Vaccinations:

Vaccinations are an important part of the wellness care for most pets and are especially important for younger pets. Vaccination protocols have changed over the years and there is still more changes on the horizon as vaccines are improved and as infectious diseases change.

 The vaccination protocols currently recommended for pets takes into consideration the age of the pet, the pets health status and the exposure risks for that pet. Due to the many differences with each pet, each vaccine protocol recommended may be different and must be tailored to the individual pet. We strive to do what is best for each pet based on many variables.

Puppies and kittens are especially at risk for many infectious diseases and therefore vaccinations are an extremely important part of their preventative health care. Generally we recommend vaccines start for puppies and kittens at 7-8 weeks of age, and boosters are recommended at monthly intervals until they are 16 wks of age. The recommendations on vaccines and other important health issues will be explained when the puppies or kittens come in for their first office visit. Since many puppies and kittens have had some vaccinations and other treatments done, prior to the owner acquiring the pet, it is important to have as much information as possible, regarding what has been done previously, so that we can determine the best protocol for that pet.

Dogs can be immunized against distemper_; hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvo, rabies and bordatella (kennel cough). Cats can be immunized against feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia virus, rabies and feline leukemia.

During the office visit, a thorough history will be completed and then a complete physical exam will be done. The doctor will then make vaccine recommendations and the appropriate vaccines will be administered. During the visit you will receive recommendations on other important preventative health care subjects and the doctor will make recommendations for any other problems that need to be addressed based on the history and physical examination.