Why do we recommend vaccinating puppies and kittens more than once?  Protection from diseases are passed from the mother to the babies while they are nursing.  They lose their protection anywhere from 8-16 weeks.  Since we don't know exactly when, we recommend vaccinating at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks of age.  (Scroll down this page for the kitten schedule.)

Puppies	DA2PP	Rabies	Leptospirosis*	Giardia*
8 weeks	X
12 weeks	X		X	X
16 weeks	X	X	X	X
1 year	X	X	X	X

*optional (see below explanations)

After the 1-year booster, both Rabies and DA₂P are due every 3 years.  Leptospirosis and Giardia are due every year.  Bordetella vaccine is given every 6 months to dogs that are at risk for kennel cough (boarding, daycare, grooming, obedience schools, etc).

Which diseases do these protect your puppy from? 

Distemper:  This disease is widespread and it is important to begin protection against it in young puppies.  This virus can cause vomiting, diarrhea, pneumonia and seizures, and can ultimately be fatal.  Even if a dog should recover from this serious disease, neurological damage is permanent.

Adenovirus Type 2:  This viral agent causes an infection by attacking the cells lining the respiratory tract.  As a component of "kennel cough," A₂ can be responsible for a dry, hacking cough that may lead to pneumonia.

Parvovirus:  Sometimes just called "parvo," this relatively new disease has only affected the canine population since 1978.  However, it is now widespread and very contagious.  Parvo causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration, toxemia and death.  Young puppies are particularly susceptible to this disease, so early protection is vital.

Parainfluenza:  This is the most common viral isolate from dogs with upper respiratory disease.  It usually causes a mild cough that my last for two weeks, which may be accompanied by a slight runny nose.

Rabies:  Rabies can affect all warm-blooded animals, as well as humans.  Rabies attacks the brain and is always fatal.  Vaccination is the key to controlling this deadly disease. 

*Leptospirosis:  Often just called "lepto," this disease in dogs can be caused by a number of different types of this bacteria.  Lepto was not common in Colorado, but we are seeing more cases of this disease.  It can cause kidney and liver damage and can also be spread to humans.  Here in Colorado, it is spread by raccoons and we are recommending it for any dogs that live where raccoons may have been.

*Giardia:  Giardia are protozoans, one-celled parasites that are typically found in contaminated water and goose stool.  Many dogs that have it do not exhibit signs.  In the case of a sensitive dog or a larger infestation, the dog will have diarrhea.  In severe cases, this diarrhea can cause dehydration.  We recommend this vaccine for any dog that has a problem with giardia, or for dogs that eat goose stool, or for dogs that go hiking/camping and are drinking out of mountain streams or other untreated water sources.

*Bordetella:  This bacterial agent affects many animals, including dogs and cats.  In the dog, it is the most common bacteria isolated from respiratory cases.  Signs may include a dry, severe hacking cough.  Complicated infections lead to pneumonia.  We recommend this vaccine every 6 months for dogs that go to kennels, daycare, obedience class, or grooming (any situation where many dogs are together).

Kittens	FVRCP	Rabies	FeLV*
8 weeks	X
12 weeks	X		X
16 weeks	X	X	X
1 year	X	X	X

*optional (see explanation below)

After the 1-year booster, FVRCP is due every 3 years.  The product we use for Rabies on cats is only approved for 1 year.  It is safer than the 3-year product  - it doesn't produce tumors at the site of injection.  FeLV is due every year.

Which diseases do these protect your kitten from? 

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis:  This is a common infection of cats that affects the respiratory system.  It is most severe in kittens, and will cause sneezing, high fever and usually a thick discharge from the nose and eyes. Ulcers may develop on the eyes as well.

Calicivirus:  Calicivirus infection is another respiratory disease that has clinical signs that are similar to Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, but calicivirus can also cause painful ulcers on the mouth or tongue of your cat.

Panleukopenia:  This is a highly contagious disease that results in severe depression, vomiting and diarrhea.  Adult cats may recover but it can be fatal, especially for kittens.  Panleukopenia is sometimes called "feline distemper."

Rabies:  Rabies can affect all warm-blooded animals, as well as humans.  Rabies attacks the brain and is always fatal.  Vaccination is the key to controlling this deadly disease. 

*Feline Leukemia Virus:  FeLV affects the immune system so the cat cannot fight off infections.  Cats infected with this virus are also more susceptible to developing cancer.  It is transmitted from cat to cat, so if your cat goes outside, early vaccination can be very important in prevention of this fatal disease.