Vaccinations
Vaccinations are one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent disease in pets. Our office carries a full line of vaccinations for dogs and cats. The vaccinations your pet needs will depend on age, overall health, lifestyle, and exposure risk. At each vaccination appointment our veterinarian will discuss your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors to determine an individualized vaccination protocol that is right for your pet. A typical vaccination appointment takes about 20–30 minutes and includes a full physical exam by the veterinarian. A vaccine certificate will be given to each client at the end of their scheduled appointment and can also be sent directly to boarding facilities and daycares if needed. Our electronic medical records system will automatically send reminders when your pet is due for vaccinations in the future.
Vaccine reactions are uncommon but can occur. If you have a pet that reacts to vaccines, preventative measures can be taken or vaccines can be given at separate appointments with no additional charge to ensure the safe vaccination of your pet.
Canine Vaccinations:
Distemper Parvo (DAHPP)
This 5 way vaccine protects against Distemper, Hepatitis, Adenovirus type-2, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. We recommend this vaccine be given to puppies at 8 weeks of age, 12 weeks of age, and 16 weeks of age. It is recommend that this vaccine also be given at 1 year of age and then annually to every three years thereafter. This combination vaccine is also available with Leptospirosis.
Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
This 3 way vaccine is intranasal and protects against Adenovirus type-2, Parainfluenza, and Bordetella bronchiseptica. We recommend this vaccine for any dog that is frequently around other dogs or visits places with high volumes of dogs. This would include dogs who visit dog parks, daycare facilities, boarding facilities, groomers, dog shows, or training classes. We recommend this vaccine be given to puppies at 12 weeks of age and 16 weeks of age. Annual vaccination is recommended thereafter.
Rabies
According to Pennsylvania state law dogs must receive a rabies vaccine between the ages of 12-16 weeks and again a year later. A current rabies vaccine must be maintained for the life of the dog. Rabies vaccines are given annually to every three years for adult dogs and cats.
Lyme
Lyme is a tick borne disease and this vaccine is recommended for any dog with tick exposure. This vaccine is given to puppies at 12 weeks of age and 16 weeks of age and then annually thereafter.
Canine Influenza
Our office utilizes a bivalent vaccine that protects dogs against the H3N2 and H3N8 influenza strains. This vaccine is recommended for dogs with high exposure to other dogs and is required by many boarding and daycare facilities. Influenza vaccine can be started anytime in puppies and dogs over 8 weeks of age and requires an initial vaccine followed by a booster 3-4 weeks later and then annually.
Leptospirosis
This bacterial disease is zoonotic and comes from contaminated water, soil, or contact with urine of infected animals. This disease is rising in prevalence and the vaccine is recommended for dogs that swim, travel, or live near water, wooded areas, or farms. Vaccination is recommended for puppies at 12 weeks of age and 16 weeks of age. Vaccination is repeated at 1 year of age and then annually. Leptospirosis can be given alone or in combination with Distemper Parvo.
Feline Vaccinations:
FVRCP
This 3 way combination vaccine protects against Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. We recommend this vaccine for all kittens at 8 weeks of age, 12 weeks of age, and 16 weeks of age. This vaccine is then given annually for the life of the cat.
Rabies
Our office utilizes a special feline only rabies vaccine to reduce the risk of reaction. Pennsylvania state law requires cats to receive a rabies vaccine between the ages of 12-16 weeks and again a year later. A current rabies vaccine must be maintained for the life of the cat. This vaccine is given to kittens at 16 weeks of age and then annually for the life of the cat.
Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
We recommend this vaccine for all kittens and some adults. This vaccine is given to kittens at 12 weeks of age and 16 weeks of age. The vaccination is repeated at 1 year of age for all cats and then annually for those at higher risk.