Cat Health l Vaccines
Vaccines are an important aspect of preventative medicine not only in our pets’ health, but also in our community. Some diseases such as Rabies, people can also contract. These guide-lines have been developed from decades of research by veterinarians and immunologists. Our Lincoln community is fortunate that we do not see many cases of theses diseases we vaccinate for, but that is because the vaccines work! At VHVH, we recognize vaccine protocols to each individual patient’s needs.
Kittens
At VHVH, we start vaccinating kittens at 8 weeks of age for the feline distemper combination vaccine. It is typically recommended to booster the vaccine again at 12 and 16 weeks of age.
The Rabies vaccination can be given as early as 12 weeks to kittens. This vaccine will be valid for one year.
Cats that will be going outdoors unsupervised should be vaccinated for the Feline Leukemia Virus. This vaccine can be given at 9 weeks and needs to be boostered 4 weeks later to be effective. It is recommended to test for Feline Leukemia before initiating this vaccine.
Adult Cats
The Feline Distemper combination vaccine should be updated annually to remain effective.
The Rabies vaccine is required to be updated one year after the initial vaccine. After the first annual booster, it is required every 3 years.
Dog Health l Vaccines
Vaccines are an important aspect of preventative medicine not only in our pets’ health, but also in our community. Some diseases, such as Rabies and Leptospirosis, people can also contract. These guide-lines have been developed from decades of research by veterinarians and immunologists. Our Lincoln community is fortunate that we do ot see many cases of these diseases we vaccinate for, but that is because vaccines work! At VHVH, we recognize these are guidelines and try to adjust vaccine protocols to each individual patient’s needs.
Puppies
At VHVH, we recommend vaccinating puppies as soon as 7 weeks old for Distemper and Parvovirus. Puppies require boosters for the distemper and Parvovirus every 3-4 weeks until 18-20 weeks to maximize their efficacy.
Leptospirosis is a vaccine recommended in this area since this disease can cause serious illnesses. At VHVH, can be included in the Distemper and Parvovirus vaccine we use here. It is recommended to start this vaccine at 12 weeks and booster once 3-4 weeks later.
A one year Rabies Virus vaccine as early as 12 weeks of age is required by Lancaster County.
Bordetella, or “Kennel Cough” can be given as early as 7 weeks of age. This vaccine is recommended for dogs that will be around other dogs frequently, such as going to the groomers, boarding facilities, and dog parks. Some facilities, and dog parks. Some facilities require this vaccine to be boostered every 6-12 months for boarding or grooming services.
Adult Dogs
We recommend annual boosters for Distemper-Parvovirus-Leptospirosis and Bordetella.
Rabies is required by law to be boostered on year after initial vaccine, then boostered every 3 years, thereafter.
Bordetella is recommended to be boostered annually. This vaccine is recommended for dogs that will be around other dogs frequently, such as going to the groomers, boarding facilities, and dog parks. Some facilities require this vaccine to be boostered every 6-12 months for boarding or grooming services.
Other canine vaccines are commercially available, such as the Lyme disease and Canine Influenza vaccines. If you have questions about other vaccines, please consult with our veterinarians and veterinary technicians.