How Do We Personalize Your Pet’s Vaccination Plan?
We use veterinary vaccination guidelines and your pet’s individual risk factors to recommend an appropriate schedule. Core vaccines protect against diseases for which vaccination is broadly recommended. Noncore vaccines provide additional protection based on exposure risks.
Your pet’s plan takes several factors into account:
- Age, breed, and health history
- Previous vaccinations and any vaccine reactions
- Contact with other animals
- Boarding, grooming, and daycare visits
- Outdoor activities and travel
- Potential exposure to diseases in our area
We review these details during wellness exams and adjust recommendations as your pet’s needs change.
Which Vaccinations Do Dogs Need?
Dogs generally need core protection against rabies, distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and leptospirosis. Other vaccines may be recommended based on their activities and exposure to other dogs or ticks.
Our dog vaccination recommendations may include:
- Rabies: Protects against a fatal viral disease that can affect animals and people.
- DHPP: A combination vaccine that protects against distemper, hepatitis caused by canine adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza.
- Leptospirosis: Helps protect against bacteria that infected animals spread through urine, which can contaminate soil and water.
- Bordetella: Helps protect against one cause of infectious respiratory disease, sometimes called kennel cough.
- Lyme disease: Helps protect dogs at risk of exposure to infected ticks.
- Canine influenza: Helps protect against a contagious respiratory infection, particularly for dogs who spend time in group settings.
Which Vaccinations Do Cats Need?
Cats generally need rabies and FVRCP vaccinations. Feline leukemia vaccination is also recommended for kittens and cats younger than one year, with continued vaccination based on exposure risk as they grow older.
Our cat vaccination recommendations may include:
- Rabies: Protects against a fatal infection that can affect both indoor and outdoor cats.
- FVRCP: A combination vaccine covering feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.
- Feline leukemia (FeLV): Helps protect against a virus that can spread through close contact with infected cats.
How Do We Support Vaccine Safety and Avoid Unnecessary Vaccinations?
We use quality vaccines and recommended dosing intervals, with an individual assessment before vaccination. Reviewing your pet’s records and health history helps us recommend appropriate protection without giving doses more frequently than needed.
Our recommendations follow AAHA canine and AAHA/AAFP feline vaccination guidelines. As an AAHA-accredited animal hospital, we also follow established standards for patient care.
Tell us about previous vaccine reactions or changes in your pet’s health. We’ll discuss the benefits and potential risks so you can make an informed decision with your veterinarian.
Can Titer Testing Help Determine Whether My Pet Needs a Vaccine?
Titer testing measures antibodies against specific diseases and can help inform some vaccination decisions. We offer titer testing and can discuss whether it would provide useful information for your pet.
The results require careful interpretation. Antibody levels do not measure every part of the immune response, and titers are more useful for some diseases than others. They cannot replace every vaccine or vaccination requirement.
If you’re concerned about repeat vaccinations, we’ll talk through your pet’s history, explain the limits of testing, and recommend an appropriate approach.
What Can You Expect After Your Pet Has Been Vaccinated?
Most pets return to their usual routine after vaccination. Some may feel a little tired, eat less, or have mild tenderness where they received the injection. These effects typically resolve within a day or two.
Before you leave, we’ll explain what to watch for and answer any questions about your pet’s visit. Contact our team if symptoms persist, worsen, or concern you.
Serious vaccine reactions are uncommon but require prompt attention. Seek immediate veterinary care if your pet develops facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, repeated vomiting, or collapse after vaccination.
Protect Your Pet from Infectious Diseases
From your puppy’s first series to your senior cat’s next booster, we’re here to help you keep track of their care. Bring your questions and previous records, and we’ll work through the details together.
Call (484) 820-1700 or request an appointment online to schedule a vaccination visit at Veterinary Village.
Frequently Asked Questions
