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Pet Vaccinations: Disease Prevention for Dogs, Cats, Birds, & Exotic Pets

There are many ways to enjoy a pet and many lifestyle choices, such as show animal, service dog, athlete, school pet, talking bird, or just your faithful family friend. Parrett Veterinary Clinic provides preventive care for your small animal companion based on many factors, including age, overall condition, and exposure to risk.

Pet Vaccinations

Our veterinary professionals work with you to tailor a unique immunization program that gives your pet the best protection from disease. The following suggested vaccine protocols are based on an average pet. While this is helpful information, it may not apply to your specific animal or situation.

A puppy ready for his vaccines

Adult Dogs

Types of canine vaccines that may be recommended are:

  • Distemper / adenovirus / parainfluenza / parvovirus (DA2PPv): 1-year or 3-year vaccination
  • Leptospirosis: 1-year / annual vaccination
  • Lyme: 1-year / annual vaccination
  • Rabies: 1-year or 3-year vaccination
  • Bordetella (CIRD / kennel cough): 1-year vaccination as needed based on exposure to high risk environments
  • Canine Influenza: 1-year / annual vaccination as needed based on exposure to high risk environments

Puppy Series

Typical vaccines may include:

  • Distemper / adenovirus / parainfluenza / parvovirus (DA2PPv): vaccine series starts at 6 weeks of age
  • Leptospirosis: vaccine series starts around 9-11 weeks of age
  • Lyme: vaccine series starts around 9-11 weeks of age
  • Rabies: 1-year vaccine given at 12+ weeks of age
  • Bordetella (CIRD / “kennel cough”): vaccine series starts around 9-11 weeks of age & is recommended if exposed to high-risk environments
  • Canine Influenza: vaccine series typically starts around 6-11 weeks of age & is recommended if exposed to high-risk environments

Adult Cats

Types of feline vaccines that may be recommended are:

  • Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis / Calicivirus / Panleukopenia (FVRCP): 1-year or 3-year vaccination
  • Rabies: 1-year or 3-year vaccination
  • Feline leukemia (FeLV): 1-year / annual vaccination as needed based on exposure to high risk environments

Kitten Series

Typical vaccines may include:

  • Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis / Calicivirus / Panleukopenia (FVRCP): vaccine series starts at 6 weeks of age
  • Feline leukemia (FeLV): vaccine series starts at 8-12 weeks of age
  • Rabies: 1-year vaccine given at 12+ weeks of age

Again, this vaccine schedule is a basic guideline. We will discuss your specific needs, questions, and concerns at your next wellness visit.

Prevention for Pocket Pets, Birds & Exotics

While some pocket pets, birds, and other exotics do not require vaccinations, an annual exam is necessary to determine overall health and any developing concerns. Small animals such as these will get sick and deteriorate quite rapidly before pet owners even notice something is wrong. Regular veterinary care gives these pets the best chance for a long and healthy life.

Pet Care Resources

  • Vaccinations for Your Pet — explains why vaccines are important for cats and dogs, their safety and efficacy, as well how to recognize if your pet is having sensitivities to their vaccinations.
  • Parvovirus — Follow this link to understand more about the process of diagnosing and treating this disease.
  • Rabies — A great resource for kids and adults to learn more about this dangerous disease.
  • Feline Leukemia / FeLV — This virus poses a serious risk to cats and can be spread by a mother to her kittens as well as through contact with other infected cats.
  • Feline Immunodeficiency Virus / FIV — Did you know there used to be an FIV vaccine? While no longer manufactured, there are other measures you can take to safeguard your kitty. This link provides detailed information about FIV and other common cat ailments.