Annual preventatives such as vaccines can be overwhelming to pet owners. We have put together more information on the most common vaccinations to help you make the best decision for you and your pet.
Dog Vaccinations
- Rabies
Rabies vaccination is required by the state of Arizona. Rabies is a fatal disease that is spread through the saliva of infected animals. A pet must be a minimum of 12 weeks old for the vaccination to be recognized as viable by the state. We will provide a rabies certificate that you must then provide to the county.
- DAPP ( Distemper, Adenovirus (canine hepatitis), parainfluenza, and parvovirus) This is considered a core vaccine in most states including Arizona. It includes prevention to 4 common and potentially fatal viruses. This vaccine is recommended to all of our canine patients.
- Bordetella
Bordetella is a highly infectious bacteria that is known for spreading through areas such as dog parks, shelters, or boarding facilities. This vaccination is considered a lifestyle vaccine and is highly recommended for any dogs that come into contact with other dogs. Most grooming and boarding facilities will also require this vaccine in order to participate in their services.
- Leptospirosis
This is a bacteria that is found in the urine of wildlife and other pets. Though Arizona is not considered a pandemic region, pets may be more at risk if they are planning to travel or enjoy swimming in lakes, rivers, or ponds. It is important to note that Leptospirosis is also a zoonotic disease which means it can be spread to humans.
- Rattlesnake vaccine
This vaccine is typically only recommended for pets that either live or hike/camp numerous hours from an emergency veterinary hospital. A pet vaccinated with this vaccine will still need emergency services if bitten by a rattlesnake. The purpose of this vaccine is to slow down the progression of symptoms so you have more time to get your pet to an emergency veterinary hospital that has rattlesnake anti-venom. Numerous owners have begun to pursue rattlesnake avoidance training which could help a pet learn to avoid being bitten in the first place.
- Influenza “Flu”
There are a few different strains of influenza. Influenza or “flu” is an infectious virus often spread when numerous animals are in close contact. Pets frequenting boarding facilities may be at increased risk. Ask your veterinarian if there are any known current outbreaks in your area.
- Lyme
Lyme is a bacteria spread in the saliva of certain kinds of ticks. Lyme is not a common problem in the state of Arizona but may be recommended if you travel with your pet to the Northeast, mid’Atlantic, and upper midwest regions of the United States.
Cat Vaccinations
- Rabies
Rabies is not a required vaccine for cats in the state of Arizona, however, it is still considered a core vaccine. Rabies is a fatal disease that is spread through the saliva of infected animals. This vaccine is recommended for the majority of our patients.
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus, and Feline Panleukopenia) This is considered a core vaccine in most states including Arizona. It includes prevention to 4 common and potentially fatal viruses. This vaccine is recommended for the majority of our patients.
- FeLV (Feline Leukemia)
Feline Leukemia is a highly infectious virus spread through the saliva of infected animals. This vaccine is strongly recommended for any cats that go outdoors and have the potential of interacting with other cats. We do recommend testing for this disease with a blood test before a patient receives their first FeLV vaccine.
