Vaccination Protocols at CCPH
A core vaccine is one which is necessary for dogs and cats to receive in order to prevent major diseases that can be life threatening, highly contagious, or are prevalent in this area. Core vaccinations are used for the majority of our dogs and cats and are included in our yearly wellness examination packages when appropriate.
Optional vaccines are recommended for at-risk patients. Not every dog will need to receive every optional vaccination.
Core Vaccines for Dogs
Timing for Core Vaccinations for Dogs
Puppies: 5-6 weeks of age - DA2PP #1, Bordetella intranasal
9 weeks of age - DA2PP #2, Leptospirosis #1
12 weeks of age - DA2PP #3, Bordetella injectable, Rabies, Leptospirosis #2
15 weeks of age - DA2PP #4 in at-risk puppies
Adults without a complete puppy vaccination series will get all four core vaccinations at the first exam, with a recommended Bordetella, DA2PP and Leptospirosis booster in 3 weeks.
Adults with proof of a complete puppy vaccination series should receive DA2PP, Bordetella and Leptospirosis vaccinations yearly, and Rabies vaccinations either yearly or every 3 years depending on where you live (don't worry we have this information!). Dogs that go to the groomer, get boarded often, or visit dog parks should get Bordetella vaccinations every 6 months to fully protect them from kennel cough.We begin to give DA2PP vaccines every 3 years starting between 5-7 years of age in dogs.
We vaccinate geriatric dogs on a case-by-case basis. Some have had adequate past vaccinations and no longer need all the yearly vaccines. Some are still recommended yearly depending on the situation. We will determine whether your elderly dog will need any vaccinations during his or her examination.
Optional Vaccines for Dogs
Core Vaccinations for Cats
Timing for Core Vaccinations in Cats
Kittens: 5-6 weeks of age - FVRCP #1
9 weeks of age - FVRCP #2, Leukemia #1 (after performing FeLV/FIV test)
12 weeks of age - FVRCP #3, Leukemia #2, Rabies
15 weeks of age - FVRCP #4 in at-risk kittens
Adult cats without a kitten series will get all three core vaccines at their first visit with a recommended FVRCP and FeLV booster in 3 weeks.
Adult cats with proof of a full kitten series will receive FVRCP and Feline Leukemia vaccinations yearly. Rabies will be given yearly or every 3 years depending on where you live (don't worry - we have this information!). Cats that frequently go outdoors should also receive a FeLV/FIV test yearly to make sure they have not contracted either of these diseases.
*We only use modified live FeLV vaccinations in our cats. Adjuvanted (killed) vaccines carry an increased risk of vaccine-associated sarcomas and therefore should not be used in cats. This is also why we vaccinate as low on the leg as possible with this vaccine. Cats do not like this way of vaccinating as much and may protest a little, but is ultimately better for them in the long run!*
We vaccinate geriatric cats on a case-by-case basis. Some have had adequate past vaccinations and no longer need yearly vaccinations. We will determine whether your elderly cat will need any vaccinations during his or her examination.
Vaccine Reactions
Some animals have an allergic reaction to getting vaccines. Signs of a vaccine reaction include vomiting or diarrhea, facial or paw swelling, hives or wheals, and trouble breathing and collapse in severe cases. If you notice any symptoms of a vaccine allergy, please contact your veterinarian immediately!
If a pet has a vaccine allergy, we will often split vaccines and pre-medicate with Benadryl in the future to avoid worsening reactions. Splitting the vaccines may allow us to see exactly which vaccine your pet is allergic to, as well as reduce the chances of having a reaction because we are giving fewer antigens at one time. Most pets will be able to continue to receive vaccinations with Benadryl on board prior to getting the vaccines. If your pet continues to react or has an overly severe reaction, we may stop vaccinating your pet with that specific vaccine.
*Remember, vaccines are not 100%. With the above protocols, this minimizes the chance your pet will contract these diseases, but it does not eliminate the risk completely.*
Optional vaccines are recommended for at-risk patients. Not every dog will need to receive every optional vaccination.
Core Vaccines for Dogs
- Rabies - this is a vaccine both required by law and important for your pet to receive because rabies is 100% fatal if contracted and rabies can be passed to humans through saliva.
- DA2PP (Distemper virus, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza virus) - this vaccine is a combination vaccine offering protection for several different viruses. Distemper and parvovirus infections can be devastating to young puppies as well as adults.
- Bordetella - this is a vaccine for kennel cough. Though kennel cough is usually a self-limiting disease, it is common in places where dogs visit (groomers, boarding facilities, dog parks) and the vaccination helps reduce the symptoms.
- Leptospirosis Vaccine - this is a bacterial infection that can cause kidney and/or liver failure and can be transmitted to people. The bacteria are transmitted from rodents via infected urine, so dogs would be exposed by coming in contact with contaminated water or soil. We recommend this vaccine for all dogs.
Timing for Core Vaccinations for Dogs
Puppies: 5-6 weeks of age - DA2PP #1, Bordetella intranasal
9 weeks of age - DA2PP #2, Leptospirosis #1
12 weeks of age - DA2PP #3, Bordetella injectable, Rabies, Leptospirosis #2
15 weeks of age - DA2PP #4 in at-risk puppies
Adults without a complete puppy vaccination series will get all four core vaccinations at the first exam, with a recommended Bordetella, DA2PP and Leptospirosis booster in 3 weeks.
Adults with proof of a complete puppy vaccination series should receive DA2PP, Bordetella and Leptospirosis vaccinations yearly, and Rabies vaccinations either yearly or every 3 years depending on where you live (don't worry we have this information!). Dogs that go to the groomer, get boarded often, or visit dog parks should get Bordetella vaccinations every 6 months to fully protect them from kennel cough.We begin to give DA2PP vaccines every 3 years starting between 5-7 years of age in dogs.
We vaccinate geriatric dogs on a case-by-case basis. Some have had adequate past vaccinations and no longer need all the yearly vaccines. Some are still recommended yearly depending on the situation. We will determine whether your elderly dog will need any vaccinations during his or her examination.
Optional Vaccines for Dogs
- Influenza Vaccine- this is a relatively new vaccine that protects dogs from canine flu, which has been causing infections in dogs in the last year or so in Texas. Most dogs infected with canine flu will develop mild symptoms but severe pneumonia can occur. The vaccine is designed to reduce symptoms and the spread of the virus, not prevent infection in all cases. This vaccine is beginning to be required by many groomers and boarding facilities to protect pets that visit there, and is also recommended for dogs that show, travel, or visit dog parks.
- Rattlesnake Vaccine - this vaccine helps to minimize severe symptoms from rattlesnake envenomation. We recommend this vaccine for any outdoor dog in Texas that goes hunting or visits the woods, or working dogs that will be in open country.
Core Vaccinations for Cats
- Rabies - this is a vaccine both required by law and important for your pet to receive because rabies is 100% fatal if contracted and rabies can be passed to humans through saliva.
- FVRCP (Rhinotracheitis/herpesvirus, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia virus) - this is a vaccine complex that protects cats from a variety of viruses. Rhinotracheitis (or herpesvirus) and Calicivirus cause upper respiratory infections that are life-long infections should your cat contract them. Panleukopenia virus is a severe intestinal virus that is similar to parvovirus in dogs and is often lethal.
- FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) - this vaccine protects against a virus that causes immunosuppression in cats, and can cause cancers later in life. All kittens get this vaccine, as well as adult cats that go outdoors as this virus is transmitted through saliva (mainly from fighting).
Timing for Core Vaccinations in Cats
Kittens: 5-6 weeks of age - FVRCP #1
9 weeks of age - FVRCP #2, Leukemia #1 (after performing FeLV/FIV test)
12 weeks of age - FVRCP #3, Leukemia #2, Rabies
15 weeks of age - FVRCP #4 in at-risk kittens
Adult cats without a kitten series will get all three core vaccines at their first visit with a recommended FVRCP and FeLV booster in 3 weeks.
Adult cats with proof of a full kitten series will receive FVRCP and Feline Leukemia vaccinations yearly. Rabies will be given yearly or every 3 years depending on where you live (don't worry - we have this information!). Cats that frequently go outdoors should also receive a FeLV/FIV test yearly to make sure they have not contracted either of these diseases.
*We only use modified live FeLV vaccinations in our cats. Adjuvanted (killed) vaccines carry an increased risk of vaccine-associated sarcomas and therefore should not be used in cats. This is also why we vaccinate as low on the leg as possible with this vaccine. Cats do not like this way of vaccinating as much and may protest a little, but is ultimately better for them in the long run!*
We vaccinate geriatric cats on a case-by-case basis. Some have had adequate past vaccinations and no longer need yearly vaccinations. We will determine whether your elderly cat will need any vaccinations during his or her examination.
Vaccine Reactions
Some animals have an allergic reaction to getting vaccines. Signs of a vaccine reaction include vomiting or diarrhea, facial or paw swelling, hives or wheals, and trouble breathing and collapse in severe cases. If you notice any symptoms of a vaccine allergy, please contact your veterinarian immediately!
If a pet has a vaccine allergy, we will often split vaccines and pre-medicate with Benadryl in the future to avoid worsening reactions. Splitting the vaccines may allow us to see exactly which vaccine your pet is allergic to, as well as reduce the chances of having a reaction because we are giving fewer antigens at one time. Most pets will be able to continue to receive vaccinations with Benadryl on board prior to getting the vaccines. If your pet continues to react or has an overly severe reaction, we may stop vaccinating your pet with that specific vaccine.
*Remember, vaccines are not 100%. With the above protocols, this minimizes the chance your pet will contract these diseases, but it does not eliminate the risk completely.*