the best care for your pets

Purrfect Pets

The month of August has been dedicated to bringing awareness about the importance of vaccinations in our pets. Now that you have facts please share with your friends and help save lives!

Essential Vaccines for Your Cat

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (FVRCP). Commonly called the “distemper” shot , this combination vaccine protects against three diseases: feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia (sometimes called “feline distemper”).
Rabies. Rabies virus is fatal and all mammals, including humans, are susceptible to infection. Rabies vaccinations for cats are required by law in most states. 

Other Vaccines for Cats

Your veterinarian may also recommend other vaccines for your cat depending on where you live and your cat’s lifestyle:

Chlamydia. Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that causes severe conjunctivitis, and the vaccination for it is often included in the distemper combination vaccine (making it an FVRCP-C).
Feline Leukemia (Felv). Felv is a viral infection that is only transmitted through close contact, and this vaccine is generally only recommended for cats that go outdoors.

Bordetella. This bacteria causes highly contagious upper respiratory infections. Your veterinarian may recommend this vaccine before your cat goes to a boarding kennel or groomer.

PET VACCINATIONS



Essential Vaccinations for Your Dog



Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus (DHPP). Commonly called the “distemper shot,” this combination vaccine actually protects against the four diseases in its full name.


Rabies virus is fatal and all mammals, including humans, are susceptible to infection. Together the DHPP and Rabies vaccines are the "core" vaccines.


Other Vaccines for Dogs

Your veterinarian may also recommend other (non-core) vaccines for your dog depending on where you live and your dog’s lifestyle:

Leptospirosis. Often included as part of the distemper combination vaccine (making it a DHLPP), this bacterial infection is most prevalent in moist climates where there are areas of standing or slow-moving water. This disease can also be spread from animals to humans and is typically spread by rodents.



Bordetella (commonly called “kennel cough”).  The bordetella virus causes an extremely contagious upper respiratory infection. Your veterinarian may recommend this vaccine before your dog goes to a dog park, groomer, boarding kennel, doggie daycare or dog show.


Vaccinations are an important part of your dogs or cats health care routine. By vaccinating your pet you help protect your family friend from various diseases including rabies, distemper, parvovirus, infectious hepatitis, Bordetella, feline leukemia and others.

How often should my pet be vaccinated?



  • All puppies should receive their core vaccines starting at 6-8 weeks of age and repeated every 2-3weeks  until the puppy is at least 4 months old. 
  • Adult dogs not previously vaccinated should receive their core vaccines twice 2-3 weeks apart, followed by boosters once annually.
  • All kittens should receive there core vaccines starting at 6-8 weeks of age and repeated every 2-3 weeks until 4 moths old. 
  • Adult cats not previously vaccinated should receive their core vaccines twice given 2-3 weeks apart.
  • For both adult dogs and cats, booster vaccines are typically given once a year




To protect your pet from contagious diseases, keep his essential vaccinations up-to-date. This is important even if your pet is kept mostly indoors.It is also important to keep in mind that vaccinations take a few days to a few weeks to become effective.

Contact (242)364-8101 for more information.