Screenshot 2024-06-29 at 1.43.50 AM

Vaccinations

Vaccines are important to keep your pet healthy and safe from preventable illness. Some also protect you and your family from zoonotic (transmittable from animals to humans) diseases.

We know that vaccinations can be confusing. We also want you to be well-informed about your pet’s health, so refer to this guide to better understand the diseases that these vaccines combat and why our veterinarians may recommend them for your companion.

Remember: Pets in Harmony Hospital staff is here to help you. If you have any questions about your pet’s health, call us!

Canine Vaccines

Rabies affects all mammals, including humans. It is a deadly virus that is most commonly transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, often through bite or scratch wounds. For more information, visit the PADOA website. The rabies vaccine is required by PA State Law for all dogs within 4 weeks after their reaching 12 weeks of age.

​Schedule: Initial vaccine administered with a booster in 12 months; then given once every 3 years.

DHPP is often called the “distemper” vaccine, but it actually a combination vaccine that includes protection against the following diseases:

  • Canine Distemper is a contagious virus that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous system. Wildlife can also carry the virus (such as raccoons, skunks, coyotes, and foxes). It is most often transmitted through airborne exposure (coughing/sneezing), but can also remain on exposed surfaces for some time, especially in a cold environment.
  • Adenovirus Type 2 is a respiratory virus transmitted through nasal secretions or urine/feces from an infected animal. Vaccination against CAV-2 also provides protection from the dangerous CAV-1 (Canine Infectious Hepatitis).
  • Parvovirus is an extremely contagious, life-threatening virus that affects the gastrointestinal system. It is easily transmitted through direct contact or contact with contaminated surfaces in the environment. The virus can live in the soil for extended periods of time, and can travel into the home on the soles of our shoes or on your dog’s paws. Though it can affect dogs of any age, puppies under 6 months are the most susceptible.
  • Parainfluenza is a respiratory virus related to canine tracheobronchitis, or “kennel cough.” It can spread rapidly in environments where many dogs are housed together, such as shelters and boarding facilities.

Schedule: The DHPP vaccine is given every 3 to 4 weeks until 14-16 weeks of age for puppies, or as a series of two injections 3-4 weeks apart for adult dogs with unknown vaccine history. A booster is administered 12 months later, then once every 3 years.

Leptospirosis (or “Lepto”) is caused by a bacteria that is spread in the urine of infected animals. It can remain in the environment for months in areas prone to stagnant water and moist soil. Symptoms of infection vary, but most concerning are extreme liver or kidney damage.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, and children are at the highest risk of becoming sick from exposure to an infected pet.

Schedule: The Leptospirosis vaccine begins as a series of two injections 3-4 weeks apart. It is then administered every 12 months. *Lepto may be given alone or in combination with DHPP in one injection, if both vaccines are due.

Lyme disease is a bacteria spread through the bite of infected ticks. It has become a widespread problem in our area over the past several years (see CDC map of reported cases). We routinely screen for exposure to Lyme with our 4Dx Heartworm Test. This screening is important to detect infection early, as many infected dogs do not show outward signs of illness.

While there is no evidence that you can acquire Lyme disease from your dog, be aware that you frequent the same environment as your dog. If you have been bitten by a tick, call your medical provider for advice.

Schedule: The Lyme vaccine begins as a series of two injections 2-3 weeks apart. Additional boosters are given at 6 and 12 months, then once annually.

Bordetella is a bacteria that causes canine infectious tracheobronchitis, or “kennel cough.” This contagious respiratory infection is easily spread through the air or contact with nasal secretions, particularly in “high dog traffic” environments like shelters, boarding facilities, and grooming salons.

Schedule: Our Bordetella vaccine is given orally, and is labeled to be administered every 12 months. Some boarding kennels and doggie daycare facilities require the vaccine to be given every 6 months. This is safe.

Feline Vaccines

Rabies affects all mammals, including humans. It is a deadly virus that is most commonly transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, often through bite or scratch wounds. For more information, visit the PADOA website.
The rabies vaccine is required by PA State Law for all cats within 4 weeks after their reaching 12 weeks of age.

We use Merial’s non-adjuvanted PureVax Rabies vaccine for our feline patients. Some research has suggested that adjuvants (components added to vaccines to increase their efficacy) may contribute to feline injection-site sarcomas.. The PureVax vaccine does not contain an adjuvant, adding potential protection against FISS. Visit the American Veterinary Medical Association for more details.

​Schedule: The feline Rabies vaccine is administered every 12 months.

FVRCP is often called the “distemper” vaccine, but it actually a combination vaccine that includes protection against the following diseases:

  • Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis is an upper respiratory disease caused by feline herpesvirus 1. The virus causes acute upper respiratory signs (coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge) and can affect the eyes with conjunctivitis or painful corneal ulcers. FVR is transmitted through nasal and eye secretions, and contaminated surfaces.
  • Feline Calicivirus affects the upper respiratory system, the eyes, and the mouth of infected cats. Significant ulcers can invade the mouth, causing pain and making it difficult for the cat to eat. Calicivirus is spread through nasal secretions (e.g. through sneezing) and contact with contaminated surfaces.
  • Panleukopenia is otherwise known as “feline distemper.” Transmitted through nasal secretions, urine, and feces, this hardy virus that can survive up to 1 year in the environment. Signs of illness vary, but can include diarrhea, severe dehydration, thermoregulation problems, and apathetic behavior.

Schedule: The FVRCP vaccine is given every 3 to 4 weeks until 14-16 weeks of age for puppies, or as a series of two injections 3-4 weeks apart for adult cats with unknown vaccine history. A booster is administered 12 months later, then once every 3 years.

Feline Leukemia (or FeLV) is an infectious virus that can be spread through close contact (exposure to saliva, nasal secretions, urine, or feces), through a mother cat’s milk to her kittens, or via bite wounds from an infected cat.

Though clinical signs may not be present in the early stages of disease, this virus can compromise the affected cat’s immune system, reducing its ability to fight more simple infections and can ultimately lead to an early death. While related illnesses can be managed to an extent, there is no cure for feline leukemia.

Cats that are most at risk are those that go outdoors, where they may encounter feral cats that carry the disease. FeLV testing is recommended for kittens and new cats with an unknown history before introducing them to other cats in the household.

 Schedule: The FeLV vaccine is given as an initial series 3 to 4 weeks apart, then once every 12 months to maintain protection.