Regular immunizations are the foundation of your pet’s good health. Regularly vaccinating your pet protects them from a variety of potentially fatal illnesses, and any side effects are very uncommon and usually mild.
RABIES
Easily prevented, and a legal requirement, the rabies vaccine protects your dog, cat, ferret, horse, goat, pig or sheep against this inevitably fatal virus for an entire year. Highly contagious, and posing a risk for animals and humans alike, there is no cure for Rabies outside of immediate vaccination following initial exposure. In Massachusetts a three year booster can be administered to your dog or cat if they receive it within 9-12 months of the 1 year immunization. Ferrets and other animals do require annual boosters.
CANINE VACCINES
Distemper Vaccine – DHPP, which stands for Distemper / Parvovirus / Hepatitis / Parainfluenza, is a combination vaccine given in a series to puppies, then annually thereafter. Some breeds are more susceptible to parvovirus than other breeds, and it is recommended that your Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, Beagle, or any mix of these breeds receive additional boosters depending on exposure risk (frequent travel , or bringing a new dog into your home).
Bordetella Vaccine – Given annually to prevent whooping cough pneumonia in dogs, we recommended this vaccine for all dogs given the increase of known kennel cough cases in the region. Required for most boarding facilities and groomers, this vaccine should be administered at least two weeks prior to potential exposure to provide maximum protection. Bi-annual vaccination is recommended for some dogs based on life style and exposure risks, and some boarding facilities may also require vaccination twice annually.
Lyme Disease Vaccine – Reported to prevent lyme disease in over 80% of exposed dogs, this vaccine is highly recommended due to the incredibly high prevalence of Lyme’s Disease on the Cape and throughout the Northeast.
Leptospirosis Vaccine – Spread through the urine of common backyard animals squirrels, rabbits, and deer, much like rabies this disease can be fatal and can easily be spread to humans. There has been a notable increase in the number of reported lepto infection incidents, and given the severe nature of the disease we do recommend all dogs be vaccinated annually.
Vaccine guidelines at DVMVAC, More vaccine information from Veterinary Partner .
FELINE VACCINES
Distemper/Rhino/Calici combo vaccines are required as a kitten series and then as an annual booster for cats that go outdoors, and as a three year booster to cats who are indoors only.
Leukemia vaccination will protect your cat from the fatal Feline Leukemia virus, whether she is an avid outdoor enthusiast or a causal porch sunbather. After testing, your cat will receive two immunizations then an annual booster with a 98% protection rate with this vaccine.