Vaccines

We tailor vaccines for each pet, based upon the pet’s specific lifestyle.  For instance, we would not recommend a feline leukemia vaccine for cats that are strictly indoor.  On the other hand, a dog that goes to doggy daycare would require a Bordetella (Kennel Cough) vaccine and we would also highly recommend a dog flu vaccine.

One thing to keep in mind about all vaccines, whether for humans or pets, is that vaccines are unable to provide a 100% guarantee that your pet will not contract the disease for which they are vaccinated against, however it simply is the best protection available. For example, the Bordetella (Kennel Cough) vaccine covers a handful of strains of the disease, which is why some dogs will contract Kennel Cough, even if they have been vaccinated against it.  Symptoms of the dog flu (H3N2 and H3N8) can mimic the symptoms of Kennel Cough, so if your dog is suspected to have Kennel Cough, we will recommend testing for the dog flu to rule in or rule out the proper treatment. Click here  for more information.

For pet owners who prefer to reduce the number and type of vaccinations given to their pets, the other option is to do blood testing for specific vaccine-related titers.

From the AVMA.org:

“In brief: An antibody titer is a measurement of the concentration of antibodies in the blood, as determined by a test involving repeatedly diluting a blood sample and exposing those dilutions to an antigen.”

What the titer strives to determine is the level of immunity your specific pet has achieved for a particular disease for which they have been vaccinated.  There are many variables regarding whether titer testing is accepted as proof of immunity, instead of a vaccine.  For example:  some doggy daycares, kennels, or cat boarding facilities may not accept titer testing in lieu of vaccinating. If you are considering titer testing, make sure to check with these places in advance to clarify whether or not they accept titer testing.  For our area, taking your dog across the border into Canada requires a Rabies certificate of vaccination.  A Rabies titer is not an acceptable passport to get your dog into Canada.  Rabies vaccines for dogs and cats are now required by law in Washington State.

CANINE

The following are recommended guidelines for dog vaccines from the American Veterinary Medical Association:

• DAP: (canine distemper virus, adenovirus type 2 and canine parainfluenza virus):  Given to puppies at 7-9 weeks of age, and every 3-4 weeks thereafter until the puppy is 16 weeks of age.
• Leptospirosis:  Given at 7 weeks of age or older and again 3-4 weeks after initial dose.  Lasts for one year after second dose.
• Bordetella (kennel cough):  Transmucosal (given orally) and is good for one year with a single dose.
• Canine Influenza:  One dose at 6 weeks of age or older, and then a second dose 2-4 weeks later.
• Rabies :  Given at 16 weeks of age  (good for 1 year).

For adult dogs, how long the vaccines we give are good for depends on several factors (whether the dog completed a timely series of vaccines, whether they’ve had a particular vaccine in the past or not, etc.).

FELINE

It is highly recommended that all cats and kitten be tested for Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FELV/FIV). The following is from Cornell University Feline Health Center:

“How is FELV spread?”

Cats persistently infected with FELV serve as sources of infection. Virus is shed in very high quantities in saliva and nasal secretions, but also in urine, feces, and milk from infected cats. Cat-to-cat transfer of virus may occur from a bite wound, during mutual grooming, and (though rarely) through the shared use of litter boxes and feeding dishes. Transmission can also take place from an infected mother cat to her kittens, either before they are born or while they are nursing. FELV doesn’t survive long outside a cat’s body—probably less than a few hours under normal household conditions.

Core vaccines for cats

• Rabies:  Given at 16 weeks of age, and then annually or triennially thereafter.
• FVRCP (Feline 3-way):  Given at 6-8 weeks of age, with the final booster given no sooner than 16 weeks of age.  Given triennially thereafter.

For more in-depth information regarding vaccines for dogs and cats, visit: www.aaha.org