and Lyme: these are additional vaccines that are available and may be needed depending on your dog's lifestyle.
Core Cat Vaccines
Rabies is a "core" vaccine for cats. It is given every 1 to 3 years depending on the situation.
FVRCP is a core combination vaccine for cats that protects against 3 common and potentially fatal feline diseases: Rhinotracheitis or herpesvirus, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia or feline distemper. This vaccine is typically given every 3 years after the appropriate kitten series.
Non-Core or Lifestyle Vaccines for Cats
FELV or Feline Leukemia Virus is a non-core vaccine that your pet may need depending on their lifestyle. If your cat will be going outdoors at all or will be put in a situation where he/she will come into contact with a cat of unknown vaccination status, then we recommend that your pet be vaccinated for Feline Leukemia.
To schedule your appointment in Northlake, call us at (972) 559-9500.
