Vaccinations

Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to protect your pet from serious, and sometimes life-threatening, viral and bacterial diseases. At some point in their life, your pet may be exposed to harmful infectious agents and without proper immunization, they can be left vulnerable. At Paws 'N Claws Veterinary Clinic, we take a personalized approach to vaccinations. Rather than a one-size-fits-all protocol, we tailor your pet’s vaccine schedule based on their age, breed, health status, and lifestyle factors such as time spent outdoors, interaction with other animals, travel, boarding frequency, etc.

The more we know about your pet’s daily routine and habits, the better we can design a vaccination plan that offers the right protection without unnecessary treatments.

Rabies

Rabies is always fatal when contracted, since there is no cure, prevention by vaccination is the only solution. Vaccination against rabies is extremely important and required by law, as rabies can be transmitted easily to humans. Dogs must be at least 16 weeks of age or older to receive their first rabies vaccination. This vaccine protects your pet for one year, all subsequent rabies boosters are valid for 3 years.

Canine Distemper Combo (DA2PP)

This vaccine includes several viral agents important for the health of your dog (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza & Parvovirus). The puppy series will be given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age, then annual boosters will be given until the age of 3. After your dog turns 3 years old, boosters can be given based on their lifestyle.

Canine Bordetella (Kennel Cough)

This vaccine protects against upper respiratory disease that is best described as bronchial pneumonia (kennel cough). We recommend a Bordetella vaccine if your dog attends any social dog event such as training classes, puppy kindergarten, dog parks, boarding facilities, and grooming salons. Most groomers, kennels, and training centers require this vaccination. It's available in both an injectable or intranasal form and requires 2 vaccinations 1 month apart from each other to start; after that, a booster is given every 6 months for dogs with high contact, dogs with low contact can be given an annual vaccine.

Canine Leptospirosis

This bacterial infection results from direct contact with infected urine, bites, or ingestion of infected meat, and it can be transmitted from pets to humans. The vaccine is usually given on a case-by-case basis, 2 vaccinations are required 1 month apart from each other, after that, an annual booster is given.

This vaccination includes several viral agents important for the health of your cat (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia). The kitten series is given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age, then annual boosters will be given until the age of 3. After your cat turns 3 years old, boosters can be given based on their lifestyle.

Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

This is recommended for all outdoor cats, indoor/outdoor cats, and indoor cats that have contact with outdoor cats. This vaccine is only to be given after your cat has tested negative for feline leukemia and hasn't had a chance of re-exposure (left outside unattended since test was negative and never vaccinated). 2 vaccinations are required a month apart from each other, then an annual booster can be given.