Vaccinations

Wellness vaccinations for your pet

Like people, dogs and cats require regular vaccinations to protect them from infection and disease.  A tailored vaccination program functions as the first line of defense to prevent disease and maintain wellness.  Because each dog and cat is unique, your ZippiVet veterinarian will create a vaccination plan just for your pet, taking into account the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) vaccination guidelines.

At your pet’s first visit, ZippiVet veterinarians will develop a vaccination schedule that is specific to your pet’s individual needs.  We understand that your pet’s lifestyle may change over the years and their first visit with us may not be their first visit with a veterinarian.  At your first visit with Zippivet, you can expect that prior records and vaccinations will be reviewed to determine the best options for your pet. Discussing your pet’s health and daily life activities with your veterinarian will assist us in organizing the most appropriate and conservative plan to target their specific needs.

The following vaccinations are recommended by AAHA and ZippiVet:

For dogs:

• Rabies:  Your dog should have an initial pediatric rabies vaccination by 16 weeks of age.  This vaccination is boostered 1 year later as your puppy grows into an adult. There are two forms of the adult dog vaccination, 1 year and 3 year.  Thereafter, a regular schedule (of 1 or 3 years) should be followed based on your pet’s individual needs and vaccination schedule.
• Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza and Adenovirus (DAPP):  Your dog should begin this vaccination between 8 and 16 weeks. Puppies receive a series of this particular vaccination every three weeks until they reach the age of 16 weeks. An adult dog will receive a booster at 1 year and require boosters at least every 3 years.
• Bordetella (Kennel Cough): This vaccination is also referred to as the “Kennel Cough” vaccine. An initial vaccination should be given at 8 to 12 weeks of age and given through drops in the nose or intranasally.  Puppies receive a series of this vaccination which includes one intranasal vaccination and an additional two injectable vaccinations. Adult dogs will receive an injectable booster vaccination every year based on their lifestyle, previous vaccination history, and needs.
• Leptospirosis (Lepto): This disease is becoming more prevalent in urban and suburban areas, and therefore we are now recommending that all dogs be regularly vaccinated against Leptospirosis. This vaccination should be given to puppies at 12-16 weeks of age and then boostered annually.
• Canine Influenza (CIV Bivalent): The dog flu vaccination is based on your pet’s individual needs and lifestyle. Dogs that go to regular boarding, dog parks, and doggie daycare can benefit from this vaccination.

For cats:

• Rabies: Kittens require an initial pediatric rabies vaccination by 16 weeks of age.  This vaccination is boostered 1 year later as your kitten grows into an adult. Thereafter, annual vaccination is required. ZippiVet only uses Feline “PureVax” Rabies vaccinations that are specialized for a cat’s unique needs.  This particular vaccination provides protection without the need for vaccine adjuvants, additives that may present potential risks to feline patients, such as injection site reactions and chronic inflammation.*
• Feline Distemper, Herpesvirus and Calicivirus (FVRCP):  Kittens begin this vaccination between 8 and 16 weeks of age. Kittens require a series of this particular vaccination every three weeks until they reach the age of 16 weeks. An adult cat will receive a booster at 1 year and require boosters at least every 3 years.
• Feline Leukemia (FeLV): The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) recommends this vaccination for all kittens. Kittens should be tested for this disease prior to vaccination. An initial vaccination should be administered between 8-12 weeks of age followed by a booster 3 to 4 weeks later. An adult cat may need this vaccination based on their lifestyle. If your cat goes outdoors or is exposed to other cats, this vaccination is important as part of their vaccination schedule. This vaccination can be administered every 1 to 3 years based on exposure and need. Cats that go outside should also be tested annually for this disease.

*Learn more about PureVax at https://purevaxpureprotection.com