We at Eagle Animal Hospital follow the vaccine protocols established by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
The following are examples of our recommendations.
Canine Vaccine Protocol
8 weeks of age - DAPPV, Bordetella
12 weeks of age - DAPPv w/ Leptospirosis, Rabies 1 year (per Pennsylvania state law), Lyme
16 weeks of age - DAPPv w/ Leptospirosis Booster, Lyme Booster, Influenza
20 weeks of age - Influenza Booster
After 1st year of age, Dappv and Rabies vaccines are given every 3 years. Lyme, Lepto, Bordetella, and Influenza are given yearly.
DAPPv: Commonly called the “distemper shot,” this combination vaccine protects against five diseases: Canine Distemper, Adenovirus, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. These highly contagious viruses can cause various gastrointestinal and respiratory issues.
Rabies: Transmissible to people, this virus causes brain and spinal cord inflammation and eventually death. It is transmitted via saliva from infected animals. Rabies is almost always fatal.
Leptospirosis: Transmissible to people, this disease is spread by coming into contact with infected urine, bite wounds, predation of wildlife, contaminated water or soil. The bacteria can cause various symptoms which can lead to acute kidney and liver injury .
Lyme: Spread by bites from ticks infected with the bacteria Borrelia. The infection can cause an array of symptoms from lethargy , painful joints to kidney injury.
Bordetella: A highly contagious virus causing “kennel cough” a potentially serious respiratory infection.
Canine influenza: (H3N2 & H3N8) Viruses that cause a highly contagious respiratory disease. Recommended if your dog is frequently exposed to other dogs.
Feline Vaccine Protocol
8 weeks of age - Fvrcp
12 weeks of age - Fvrcp Booster, Felv, Rabies (per Pennsylvania state law)
16 weeks of age - Fvrcp Booster, Felv Booster
After 1st year of age, Fvrcp and Rabies vaccines are given every 3 years. Felv is recommended yearly.
Rabies: Transmissible to people, this virus causes brain and spinal cord inflammation and eventually death. It is transmitted via saliva from infected animals. Rabies is almost always fatal.
FVRCP: Protects against three highly contagious viruses.
FVR = Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis -causes upper respiratory symptoms. C= Calicivirus -causes upper respiratory symptoms.
P= Panleukopenia "feline distemper” -causes damage to the bone marrow, lymph nodes and the cells lining the intestine.
Felv: Feline Leukemia Virus - causes disease that depresses the immune system.
What to expect after your pet's vaccines
Some pets experience no side effects at all. Some may experience mild side effects such as decreased physical exercise, or pain at the injection site. These side effects should subside in 1-2 days. More severe side effects (uncommon reactions) include vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of the muzzle/face, and hives. If any of these side effects occur, call our office as soon as you notice them.