Vaccines are a weakened or killed version of bacteria or virus that is injected into your pet’s immune system to stimulate the creation of antibodies that block against disease.
Puppies and kittens have a natural immunity from their mother’s milk, but this immunity wears off over time. Weaned puppies and kittens need vaccinations to bolster the immune system and prevent illness in the coming years.
To protect your pet from contagious diseases, it’s important to keep essential vaccinations up-to-date. Our staff will provide you with detailed information on when your pet is due for a vaccination.
Boarding kennels, neighborhoods with several strays, dog parks, and grooming salons are all areas where your pet is likely to be exposed to contagious diseases. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before taking your pet to any of these places. It is important to keep in mind that vaccinations take a few days to a few weeks to become effective.
Vaccines for dogs
At Acacia Pet Clinic, we can provide rabies, distemper, parvovirus, parainfluenza, hepatitis, bordetella, and leptospirosis vaccine.
Recommended vaccinations may vary from state to state.
Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus (DHPP): Commonly called the “distemper shot,” this combination vaccine actually protects against the four diseases in its full name.
Rabies: Rabies is an easily preventable disease and can be fatal to all mammals, including humans. The disease quickly affects the brain and can cause severe pain, lethargy, paralysis, and more. It is most often spread through animal bites or scratches. Rabies vaccinations for dogs are required by law in most states.
Bordetella (a.k.a. “kennel cough”): The bordetella virus causes an extremely contagious upper respiratory infection. Our veterinarian may recommend this vaccine before your dog goes to a dog park, groomer, boarding kennel, doggie daycare, or dog show.
In puppies, timing is most important when vaccinating. If the mother is lactating and has been vaccinated, the puppies are protected by the mother’s antibodies. Once the puppies start eating solid food, they no longer have the protection from the antibodies. A series of vaccines must be started immediately after weaning.
Vaccines for cats
Cats should receive vaccines against rabies, calicivirus, panleukopenia, viral rhinotracheitis, and feline leukemia. Recommended vaccinations may vary from state to state.
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (FVRCP): Commonly called the “distemper” shot, this combination vaccine protects against three different diseases: feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia (sometimes called “feline distemper”).
Rabies: Rabies is an easily preventable disease and can be fatal to all mammals, including humans. The disease quickly affects the brain and can cause severe pain, lethargy, paralysis, and more. It is most often spread through animal bites or scratches. Rabies vaccinations for cats are required by law in most states.
Our veterinarian may also recommend other vaccines for your cat depending on where you live and your cat’s lifestyle:
Feline Leukemia (Felv): Felv is a viral infection that is only transmitted through close contact, and this vaccine is generally only recommended for cats that spend time outdoors.
In kittens, timing is most important when vaccinating. If they are lactating and the mother has been vaccinated, then the kittens are protected by the mother’s antibodies. Once the kittens start eating solid food, they no longer have the protection from the antibodies.
At this point, a series of vaccines should be started in order to build the kitten’s immune system. Acacia Pet Clinic is happy to provide the necessary vaccinations for you feline friend.
For more information on pet vaccinations or to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (408) 264-6354!