Vaccines

Vaccines (shots) are medications that protect your pet from some viruses and bacteria. They come as a small vial of liquid that is either given by a needle under the skin or with a syringe in the nose or mouth. Vaccines are usually not painful for our pets.

Why should I vaccinate my pet?

Vaccines protect against sicknesses that do not have a cure and that can cause death. Giving your pet a vaccine helps prevent them from getting these sicknesses and can be life-saving. They also help protect other pets from getting sick by stopping disease spread.

Are vaccines safe?

It is very rare for our pets to get sick from vaccines. But remember, no medications are ever 100% safe. If your pet does get sick from the shot it is usually because of an allergic reaction to the medication. Signs of an allergic reaction are a puffy face, a lump where we gave the shot, an upset stomach or heavy breathing. If you notice any of these signs, please contact a vet. 

It is normal for your pet to be sleepy after their shots.

We only like to give vaccines to healthy animals. If your pet is sick, we might suggest coming back another time.

What vaccines should I give my dog?

Core vaccines (recommended for all healthy dogs):

  1. DAPP (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza)

  2. Rabies 

  3. Leptospira

Optional vaccines (recommended for at-risk dogs):

  1. Bordetella bronchiseptica (aka kennel cough)

Vaccines for dogs

  • Puppies can have their first vaccines after they are 6 weeks of age.

    They will need 2-3 boosters after their first shot until they are fully protected.

  • Adult dogs should receive their first vaccines 1 year after their puppy shots. 

    After this, DAPP and Rabies can be given every 3 years and Leptospira and Kennel cough must be given every year for full protection. 

    If your adult dog has never had a vaccine, we can still get them protected by giving them a booster 4 weeks after their first shot.

  • That is ok!

    If you don’t know if your dog has ever had vaccines or if you forget when they last got a vaccine, it is always best to just vaccinate - when in doubt, vaccinate!

    If your dog is OVERDUE for vaccines, they might need to get an additional booster

When should my dog get their vaccines?

How old your dog is will help us decide what vaccines they should get. These are some general rules:

What vaccines should I give my cat?

Cats need vaccines too! Even if they don’t go outside.

The most common cat vaccines are:

  1. FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia)

  2. Rabies.

Cats who do go outside and meet other cats should be vaccinated for Feline Leukemia

Vaccines for cats

When should my cat get their vaccines?

How old your cat is and what their life is like will help us decide what vaccines they should get. These are some basic rules:

  • A kitten should receive its first vaccine at 6-8 weeks of age and will need 2-3 boosters before they are fully protected.

  • Adult cats should get a booster for FVRCP and Rabies at 1 year of age and then can get boosters every 3 years. 

    Feline leukemia needs to be given every year.

  • That is ok!

    If you don’t know if your cat has ever had vaccines or if you forget when they last got a vaccine, it is always best to just vaccinate - when in doubt, vaccinate!

    If your adult cat has never had vaccines, they will need a booster 4 weeks after their first shot