VACCINATIONS
Routine vaccinations are essential for keeping your pet happy and healthy. Our vaccination protocols are extensively researched and tailored to your pet's needs and lifestyle. We've picked the best vaccines on the market today, allowing us to guarantee effectiveness.
As part of our commitment to practicing the highest level of Fear Free Medicine, we are excited to offer several special combination vaccinations, like our unique Canine Distemper with Leptospirosis and Lyme vaccine and Feline Rabies with Feline Distemper vaccine, meaning less pokes, less fear and a decreased chance of adverse reactions. With these vaccines, we rarely have to administer more than two injections to completely update your pet's immunizations.
Vaccinations are the cornerstone of your pet's preventive health care plan. Advances in veterinary immunology have made diseases that once were fatal to pets easily prevented. Today, many immunizations and preventive treatments are available that did not exist just a few years ago. We always tailor your pet's vaccination schedule according to his or her needs. All decisions about vaccinations and preventive care are made jointly by the veterinarian and you in order to develop a vaccination protocol based on your pet's lifestyle, environment, and other risk factors.
We offer the following vaccinations:
Cats:
Rabies - In accordance with Maine state law, we recommend that kittens receive a Rabies vaccine starting at 12 to 16 weeks of age, and then annually. Rabies is always fatal once an animal begins to show clinical signs, and is transmissible to humans. Maine state law does not exempt indoor-only cats, who remain at risk for Rabies from bats inside the home or if accidentally released outside.
Feline Distemper (FVRCP) - The Feline Distemper vaccine is a combination of Feline Herpesvirus - 1, Feline Calicivirus and Feline Panleukopenia Virus vaccines. Feline Panleukopenia virus is a fatal disease that is easily transmissible between cats, or brought home by humans on contaminated clothing, shoes or soil. Feline Herpesvirus and Calicivirus can cause severe upper respiratory infections. The FVRCP vaccine is considered a core vaccine for all cats starting at 8 weeks of age, who will receive boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. After the first yearly vaccine, the following FVRCP vaccines are good for three years.
Feline Leukemia (FeLV) - Feline Leukemia virus is a highly infectious and fatal disease that causes immune destruction and leukemia in cats. Kittens are considered the most susceptible to this virus, which is why FeLV vaccines are now considered core vaccines for young cats regardless of whether they are indoor or outdoor. Mature outdoor cats are susceptible to FeLV from contacting the bodily fluids of an infected cat, and therefore should be vaccinated as well. The initial series consists of two vaccines 3-4 weeks apart, and then annual boosters.
Dogs:
Rabies - In accordance with Maine state law, we recommend that dogs receive a Rabies vaccine starting at 12 to 16 weeks of age, and then annually. After the first annual vaccine, a canine Rabies vaccine is good for three years. Rabies is always fatal once an animal begins to show clinical signs, and is transmissible to humans, which is why staying up to date on this vaccine is so important.
Canine Distemper (DHPP) - The Canine Distemper vaccine is a combination of Canine Distemper Virus, Canine Parvovirus, Canine Adenovirus and Canine Parainfluenza Virus vaccines. These diseases are highly infectious and can be debilitating or fatal, which is why they are considered core vaccines for all dogs starting at 8 weeks of age. Boosters are given every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age, and then annually. After the first annual booster, the vaccine is given every three years.
Leptospirosis - Leptospirosis is a bacteria that can cause severe kidney and liver failure in animals and humans, and is easily transmissible between the two. Leptospirosis is spread by the bodily fluids of most mammals, and is easily contracted when a dog sniffs or licks contaminated water, plants or even mouse urine in the home. Due to the severity of the disease and the potential for spread to humans, most dogs should be receiving Leptospirosis vaccines. Recent advancements in vaccine technology have significantly increased the effectiveness of the Leptospirosis vaccine while markedly decreasing vaccine reactions.
Lyme - Lyme disease is spread by a bacteria transmitted by ticks, and can cause lethargy, joint swelling, pain and neurological disease. In severe instances, Lyme disease can lead to a form of fatal kidney failure called Lyme Nephritis. The prevalence of Lyme disease is very high in Northern New England, and therefore most dogs should be vaccinated for Lyme disease. When the vaccine is used in combination with the latest oral tick preventatives (like Credelio), Lyme disease can be prevented. Should a dog become clinical for Lyme disease while on the vaccine and year-round Credelio, we are able to cover the cost of treatment within the manufacturer's guarantee for these products.
Bordetella - Bordetella is a bacteria that can be responsible for the disease known as "Kennel Cough." Dogs that are frequently around other dogs, boarded, traveling or go to grooming facilities should receive this vaccine annually.