Vaccination Guidelines for Dogs & Cats
Based upon the latest information from studies in immunology, we follow the most current recommendations for vaccine protocols for dogs and cats. Many leading researchers and specialists now believe that several of the vaccines that we routinely give to dogs and cats have a greater duration of immunity than had previously been thought. The duration of immunity is the length of time that a vaccine provides protection. In addition to this, some research is suggesting that over-vaccination of pets has led to some problems such as immune mediated hemolytic anemia in dogs and vaccine-associated sarcomas in cats. Although the vaccine manufacturers have not changed their labeling of these vaccines and still recommend vaccinating according to older protocols, many of the foremost veterinary colleges, as well as the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, the American Association of Feline Practitioners, and other leaders in veterinary medicine research now recommend new vaccine protocols. We are following these guidelines.
Vaccines for Dogs
The Distemper virus combination and the Parvo virus vaccine (known as the DA2PP) have been shown to have a duration of immunity of multiple years. As a puppy, your dog will receive a series of vaccinations beginning at 6-8 weeks through 16 weeks for these viruses in accordance with current knowledge of developing immune systems. These combination vaccines will protect against: Canine Distemper, Adenovirus-2 (Canine Hepatitis), Parainfluenza, and Parvo virus. Your dog will be required to receive a booster for all of these at one year of age. After the one-year booster, we will begin staggering these vaccines. Your dog will receive the Canine Distemper, Adenovirus 2 and Parainfluenza (DA2P) vaccine one year, the Parvo virus vaccine the next year, and the Rabies vaccine in the third year.
The Rabies vaccine schedule is government regulated and will not change. We will give the first vaccine after 12 weeks of age. A booster vaccination will be given in one year and then revaccination will occur every three years after that. Please let your veterinarian know if you will be traveling to other states or reside in another state part of the year so that we may verify the legal requirements for that state or county in order to keep your dog current for both locations.
The Bordetella vaccination, commonly referred to as the "Kennel Cough vaccine", has been shown to have a duration of immunity of less than one year. Due to this, we will require that all boarding dogs be vaccinated for Bordetella every 6 months, regardless of which type of vaccine used (intranasal, injectable or oral). We would also strongly recommend that any dog that goes to grooming facilities, dog parks, dog training, or routinely comes in contact with other dogs be vaccinated for Bordetella. The Bordetella vaccine does not prevent many of the viruses associated with contagious upper respiratory infection in dogs, only against the organism Bordetella Bronchiseptica.
Leptospirosis made a rapid and dramatic appearance in Tucson, Arizona following an outbreak in the Summer of 2017. Since then, we have begun to recommend this vaccine for those dogs who visit any of our local dog parks, dog day cares or training centers or those who travel to Phoenix or out of state. It is not currently required for boarding in our facilities, but may be required for other facilities. Regardless of the age of the dog, the initial series is two vaccinations 3-4 weeks apart and then a booster repeated annually.
The Corona virus or Lyme Disease vaccines, though available at our hospital by special order for those canines who are at risk, are not part of our core vaccination protocol. Arizona, particularly Tucson, is a low risk area for these diseases and both these vaccines have a high rate of complications and reactions. If your dog is traveling to an area where these diseases are present or will be participating in activities which may increase the risk of exposure, please speak to your veterinarian about these vaccines.
The Canine Flu (H3N8 or H3N2, or combination) vaccine is not currently offered. We are watching this virus closely and will change our recommendations based on the lifestyle needs of our patients if this disease arrives in or gets close to Arizona. Let your dog's veterinarian know if you travel to areas of high risk (particularly the East Coast).
The Rattlesnake vaccine is not recommended. It is made from the venom of one of the 13 species of rattlesnake seen in the greater Tucson area, Crotalus Atrox, the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. There has been very little peer-reviewed research on this vaccines safety, effectiveness or duration of protection. "Protective" titers are short lived and require frequent boosters. According to the manufacturer, there are no pending studies or plans for studies on their product. The vaccine does not protect your dog from being bit or change any of the treatment protocol for snake envenomation. Administration of antivenin is still the standard of treatment regardless if this vaccine has been used. For these reasons, our veterinarians do not recommend it and have no plans to offer it in the future.
Vaccines for Cats
The Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia vaccine (or RCP) will be given to kittens in a series of vaccinations beginning about 6-8 weeks until 16 weeks in accordance with the current knowledge of developing immune systems. After one year, your cat will receive a booster vaccination and then be revaccinated every three years. This vaccine is recommended for all cats, including those who are indoor only and have no to little risk of exposure and is required for boarding in our facilities.
The Rabies vaccine that we are giving to our feline patients is a recombinant, non-adjuvanted vaccine. There is some evidence to suggest that this vaccine has a much lower incidence of rabies vaccine reactions (including vaccine-associated sarcomas) in cats. Currently the vaccine we carry is only rated for one year and will need to be repeated at your cat's annual exam. We strongly recommend this vaccine for all cats, not just those at highest risk (outdoor, indoor/outdoor, those cats who live in a house with an indoor/outdoor cat and those cats with a history of aggression towards other cats or humans). Cat have become the number one domestic source of rabies exposure to humans in the United States. A current rabies vaccine, while not required by law, is you and your cat's best protection from this fatal disease and from costly quarantines.
The recommendations for the Feline Leukemia vaccine have not changed. The initial vaccination will require a series of two injections following a negative test at 16 weeks or older. Revaccination will then be required on an annual basis. The Feline Leukemia vaccine is recommended for cats that are outdoors or indoor/outdoors and cats that live in multiple cat households with other cats who go outside.
Non-core Vaccines
The non-core vaccines available for both dogs and cats are not routinely recommend for a variety of reasons. Some of the available vaccinations are for diseases not found in Arizona or the vaccine may have conflicting or low efficacy rates or high rates of severe or life-threatening reactions. If you have questions about any other vaccines, please ask our veterinarians about them. We are not following a "titer regimen" as there has been very little and unsubstantiated research on what is actually a protective titer range for each species and each disease. The only exception is the Rabies vaccine titer that is required for some international travel. This titer is not a replacement for vaccination but in addition to vaccination.
Please keep in mind that our vaccination protocol may considered extra-label usage depending on the vaccine. However, it is based upon the latest and best veterinary immunological research that is available. We will continue to routinely reevaluate our vaccine recommendations and make any changes to our protocol that is necessary to provide the best care and protection for your pet.
It is still important that your pet receive yearly or twice-yearly veterinary examinations even on a rotating or staggered vaccine schedule. Our pets age much quicker than we do and only your veterinarian can detect the subtle signs of disease.