I volunteer at a local shot clinic that offers low cost vaccinations. My first question is always “what does your pet need?” Most of the time the answer I receive is “I don’t know”. The client pulls out their records and I have to figure out what they need.
Often I run into people who thought they only had to vaccinate one time and they were done. Pet owners sometimes do not understand you have to have a complete vaccinations series if you have a puppy before you can even think about bringing your pup into public.
That means don’t even think about letting your sweet new pup walk on the ground in the grass in your front yard let alone on a public side walk, street or god forbid a dogs park.
Often times, families with a new puppy are out in public that are not old enough for shots. For example, they bring a new puppy to the pet store. Although it seems logical to bring a pet to a pet store, that is a no-no and the last thing you should do with a young pup.
A pet store is the last place you should bring a young puppy. Leave your puppy at home when you go pick up some treats.
Once your puppy complete its vaccination series over the course of 16 weeks, its still not ready. Vaccines do not stimulate immunity immediately after they are administered. Once a vaccine is administered, the antigens must be recognized, responded to and remembered by the immune system. Full protection from a vaccine usually takes up to fourteen days after the last shot of the full Series.
So to be safe 18 weeks before you can bring your new puppy everywhere you want to go. 18-weeks may seem like a long time, but its all worth the way. Remember, a healthy puppy is a happy puppy.
Now you need to know what vaccines your puppy needs and when.
Vaccines are divided into separate groups:
- Core: all animals should get them
- Non-core. it will depend on many different factors weather or not you’re pet should get them like, age, health, and geographical location of where the pet resides.
(Dogs)
Most people have heard of the combination vaccine 5 in 1 – DHLPP or DHPP or DAPP but are puzzled about what it means or what exactly their pet is vaccinated for. There are also single shot offered called Coronavirus, Bordetella and rabies.
(Cat)
Again most people have heard if the combination shots known as FVRCP but are puzzled about what it means or what exactly their pet is vaccinated for. There are also single shots offered called, FeLV and Rabies
These are the most common vaccinations offered but not the only vaccinations. To determine what your pet need additionally to these please speak to you pets veterinarian.
For Dogs Name | Type | When to give | Disease Description/Symptoms |
|
| D-Distemper | Core | (Puppies)Starting at 6 weeks, vaccinate every 3 to 4 weeks (6, 10, 14 or 8, 12, 16 weeks) up to 14 or 16 weeks; final shot should be given between 14 and 16 weeks. (This is called a complete vaccinations series or schedule) (Adult dogs) 16 weeks or older 1 Vaccine should be given yearly | The first signs of canine distemper include sneezing, coughing and thick mucus coming from the eyes and nose. Fever, lethargy, sudden vomiting and diarrhea, depression and/or loss of appetite are also symptoms of the virus. Can be deadly | spreads through the air, “inhaling” droplets and through contact with infected bodily fluids, including nasal and ocular secretions, feces, and urine, six to 22 days after exposure. It can also be spread by food and water contaminated with these fluids. Your pet can catch this by simple walking on the ground in public when a complete vaccinations series or schedule is not completed | |
| H-Hepatitis Or A-adenovirus | Core | (Puppies)Starting at 6 weeks, vaccinate every 3 to 4 weeks (6, 10, 14 or 8, 12, 16 weeks) up to 14 or 16 weeks; final shot should be given between 14 and 16 weeks. (This is called a complete vaccinations series or schedule) (Adult dogs) 16 weeks or older 1 Vaccine should be given yearly | Hepatitis can cause a range of symptoms. Some dogs show very mild symptoms, but in severe cases the disease can be fatal. Symptoms can include any of the following: fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, runny eyes and nose, cough, vomiting, bleeding under the skin, bruising (may be noticed in the mouth), swelling of the head, neck and trunk, fluid accumulation in abdomen, jaundice, seizures, increases thirst and urination, bluish clouding of cornea is seen in some animals later on in the course of disease (“hepatitis blue eye”)
| Canine adenovirus type 1 is found all over the world, and is spread by bodily fluids, including nasal discharge and urine. The most common method of transmission is direct contact with an infected dog, especially the dog’s urine. Contaminated kennels or living quarters, bowls and other supplies, and human hands and shoes can also transmit the virus. Your pet can catch this by simple walking on the ground in public when a complete vaccinations series or schedule is not completed | |
| L-Leptospirosis |
Non-Core | Talk with your vet to see if this vaccine is needs for your pet. This vaccine is not recommended for small pet or pets that are no healthy | Leptospirosis bacteria are transmitted through urine that contaminates water sources and can remain infectious in soil for up to six months. Dogs pick up the bacteria through a cut or break in the skin when they come in contact with contaminated water or soil, or when they drink contaminated water. Dogs most at risk for leptospirosis are those that spend a lot of time in the water. | When symptoms do occur they usually appear between 4 and 12 days after exposure to the bacteria, and can include fever, muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, depression, and blood in the urine. Blood clotting problems can also develop, which can result in blood in the stool and bleeding from the tissues of the mouth | |
| P-parvo virous #1 Killer in Puppies | Core
| (Puppies)Starting at 6 weeks, vaccinate every 3 to 4 weeks (6, 10, 14 or 8, 12, 16 weeks) up to 14 or 16 weeks; final shot should be given between 14 and 16 weeks. (This is called a complete vaccinations series or schedule) (Adult dogs) 16 weeks or older 1 Vaccine should be given yearly | After 3 – 14 days of transmission, your dog or Puppy will exhibit one or all of these symptoms (Puppies are especially at risk) When parvo is involved, every hour counts. The secret of survival is quick treatment, don’t ignore these symptoms Lethargic. If your dog normally likes to play and has high energy, this is the clearest sign that something is wrong. Lack of Appetite. The more common strains attack the digestive system, Vomiting with no change in diet. It usually looks clear and foamy, Bloody Diarrhea(very stinky)
| Parvo disease is spread from dog to dog mainly through exposure to contaminated feces. It is also spread through contact with contaminated objects. Common contaminated objects include hands, instruments, clothing, food and water dishes, toys and bedding. Insects and rodents can also provide a means for disease spread. The virus can remain on a dog’s hair coat and serve as a means of transmission long after recovery from clinical disease. The contaminants often unable to be seen can live and thrive in your home and on sidewalks for up to 6 – 10 MONTHS. Your pet can catch this by simple walking on the ground in public when a complete vaccinations series or schedule is not completed | |
| P- Parainfluenza | Non-Core “But is in most 5-1 shots “ | (Puppies)Starting at 6 weeks, vaccinate every 3 to 4 weeks (6, 10, 14 or 8, 12, 16 weeks) up to 14 or 16 weeks; final shot should be given between 14 and 16 weeks. (This is called a complete vaccinations series or schedule) (Adult dogs) 16 weeks or older 1 Vaccine should be given yearly |
| Canine parainfluenza is a viral condition that is transmitted through a variety of means, including contact with affected dogs and the bowls, bedding and kennels that they use, and by means of the airborne particles from coughing and sneezing. After infection and potential recovery, dogs can continue to pass on the virus responsible for the condition for up to two weeks.
| |
| Rabies | Core | This is a mandatory vaccine regulated by city or county And is given 1-3 year depending on the age of your pet | Rabies virus causes encephalitis (swelling in the brain) it is almost always fatal. The first symptoms of rabies may include lethargy, fever, vomiting, and anorexia. Signs progress within days to cerebral dysfunction, cranial nerve dysfunction, ataxia, weakness, paralysis, seizures, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, abnormal behavior, aggression, and/or self-mutilation. | Rabies virus is spread by contact with the saliva of an infected animal. Transmission is usually through a bite wound, but the disease has been known to spread through a scratch or an existing open wound. | |
| Bordetella Commonly known as kennel cough | Non- Core | (Puppies)1st shot given at 8 weeks 2nd shot given at 12 weeks Please remember you pet is building immunities to this disease with every vaccination and No puppy should go in public until it is 16 weeks and had a complete series or schedule (Adult ) every 6month to a year | Once infected, dogs usually develop a harsh, hacking cough that sounds as though something is caught in their throat. It often sounds like a goose honk. This is different from a cough-like sound made by some dogs, especially little ones, which is called a reverse sneeze. Reverse sneezes can be normal in certain dogs and breeds, and usually only indicates the presence of post-nasal drip or a slight irritation of the throat. (Can lead to pneumonia) | This vaccine is typically only needed (if your pet will be doing to a groomer, dog park or boarding kennel) please speak to your vet to determine if you pet is a good candidate for this vaccination Exposure to crowded and/or poorly ventilated conditions, such as are found in many kennels and shelters, Cold temperatures, Exposure to dust or cigarette smoke orTravel-induced stress
| |
| Corona- virus | Non-Core | (Puppies)Starting at 6 weeks, vaccinate every 3 to 4 weeks (6, 10, 14 or 8, 12, 16 weeks) up to 14 or 16 weeks; final shot should be given between 14 and 16 weeks. (This is called a complete vaccinations series or schedule) (Adult dogs) 16 weeks or older 1 Vaccine should be given yearly | Symptoms of coronavirus are similar to parvovirus and include nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite and diarrhea. The diarrhea is often yellow in color and can include blood or mucus. Diarrhea is often accompanied by a foul odor. With prolonged diarrhea and vomiting, dehydration becomes a concern. | Transmitted by contact with infected oral and fecal secretions. Following infection, the virus is shed in the stool for many months | |
| For Cats Name | Type | When to give | Disease Description/Symptoms | How its transmitted
|
| FVR Feline rhinotracheitis virus | Core | kittens between 6 and 8 weeks of age should receive every 3 weeks until the kitten is at least 12weeks of age. On kittens and adult cats that are 12 weeks of age and older that have not received the initial FVR vaccine; it is recommend that they receive 2 doses of FVR, 3-4 Weeks apart. Then once a year there after. | Initial signs of FVR include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, and sometimes fever (up to 106) and loss of appetite | FVR is transmitted through direct contact The virus is shed in saliva and eye and nasal secretions, and can also be spread through contact with contaminated objects. |
| C-calicivirus | Core | kittens between 6 and 8 weeks of age should receive every 3 weeks until the kitten is at least 12weeks of age. On kittens and adult cats that are 12 weeks of age and older that have not received the initial FVR vaccine; it is recommend that they receive 2 doses of FVR, 3-4 Weeks apart. Then once a year there after | signs of FCV include fever, conjunctivitis(pink eye, swollen inner eye tissue) , nasal discharge, sneezing, and ulcers in the mouth (stomatitis). Pneumonia may develop with secondary bacterial infections | Calicivirus is spread through direct contact with the saliva, eye and nose discharges, and sometimes the feces, of an infected cat. |
| P-Panleukopenia (feline distemper) | Core | kittens between 6 and 8 weeks of age should receive every 3 weeks until the kitten is at least 12weeks of age. On kittens and adult cats that are 12 weeks of age and older that have not received the initial FVR vaccine; it is recommend that they receive 2 doses of FVR, 3-4 Weeks apart. Then once a year there after | The symptoms of panleukopenia can be similar to those seen in dogs with parvo or canine distemper (fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures), which is why the disease is sometimes called ‘feline distemper.’ Panleukopenia in young unvaccinated kittens is usually fatal. | FPV is most commonly transmitted when a susceptible cat has contact with the feces or urine of infected cats. Infected cats shed the virus in their feces and urine up to 6 weeks after they recover. FPV can also be spread by contact with urine- or feces-contaminated items such as food bowls, water dishes, clothing, shoes, hands, bedding, and litter boxes. The virus can remain on a cat’s hair coat and serve as a means of transmission long after recovery from clinical disease. The contaminants often unable to be seen can live and thrive in your home and on sidewalks for up to 6 – 10 MONTHS |
| FeLV (Leukemia) | Recommended for all cats that live outside full or part time, or those living full time inside but with exposure to outside cats. Also suggested for all kittens. | The first vaccination can be given after 10 weeks of age. After given, the FeLV vaccine is repeated in 3-4 weeks. The kitten must have a negative FeLV test before being Vaccinated. Then once a year there after. | Cats infected with FeLV may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms: Pale gums, Yellow color in the mouth and whites of eyes, Enlarged lymph nodes, Bladder, skin, or upper respiratory infections, Weight loss and/or loss of appetite, Poor coat condition, Progressive weakness and lethargy, Fever, Diarrhea and Breathing difficulty. | FeLV is passed from one cat to another through saliva, blood, and to some extent, urine and feces |
| Rabies | Core | The Rabies vaccination is given at or after 12 weeks of age, and then repeated after 1 year and every 3 years after the initial booster. | Rabies virus causes encephalitis (swelling in the brain) it is almost always fatal. The first symptoms of rabies may include lethargy, fever, vomiting, and anorexia. Signs progress within days to cerebral dysfunction, cranial nerve dysfunction, ataxia, weakness, paralysis, seizures, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, abnormal behavior, aggression, and/or self-mutilation. | Rabies virus is spread by contact with the saliva of an infected animal. Transmission is usually through a bite wound, but the disease has been known to spread through a scratch or an existing open wound. |
Information provided by Kristy Keusch
