Vaccinations

Rabies vaccine is available as a one year (annual vaccine) or a three-year vaccine and is required by the State of Florida. Check with your veterinarian on the type of rabies vaccine used in your area. Vaccines help prevent diseases in puppies and adult dogs such as Distemper, Parvo Virus Infectio, Adenovirus A and B (Hepatitis), Parainfluenza, and Leptospirosis. These vaccines are sometimes known as “5 or 6 in one” vaccines, as one vaccine covers the dog for all of these diseases. Corona virus and Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines are administered as an option in those dogs exposed to a large group (such as a kennel, dog training class, or dog show). Of these diseases, Parainfluenza, Hepatitis (viral liver disease), and some varieties of Leptospirosis are rarely seen because of routine vaccination.

Vaccination for Rabies is usually done when a dog or cat are over 3 months of age. Rabies vaccination must be repeated in one year after the initial vaccine, and then annually, which is required by Florida Law. Vaccination is also available for Lymes disease, a condition usually seen in the northeastern United States. Kittens and adult cats are vaccinated against diseases such as Feline Panleukopenia (parvo), Feline Viral Rhinopneumonitis, Chlamydia, and Calicivirus in an all in one vaccine. Feline Leukemia Virus and FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) are also available vaccines. Leukemia vaccination is highly recommended for cats that go outdoors, and are in potential contact with other cats. Cats allowed only on the screened in porch, may also be exposed to outside cat saliva and/or urine if an outside cat urinates through the screen, or decides to spit or sneeze through the screen at the inside cat. Check with your veterinarian on which type of vaccines are being used in your area, and the recommended frequency of administration.