Frequently Asked Questions
how often does my pet need to be vaccinated?
We recommend a series of 3 vaccines for puppy and kittens. Each vaccine should be given one month apart with the final one around the 16 weeks of age. After the initial series the pet should be boostered one year later, then every three years for life.
What do we vaccinate for?
Dogs:
In our area we recommend vaccinations against parvovirus, canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus both infectious canine hepatitis caused by CAV-1 and infectious tracheobronchitis associated with CAV-2, and coronavirus. Rabies virus, and the upper respiratory complex ie kennel cough this includes Canine Adenovirus Type 2, Parainfluenza, Bordetella Bronchiseptica Vaccine.
This sounds like a lot of different vaccinations, however it is only 3 different administrations. Two are injectable and one goes intranasal (up the nose).
Cats:
The core vaccines we use on cats include feline rhinotracheitis(feline herpes), calici and panleukopenia viruses. These viruses cause primary respiratory sighs. The other core vaccine recommended is rabies.
When should my pet be spayed or neutered?
For cats and small to medium size dogs, the recommended sterilizations date is 6 months or older. For large breed dogs the recommended sterilization date is closer to one year anywhere from 10-12 months. Spaying your pet once it has gone through 2 heat cycles significant increased its risk of mammary cancer, and life threatening pyometra (uterine infection).
How often should my pet be dewormed?
The standard at the clinic is every 6 months, however depending on your pets life style the frequency may need to be increased in the summer months.