TO PROTECT YOUR PET FROM CERTAIN ILLNESSES, WE RECOMMEND THAT THEY
BE VACCINATED REGULARLY,
starting when they’re a puppy or kitten, and continuing through adulthood.
Best Friends Animal Hospital provides cat and dog vaccinations as part of our preventive approach to healthcare. Vaccines protect animals from viruses and diseases the same way they protect humans; they trigger the immune system’s production of antibodies. We offer core vaccines and non-core vaccines, which we typically administer during the comprehensive wellness exam visit. However, some vaccines can also be administered during a separate visit, such as before surgery.
Core Vs. Non-Core Pet Vaccines
Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs and cats, whether they spend most of their time indoors or outdoors, and whether they’re around other animals or not. The American Veterinary Medical Association defines these vaccines as those that protect from diseases that are endemic to a region, have a potential public health significance, and/or are required by law.
Non-core vaccines, on the other hand, are usually recommended only for pets with a high exposure risk to a certain illness. For example, if you have a dog that you board frequently or that attends daycare, we may recommend vaccines that protect against illnesses that are passed on from dog to dog, such as Bordetella (kennel cough).
Most vaccines protect against viruses and diseases that are transmitted from animals, or from their feces or bodily fluids. These include canine distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus, rabies, leptospirosis, Bordetella, feline distemper, and feline leukemia. Lyme disease, however, is transmitted via blacklegged ticks. It should also be noted that Lyme disease and rabies can also affect humans, making them zoonotic diseases.
Dog Vaccinations
The following is a list the vaccines we offer for dogs:
Core
DAPP*
Rabies**
Non-Core
Leptospirosis
Lyme disease
Bordetella (kennel cough)
*DAPP protects against canine distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and parvovirus.
**Rabies is the only vaccine required by law for all dogs and cats.
Cat Vaccinations
The following is a list the vaccines we offer for cats:
Core
FVRCP* (feline distemper)
Rabies**
Non-Core
FeLV
*FVRCP protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.
**Rabies is the only vaccine required by law for all dogs and cats.
