Vaccinations

Our veterinarians use the American Animal Hospital Association’s vaccine guidelines to create individualized vaccine protocols for our patients.

Puppies and kittens should begin their core vaccination series between 6 and 8 weeks of age.  These vaccines are boostered every 3-4 weeks until these young animals are about 16 weeks of age.  Boostering vaccinations ensures puppies and kittens develop strong immunity against fatal illnesses before encountering these diseases in the environment.

  • Core vaccinations for puppies are DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus), leptospirosis, bordetella and rabies virus.
  • Core vaccinations for indoor cats are FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia) and rabies virus.

Our veterinarians will discuss “lifestyle” vaccinations for puppies or kittens who may have exposure to other diseases in the course of their daily activities.

  • Cats who will spend time outdoors should receive the feline leukemia vaccines series.
  • Dogs who will spend time in close contact with other dogs in boarding facilities, doggy daycare or dog parks should be vaccinated for canine influenza.  Those who hike and camp with their dogs may wish to consider the Lyme vaccination.

Adult vaccine protocols will vary based on current vaccine status, lifestyle and risks.  Once initial vaccine series are completed, they will be boostered at a one or three year frequency based on the manufacturer’s guidelines for each pathogen.

Our veterinarians will guide you through a vaccine protocol that is tailored to your pet’s lifestyle as vaccine protocols are never “one-size-fits-all.”

Wellness Exams

Annual (semi-annual for senior pets) wellness exams include a complete physical examination of your pet from nose to tail. We’ll check its eyes, nose, ears, and teeth, listen to the heart and lungs, palpate the abdomen, and assess bone structure and muscle tone.  Our doctors and veterinary care team members will ask questions about your pet’s appetite and activity levels and determine if there are any other medical issues that need to be addressed.  Based on your four-legged family member’s lifestyle and risk factors, our doctors will recommend vaccines and parasite preventatives to ensure your pet is protected from contagious diseases and pests.  Most importantly, wellness visits allow us to get to know you and your pet so we can work together to help ensure a lifetime of good health.