Following the American Association of Feline Practitioner’s guidelines for vaccination of cats, our veterinarians offer several important vaccines. We will work with you to develop a custom vaccination schedule for your cat based on his or her lifestyle.
RABIES VACCINATION (REQUIRED BY NY STATE LAW)
A rabies vaccination is extremely important and lifesaving, and is required by New York state law for all dogs, cats and ferrets. The first rabies vaccination should be administered no later than four months of age. Your dog will then receive a rabies vaccination booster the following year and then every three years after that.
4-IN-1 DHPP VACCINE
Our veterinarians recommend this vaccine, which protects against canine distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza, for all dogs. Because these diseases are extremely contagious and can easily be fatal, all dogs are at risk. Even indoor dogs can contract parvovirus if the virus is brought home on an un-suspecting owner’s shoes or clothes. Puppies should be vaccinated every 3-4 weeks starting at 6 weeks of age. Vaccination of adult dogs can be decreased to every 1-3 years.
LEPTOSPIROSIS VACCINE
“Lepto” is a bacterial infection of the liver and kidneys. Not only can lepto be fatal to dogs, but it can also be transmitted from dogs to human family members. Dogs contract lepto from exposure to contaminated outdoor water sources so any dog with access to lakes, creeks, or even puddles should be vaccinated. After an initial series, this vaccine should be repeated annually.
LYME VACCINE
Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks and is very common in New York. Symptoms in dogs include limping, fever, and loss of appetite. Rarely, lyme disease can cause life-threatening kidney failure. We recommend the vaccine for dogs who are known to get ticks or spend time in the woods or grass. After an initial series, this vaccine should be repeated annually.
BORDATELLA BRONCHISEPTICA (“KENNEL COUGH”)
Kennel cough is a contagious upper respiratory infection (a.k.a. “cold”) of dogs. If your dog stays at the kennel or goes to the groomer, the dog park, or anywhere else with lots of dogs, then he or she should be vaccinated. Depending on the level of your dog’s risk, the vaccine can be repeated every 6-12 months.
CANINE INFLUENZA (H3N8)
The canine “flu” causes severe upper and lower respiratory disease which is fatal in 1-5% of dogs. Outbreaks are not common but have been reported in kennels in the Dutchess/Putnam county area. Some kennels have started requiring this vaccine. After an initial series, this vaccine should be repeated annually.