Veterinarian Care.us - Pet Care Articles

Vaccinations have been one of the greatest medical achievements for protecting the health of our pets. Without them, we would loose countless numbers of our beloved pets to diseases such as Canine Distemper, Canine Infectious Hepatitis, Canine Parainfluenza, Canine Parvovirus, Feline Rhinotracheitis, Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Calicivirus, Feline Leukemia virus, and Rabies virus. Even with their availability, we still see cases of these every year. Yes it is hard to believe that in this day and age we still see cases of Canine Distemper and it is not at all uncommon for us to see cases of Canine Parvovirus, Feline Rhinotracheitis, and Feline Leukemia.

It is absolutely essential that all puppies and kittens receive the full complement of booster vaccinations for which safe and effective vaccines are available, and that they receive the full complement of vaccinations at the one-year anniversary of the kitten or puppy series.

The doctors in VeterinarianCare.us network recommend that all adult dogs receive vaccinations as follows:

Canine Distemper, Infectious Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis, and Parvovirus vaccination annually.

Canine Bordatella vaccination for dogs expected to spend time at a boarding, training, or grooming facility. The vaccine is given semi-annually.

Canine Lyme disease, or Coronavirus vaccine when indicated.

Rabies vaccination annually, although every three years is within the requirement of Texas law. Some municipalities do require more frequent vaccination for licensing.

It is recommended that all adult cats receive vaccinations as follows:

Feline Rhinotracheitis, Panleukopenia, and Calicivirus vaccination annually although some cats may be at lower risk for exposure and alternate year vaccination may be adequate. These feline vaccinations are available as adjuvant free.

Feline Leukemia vaccine annually although some cats may be at lower risk of exposure and alternate year vaccination may be adequate. In addition some cats may have zero risk of exposure and not need his vaccine as an adult. This is available as an adjuvant free vaccine.

Feline Immunosuppressive Virus (FIV) vaccine when there is sufficient risk of exposure. The vaccine is given annually.

Rabies vaccine annually. In this case an adjuvant free vaccine can be used making it the safest available. Vaccination every three years is within the requirements of the law, but for those choosing to do this an adjuvant containing three-year vaccine must be used.

We encourage you to discuss with our doctors which vaccinations should be given to your pet.

Dr Paul Skellenger is the Veterinarian for Veterinarian Care. us and has over 20 years in Veterinarian medicine and experience with animal vaccinations. For additional information you can contact one of our Veterinarians in your area.