Pet Vaccines 101

Getting a new puppy or kitten is both exciting...and a little scary! Scary because most owners are unsure about what vaccines to give and when, or what vaccines are actually necessary. Just because a vaccine exists, does not mean that it is an effective vaccine or that your new puppy or kitten needs it.

Here is a simple breakdown on vaccines; let’s call it Pet Vaccines 101. Before making any decisions though, you should always consult a veterinarian to discuss your puppy's, or kitten's individual lifestyle and risk factors.

Core Vaccines for Pets

Core vaccines are recommended for all pets because all pets are at risk, regardless of lifestyle or age.

Dogs

  • Rabies Vaccine
  • Distemper/Parvo Combo Vaccine

Cats

  • Rabies Vaccine
  • Feline Dist/Upper Respiratory Vaccine

Non-Core Vaccines for Pets

Non-core vaccines are recommended based on lifestyle and risk factors of individual pets. At Aspen Grove, we will not automatically vaccinate or send reminders to clients for non-core vaccines. Our doctors and staff will discuss your pet’s individual risk factors and lifestyle and make recommendations during your annual wellness visit.

Dogs (non-core)

  • Bordatella (a.k.a Kennel Cough): Kennel Cough is highly contagious! This vaccine is recommended for dogs who go to dog parks, boarding, grooming, or are around other dogs. It is contracted anywhere dogs commune together. Bordatella is an airborne bacteria and dogs contract it like people contract colds.
  • CIV (Canine Influenza Virus): CIV is highly contagious! This vaccine is recommended for dogs who go to dog parks, boarding, grooming, or are around other dogs. CIV is an airborne virus and dogs contract it like people contract colds.
  • Leptospirosis (Lepto): Lepto is a bacteria found in stagnate or contaminated water. This vaccine is recommended for clients who take their dogs into the mountains (hiking, camping, etc) or who live by a drainage ditch or lake.
  • Rattlesnake: We only recommend Rattlesnake vaccine if a dog is at “imminent risk.” The rattlesnake vaccine is a fairly new vaccine and is supposed to counteract the affects of venom in the blood. However, if your dog gets bit, they still need to be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Vaccines for dogs that we do not recommend

  • Giardia: Giardia vaccine is only about 28% effective. It’s one of the least effective vaccines on the market.
  • Corona: Corona virus presents like parvo but is a “self-limiting virus,” which means that a puppy might be sick for a few days but gets well on its own or with little intervention to manage the symptoms.

Cats (non-core)

  • Leukemia: Feline Leukemia is highly contagious and lethal. This vaccine is recommended for all outdoor cats, even cats who go outside “occasionally”. Indoor cats are not at risk.
  • FIV (a.k.a Feline Aids): FIV is highly contagious and lethal. This vaccine is recommended for all outdoor cats, even cats who go outside “occasionally”. Indoor cats are not at risk.

Puppy & Kitten Vaccine Series

8 weeks

  • Comprehensive Physical Exam
  • Dewormer
  • Puppy: Distemper/Parvo vaccine
  • Kitten: Upper Respiratory/Dist. vaccine

10 weeks

  • Dewormer

12 weeks

  • Dewormer
  • Puppy: Distemper/Parvo booster
  • Kitten: Upper Respiratory/Dist. booster

16 weeks

  • Comprehensive Physical Exam
  • Dewormer
  • Puppy: Start Heartworm and parasite monthly prevention such has Heartgard
  • Puppy: Distemper/Parvo booster & Rabies
  • Kitten: Upper Respiratory/Dist.booster & Rabies
  • Discuss need for any Non Core Vaccines such as Bordatella or Leukemia

6 months

  • Spay or Neuter

Continue with annual wellness visits