There are several viral and bacterial diseases that your pet can contract even if it’s an indoor pet. In the State of Pennsylvania, keeping the Rabies vaccination current for your cat and dog is required by law. In addition, most reputable kennels, groomers, and trainers will require that their client’s pets have the appropriate extra vaccinations up to date if you want to use their services.
At the Peaceable Kingdom Animal Hospital, here we understand that every pet and their family are unique and no one vaccine protocol will be appropriate for all pets. The doctor and staff’s goal is to create a custom vaccine protocol for your pet that takes into consideration their lifestyle, overall health, age and risk of exposure. This process does take time and requires a physical examination by the doctor and a discussion with his technician.
request an appointmentCore Vaccines for Dogs and Cats:
Core vaccines are the essential vaccines that a dog and cat should be getting to maintain a healthy level of protection against the most common and dangerous diseases your pet could be exposed to. Core vaccines for dogs include, DaPPV, Lyme disease, and Leptospirosis. If during your wellness exam it is determined that your particular lifestyle with your pet will involve additional exposure we can advise and provide an appropriate vaccine protocol to protect your pet. For example, vaccinations for Kennel Cough and Canine Flu, are others that we can administer if needed.
Canine Core Vaccines:
Rabies: This is an almost always a fatal disease for unvaccinated dogs and humans. In Pennsylvania, dogs are required to be vaccinated for this disease unless documented medical cause for waiver can be provided. Therefore in order to receive treatment in our facility, all dogs must be updated with the Rabies Vaccine
DAPPV (Canine Distemper Shot) which is a combination vaccine that protects against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and the Parvovirus. This is crucial to sustaining the quality of life of your pet and yet is affordable.
Lyme Vaccinations:
Lyme disease is becoming more prevalent in our area with dogs who have exposure to the ever increasing deer tick populations which is also found in mice and squirrels. Here at The Peaceable Kingdom vaccination for Lyme disease is being recommended more and more based on your pet’s vaccine needs evaluation. In many cases, it can be considered part of the routine Canine Core Vaccine Protocol.
Leptospirosis which is a disease transmitted by the urine of rodents and causes high fevers with damage to the liver and kidneys. This is also a zoonotic disease which means it can be transmitted to you from your infected dog’s urine.
Canine Non-Core Vaccines
Important other canine vaccinations that we offer are the following:
- Bordetella and Canine Influenza Virus’s which are responsible for kennel cough-like symptoms
Feline Core Vaccines:
Rabies: This is an almost always a fatal disease for unvaccinated cats and humans. In Pennsylvania, cats are required to be vaccinated for this disease unless documented medical cause for waiver can be provided. Therefore in order to receive treatment in our facility, all cats must be updated with the Rabies Vaccine.
FVRCP (Feline Distemper Shot) which is a combination vaccine that protects against feline Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia referred to as Feline Distemper.
Note: All vaccines, except Rabies, must be boostered on a yearly basis at your pets Annual Wellness Exam. The Rabies vaccine is given once the first and second year, then every two years thereafter.
Please schedule an appointment to have your pet examined and discuss your pet’s vaccination needs as soon as possible!