Vaccinations
For all your whys, hows, whens, and what-ifs
DAPPV for dogs and cats
What does DAPPV/FVRCP Stand for:
Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus Combo Vaccine
Commonly called the “distemper shot,” this combination vaccine actually protects against multiple diseases:
For dogs it protects against - canine distemper, adenovirus, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus.
For cats it protects against - panleukopenia (feline distemper), rhinotracheitis (feline herpes), and calicivirus.
WHEN: This vaccine is given to puppies and kittens in a series of three vaccines and then given every year to adult dogs or cats. The initial vaccine is done when the animals are at least 6 weeks of age.
WHY: Along with rabies, DHPP is considered a set of core vaccines: those universally recommended for dogs no matter what the circumstance. The reason for this recommendation is that distemper is a highly contagious and serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal ,and, often, the nervous systems of puppies, dogs, kittens, and cats.
Regardless of whether your animals are exclusively homebound or not these vaccines are mandated in order for your veterinarian perform routine procedures, hospitalizations, surgeries, boarding, or grooming.
HOW: These vaccines when first administered are done in increments of 2-4 weeks and require 3 individual shots for "complete" immunization. After that grown cats or dogs need yearly booster shoots to maintain immunization.
What If:
Q - My puppy/kitten missed his second or third shot and it's well past 2-4 weeks since initial administration?
A - Your veterinarian will likely need to restart the course of vaccinations or if your animal is past the age of 8 months your veterinarian may elect to follow up with the yearly booster shot instead.
Q - My puppy/kitten was sick with any of the diseases the DAPPV/FVRCP protect against, are their antibodies enough?
A - Unfortunately regardless of whether or not an animal has developed a natural immunity against a virus, they still need the vaccine especially after they've gotten better to ensure their immune system learns how to protect against future sickness, plus the Distemper shot protects against more than just Distemper!
Q - Can I let my dog/cat meet other animals before they've completed the full course of DAPPV/FVRCP?
A - You should not be walking your puppy or introducing them to any non-family members until they are fully immunized/vaccinated. Your kitten should also not be introduced to any other animals aside from their littermates or in-home animals (for whom you know the medical history) until they are fully immunized/vaccinated.
Rabies for dogs and cats
What does
Rabies is a viral disease that affects an animal’s central nervous system, ultimately causing death. It only affects mammals, including cats, dogs, and humans. Wild mammals like skunks, bats, raccoons, foxes, and coyotes can also get rabies, and easily transmit it.
The saliva of an infected animal contains the rabies virus. If that animal bites another animal, it can transmit the virus. Your cat or dog may also get rabies if they are bitten by an infected wild animal.
The Rabies vaccine is mandated by law in NY for both cats and dogs, and is crucial not only because it's a "Core Vaccine" but because it's also required to get your dog licensed, it's a required vaccine for all grooming and boarding places, and if your animal ever gets lost it's an additional safeguard for getting them back to you as every rabies tag is unique and can provide crucial information for rescuers.
WHEN: This vaccine is initially given to puppies and kittens once they turn 4 months old, then a year after the first shot a one to adult dogs or cats. The initial vaccine is done when the animals are at least 6 weeks of age.
WHY: Along with rabies, DHPP is considered a set of core vaccines: those universally recommended for dogs no matter what the circumstance. The reason for this recommendation is that distemper is a highly contagious and serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal ,and, often, the nervous systems of puppies, dogs, kittens, and cats.
Regardless of whether your animals are exclusively homebound or not these vaccines are mandated in order for your veterinarian perform routine procedures, hospitalizations, surgeries, boarding, or grooming.
HOW: These vaccines when first administered are done in increments of 2-4 weeks and require 3 individual shots for "complete" immunization. After that grown cats or dogs need yearly booster shoots to maintain immunization.
What If:
Q - My puppy/kitten missed his second or third shot and it's well past 2-4 weeks since initial administration?
A - Your veterinarian will likely need to restart the course of vaccinations or if your animal is past the age of 8 months your veterinarian may elect to follow up with the yearly booster shot instead.
Q - My puppy/kitten was sick with any of the diseases the DAPPV/FVRCP protect against, are their antibodies enough?
A - Unfortunately regardless of whether or not an animal has developed a natural immunity against a virus, they still need the vaccine especially after they've gotten better to ensure their immune system learns how to protect against future sickness, plus the Distemper shot protects against more than just Distemper!
Q - Can I let my dog/cat meet other animals before they've completed the full course of DAPPV/FVRCP?
A - You should not be walking your puppy or introducing them to any non-family members until they are fully immunized/vaccinated. Your kitten should also not be introduced to any other animals aside from their littermates or in-home animals (for whom you know the medical history) until they are fully immunized/vaccinated.