VACCINE INFORMATION/RECOMMENDATIONS
CANINE Vaccine Protocols– recommendations will be given based on your pet’s age and lifestyle, the latest research and development of safer vaccines.
Rabies – one choice available. A 3 year-labeled vaccine is given but initial vaccine certificate is good for 1 year regardless of state residence, age of dog, or if unknown vaccination history. Puppies must be at least 3 months old before they can get their first rabies vaccination. State law (both RI and MA) mandates that all dogs, cats and ferrets have a current rabies vaccine by the time they are 6 months of age.
DHP-P (“distemper”) – a combination of 4 vaccines which protect against the intestinal and respiratory viruses: distemper, herpesvirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza.
Lyme – only given if your dog is at risk of exposure to ticks.
Lepto -only given if at risk for exposure to the urine of wild animals. (Raccoons, skunks,opossums,cattle,swine and rodents) The Leptospira bacteria is usually found in damp soil or stagnant water and absorbed through foot pads, broken skin, and/or ingested. This disease is potentially fatal causing liver and kidney damage and is contagious to humans.
Bordatella bronchiseptica (“kennel cough”) – only given if your dog is at risk of exposure to this combination of viral/bacterial infection. Dogs are usually exposed if they are housed in close quarters such as boarding kennels, shelters, doggy day care, and pet stores and/or if their immune system is deficient or suppressed.
Canine Influenza– only given if at risk of exposure to a flu outbreak area such as dog shows.
Feline Vaccine Protocols – recommendations will be given based on your pet’s age and lifestyle, the latest research and development of safer vaccines.
Rabies – two choices for cats. Initial vaccination is good for 1 year regardless of choice. Cats must be at least 3 months old before they can get their first rabies vaccination. State law (both RI and MA) mandates that all dogs, cats and ferrets have a current rabies vaccine by the time they are 6 months of age.
FVRCP (“distemper”) – a combination of 3 vaccines which protects against respiratory viruses panleukopenia or “distemper,” rhinotracheitis or “herpes,” and calici. Cats who have never received this vaccine need an initial series of a minimum of two vaccinations 3 to 4 weeks apart.