PPAW Recommendations
for
Vaccinations and Testing
The PPAW Spay/Neuter Clinic does not require vaccinations except for rabies or proof of current rabies. However, we do make the following recommendations:
Dogs:
Puppies should be vaccinated for distemper, hepatitus, parvovirus and parinfluenza (DHPP) at three week intervals, starting at 7 weeks of age. Vaccination boosters should be given until the puppy has reached 16 weeks of age. This may mean that puppies receive at least 2 boosters, and possibly up to 4, to receive sufficient protection from these diseases. Pups receiving fewer than 2 boosters, or who do not receive the last booster after 12 weeks will not be protected.
Adult dogs should then be boostered one year after the puppy series has been completed, and then should be vaccinated for parvovirus (DHPP) (at the very least) every 3 years. If you are uncertain about your dog's vaccination history, a DHPP (and booster) is in order. Adult dogs who have never been vaccinated should receive a booster 3 weeks later.
Heartworm Testing: All dogs over 6 months of age who are not on heartworm preventive should be tested for heartworms. Dogs under 6 months can be started on heartworm preventive without prior testing. (Heartworm preventive is available at full-service veterinary clinics.) We recommend heartworm preventive be given year-round.
Cats:
Kittens should be vaccinated for feline distemper (FVRCP) at 3 week intervals starting at 8 weeks of age. The last dose must be received after the kitten has reached 12 weeks of age.
Kittens should be vaccinated for feline leukemia at 9 weeks and again in 3 weeks. Adult cats who have not been vaccinated for feline leukemia should also be vaccinated twice at a 3 week interval.
Adult cats should receive a booster one year after the kitten series and then boosters at least every 3 years. Adult cats who have never received a vaccination should have a booster in 3 weeks to ensure adequate protection.
The PPAW Clinic does not require Feline Leukemia testing to vaccinate for that disease. However, we highly recommend testing prior to vaccination. If your cat is already infected with the virus, the feline leukemia vaccination will neither hurt, nor help your cat. Vaccination without testing may put other cats at risk. The blood test used by the PPAW Clinic tests for Feline Leukemia and FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus).
We recommend that puppies and kittens have fecal examinations and be dewormed according to parasites found. This is available at full-service veterinary clinics.
Vaccinations, heartworm testing and feline leukemia/FIV testing are available at our clinic.
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