Madison Veterinary Hospital follows the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) guidelines for vaccinating your canine and feline companions.
Typically, a vaccination schedule will be set up at the first Wellness Exam and ongoing checkups will be arranged around this schedule.
The type and frequency of vaccines are made on an individual basis. We consider age, breed, lifestyle, and travel habits to tailor a unique immunization protocol.
The following is an example of both canine and feline vaccination schedules.
Dogs
Types of canine vaccines that may be recommended are:
- Distemper/adenovirus/parainfluenza/parvovirus (DAPP) —Annually
- Rabies —3-year vaccine
- Leptospirosis —Annually, as needed based on exposure to livestock or wildlife
- Bordetella (kennel cough) —Annually, as needed based on requirements of kennel or other high-exposure environments
Puppy Series
Typical vaccines may include:
- DHPP (distemper/hepatitis/parainfluenza/parvovirus)—Start at 6 weeks, then a booster every 3 weeks; 3 doses for most, but large breed dogs will need a 4th dose
- Rabies —At 12 weeks
- Leptospirosis —At 16 weeks if puppy has high exposure to livestock or wildlife
- Bordetella (kennel cough) —Annually, as needed based on requirements of kennel or other high-exposure environments
Cats
Types of feline vaccines that may be recommended are:
- Feline distemper/upper respiratory (FVRCP)—3-year vaccine
- Rabies—3 year
- Feline leukemia (FeLv)—Annually, as needed if your cat goes outdoors
Kitten Series
Typical vaccines may include:
- FVRCP—Start at 9 weeks, then a booster every 3 weeks, at least 3 doses
- Rabies—At 12 weeks
- Feline leukemia/FIV test—At 6 weeks
- FeLv—If FIV test is negative, at 9 weeks, then booster 3 weeks later
For owners of pocket pets or other small animals, we will discuss the need for vaccines at your Wellness Exam. Every companion animal deserves the best protection available from serious or deadly diseases.
Remember, too, that protecting your pet also protects you and your family from some transmittable diseases. Read more about diseases transmitted from animals, called zoonotic diseases, at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Vaccines are just the first step in preventive care.
