Pet Vaccinations in Troutdale and Gresham

Preventive care is the basis for your pet's good health, and regular pet vaccinations are an important part of that care. Our Troutdale and Gresham veterinarian team advises new puppy and kitten owners to begin vaccinations with their first wellness care exam, which can be done as early as eight weeks old. Adult pets need regular pet vaccines, too, to keep them safe from contagious diseases.

Pet Vaccinations at Paws & Claws Animal Hospital

Pet vaccinations in Gresham and Troutdale are divided into two types: core and non-core. Core vaccines are those that are given to every animal in our care, and some are even required by law. Non-core vaccines, on the other hand, are only given to those pets that need them. The need for each vaccine depends on an animal’s lifestyle and habits.

Core Vaccines:

• Rabies is a viral disease than can be dangerous to the public as well as fatal to cats and dogs. The state of Oregon requires dogs to be vaccinated for rabies by the age of three months. In addition, Multnomah county requires cats to be vaccinated, as well. At Paws & Claws Pet Medical Center, we vaccinate all of our patients for rabies

• Distemper has canine and feline variations, and both cats and dogs need to be vaccinated against it. The vaccine is usually administered with those for other diseases in combination vaccinations. These are called DHPP for dogs, and FVRCP for cats.

• All dogs need canine hepatitus vaccines, while cats should be vaccinated against feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus type I. These are included in the combination Distemper vaccines.

Non-Core Vaccines:

• Dogs that spend time in the company of other dogs, like at dog parks, as well as dogs that are boarded in kennels, should be vaccinated against bordetella, or kennel cough. It's an extremely contagious disease that can spread through an entire facility in a matter of days, so reputable kennels won't allow your pet to board without proof of vaccination

• Dogs that spend a lot of time in woods and other areas wildlife are present should be vaccinated for Leptospirosis disease. Squirrels, rats, mice, raccoons, skunks and many other wildlife transmit this disease through their urine which contaminates soil and drinking sources. Leptospirosis can cross between species, and can even be transmitted to humans. This disease can damage vital organs, and is potentially fatal if left untreated.

• Outdoor cats should receive the Feline Leukemia Vaccine, FeLV. This will help protect against the retovirus that is transmitted from one feline to another via saliva and other bodily fluids. The virus is known to weaken or destory the immune system, and has been shown to cause cancer in cats.

Our veterinarians may recommend other non-core vaccines for your cat or dog, depending on your pet's age, environment, habits, or lifestyle. Having your pet vaccinated is one of the most important duties you'll have as a responsible dog or cat owner. To find a veterinarian serving Gresham or Troutdale to begin having your pet vaccinated, contact Paws & Claws Pet Medical Center at 503-405-1476. We'll make an appointment with a vet that fits in with your busy schedule, and get your pet on the road to a healthy and happy life.