Dog Vaccinations

Rabies (Required by Law)

  • 100% Fatal viral disease affecting the brain and nervous system

  • Transmitted via bite from infected mammal

  • Vaccination: Required by state law for all dogs. After 12 weeks of age, 1 year vaccine then every 3 years or per local laws.

  • Zoonotic - fatal in humans

Canine Distemper, Adenovirus & Parvovirus (DHPP)

This combination vaccine protects against three life-threatening diseases:

Canine Distemper

  • Affects respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems

  • Highly contagious via airborne droplets

  • Often fatal

  • Vaccination: Core vaccine for all dogs

Infectious Canine Hepatitis (Adenovirus-1)

  • Damages liver, kidneys, spleen, and lungs

  • Spread through urine, saliva, and feces

  • Vaccination: Included in core DHPP vaccine

Canine Parvovirus

  • Causes severe gastrointestinal disease, especially in puppies

  • Extremely contagious and environmentally resistant

  • Vaccination: Included in core DHPP vaccine

DHPP Schedule:
Start at 6–8 weeks, booster every 3–4 weeks until over 16 weeks, booster at 1 year, then every 2–3 years per AAHA guidelines.

Lyme Disease

  • Tick-borne bacterial disease affecting joints, kidneys and other organs

  • Prevention: Annual vaccination + tick control

  • Recommended for dogs in areas where Lyme disease is prevalent including Tampa, FL and surrounding areas

  • Vaccination: Booster initial 3-4 weeks then yearly

Bordetella & Canine Parainfluenza (Kennel Cough)

  • Causes infectious tracheobronchitis

  • Highly contagious in group settings

  • Recommended for dogs who board, groom, attend daycare, training, or dog parks

  • Vaccination: Given annually (often intranasal/oral)

Leptospirosis (AAHA Core Vaccine)

  • Bacterial disease affecting kidneys and liver

  • Spread through contaminated urine or water (hurricane areas high risk)

  • Zoonotic (can infect humans)

  • Vaccination: Booster initial 3-4 weeks then yearly

  • Required for health certificates for sale of dogs over 12 weeks

Canine Influenza (H3N8 & H3N2)

  • Causes respiratory illness; can progress to pneumonia

  • Highly contagious in social dogs

  • Recommended for dogs who travel, board, attend events, or group activities

  • Vaccination: Booster initial 3-4 weeks then yearly

Cat Vaccinations

Rabies (Required by Law)

  • Cats are the most commonly reported rabid domestic animal

  • 100% fatal in mammals including humans

  • Vaccination required by state law for all cats. After 12 weeks of age, 1 year vaccine then every 3 years or per local laws.

FVRCP (Core Vaccine for Cats)

Protects against:

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Herpesvirus)

  • Major cause of upper respiratory infections

  • Often recurrent

Feline Calicivirus

  • Causes oral ulcers and respiratory disease

Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper)

  • Highly contagious and often fatal, especially in kittens

Schedule:
Begin at 6–8 weeks, booster every 3–4 weeks until over 16 weeks, booster at 1 year, then every 2–3 years.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

  • Causes immune suppression, anemia, and cancer

  • Spread through saliva and close contact

  • Testing recommended before vaccination

  • Vaccination: Recommended for all kittens and high-risk adult cats