Puppy Vaccine Recommendations
DHPP: Start at 6-8 wks and vax every 3-4 wks until 16 wks. Usually 3-4 vax are given.
Rabies: Give 1 year vaccine no earlier than 12 wks, most prefer to give at 16 wks.
Lepto: Give to “at risk”puppies* no sooner than 12 wks of age, and booster 2-4 wks later.
Bordatella: Give single IN (intranasal) dose to “at risk” puppies** as young as 3-4 wks old (depending on manufacturer). No booster required.
Give Injectable dose at 8 wks old and booster at 12 wks old.
Influenza: Give “at risk dogs” 1st dose no earlier than 6 wks old and booster 2-4 wks later.
Lyme: Give “at risk” puppies 1st dose no early than 12 wks old and booster 2-4 wks later
Heartworm Prevention: Start before 6 months of age.
Adult Dog Vaccine Recommendations
DHPP: Booster 1 year after initial puppy series then every 3 years thereafter. If no vax hx as puppy, give 2 vax 3-4 wks apart then every 3 yrs for life.
Rabies: Booster 1 year after initial vaccine then every 1-3 years as allowed by law.
Lepto: Booster at risk dogs 1 year after initial series then yearly thereafter.
Bordatella: Booster at risk dogs 1 year after initial vaccine then yearly or more frequently for high risk animals.
Influenza: Booster at risk dogs 1 year after initial vaccine then annually.
Lyme: Booster at risk dogs 1 year after initial vaccine then annually.
Heartworm: Annual testing and year-round prevention.
Vaccination Key/Explanation:
DA2PP/DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Parainfluenza): is commonly referred to as “Distemper/Parvo” vaccine. This is an extremely important vaccine for puppies to have in series. Then, as an adult it may be given every 3 years.
Leptospirosis: is a bacteria found in the urine of wildlife (raccoons, opossums, skunks, foxes, rodents), hoofstock, other dogs and possibly in standing water/puddles. Infection can lead to kidney failure and it is contagious to humans. This vaccine is recommended yearly for dogs if there is any wildlife found where the dogs live/go. Dogs are programmed to sniff urine, so this is an invisible risk that can carry grave consequences if they are not protected.
Respiratory Vaccines (Bordatella/Kennel Cough and Canine Influenza Vaccine (CIV)): These vaccines help protect dogs that frequent groomers, boarding facilities, dog parks, doggie day care or anywhere else dogs congregate.
Rabies: This is a FATAL disease transmitted by infected animals (usually wildlife). This vaccine is required by law.
Lyme Vaccine: This disease is transmitted by infected ticks. It is recommended for dogs that travel to areas with heavy tick infestations. Currently this disease is not found in Florida.
These guidelines are based on the 2011 Vaccination Guidelines by AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association).
Note: Some veterinarians may discontinue some vaccines in geriatric patients if they feel the risk outweighs the benefit based on health status.
Kitten Vaccine Recommendations
FVRCP: Start at 6-8 wks and give vax every
3-4 wks until 16 wks. Usually 3 vax are given as kittens.
FeLV: Give to all kittens regardless of plans
for them to be indoors (many will escape
outside and need protection). Start vax as early as 8 weeks and give 2 vax 3-4 wks apart.
Felv/FIV Test: Can do any age, but best to wait until 12 wks as infected kittens may not show as positive until 12 weeks after exposure (birth). Repeating this test may be recommended to assure results.
Rabies: Give 1 year vaccine no early than 12 wks, most prefer to give at 16 wks.
Adult Cat Vaccine Recommendations
FVRCP: Booster 1 year after initial kitten series and then every 3 yrs for life. If no vax hx as kitten, give 2 vax 3-4 wks apart then every 3 yr for life.
FeLV: Booster 1 year after initial kitten series, then for high risk (totally outdoor) cats boost yearly. For low risk (occasional outdoor) cats boost every 2 yrs. For cats older than 3-4 yrs, a booster every 2-3 yrs is sufficient. Totally indoor cats do not need this vaccination.
Rabies: Booster 1 year after initial vaccine, then every 1-3 yrs as allowed by law.
Other optional vaccinations sometimes given to cats include:
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FIV: Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
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FIP: Feline Infectious Peritonitis
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Chlamydiophila felis (sometimes included with FVRCP as an additional C : FVRCPC)
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Bordatella bronchiseptica (kennel cough)
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Dermatophyte vaccines (ringworm)
These vaccines are considered “non-core” vaccinations given on the basis of an individual risk/ benefit assessment. Ask about the cat’s lifestyle as well as the lifestyle of any other cats in the household and whether the cat will be boarded or will travel.
Vaccination Key/Explanation:
FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calici, Panleukopenia): is commonly referred to as “Feline Distemper” and is an extremely important vaccination for kittens in series. Then, as an adult it may be given every 3 years.
FeLV (Feline Leukemia): Is a fatal disease cats can get primarily from close contact with other unvaccinated cats. It generally is transmitted through grooming each other or sharing a food or water bowl, and sometime through fighting. This vaccine is recommended for cats with outdoor access at a frequency determined by their specific lifestyle.
FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or “Feline Aids”): Is a fatal disease transmitted usually through fighting with infected cats. At present it is generally not recommended for routine vaccination because of testing issues.
Rabies: This is a FATAL disease transmitted by infected animals (usually wildlife). This vaccine is required by law.
These guidelines are based on the 2013 feline vaccination guidelines by the AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners)
Note: Some veterinarians may discontinue some vaccines in geriatric patients if they feel the risk outweighs the benefit based on health status.
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