Vets in Bozeman all agree that vaccination is an important part of maintaining your pet’s overall health. At 101 PAWS Veterinary Center, we’ll work with you to devise a customized plan for vaccination and measuring protection.
Vaccines for Dogs:
Core vaccines should be administered by veterinarians to all puppies, and will continue to be given life-long for most dogs. These vaccines are Distemper/Hepatitis/Parvovirus/Parainfluenza (DHPP) and Rabies. If you prefer a more holistic approach, vaccine titers can be done to determine if there is adequate immunity and vaccine boostering would not be required.
Additional vaccines for dogs are recommended based on your dog’s lifestyle. These optional vaccines include Bordetella and Leptospirosis. The Bordetella vaccine is recommended for any dogs that have frequent contact with other dogs. This vaccine helps decrease the likelihood of developing kennel cough and helps minimize duration and severity of clinical signs if contracted. Vaccination for Leptospirosis is recommended for any dogs that spend time in nature and have exposure to water sources. The Lepto vaccine protects against a bacteria shed in wildlife urine that causes serious, potentially fatal, disease of the liver and/or kidneys
Vaccines for Cats:
Core vaccines to be administered by veterinarians to kittens and cats are Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis/Calicivirus/Panleukopenia (FVRCP) and Rabies. As with dogs, titers can be used to evaluate immunity and determine if vaccine boosters are needed.
The additional vaccine is recommended for cats that spend any time outdoors. These cats should be vaccinated for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), as it is a very contagious and lethal viral disease acquired from contact with other cats.
A special note about Rabies vaccination: some owners inquire as to why their pet needs a Rabies vaccine if they are never in contact with any other animals (eg: indoor only cat or city dwelling dog that is never off-leash). Rabies vaccine is required by law and is therefore recommended in all pets. If your pet is not up-to-date on its Rabies vaccine and bites another animal or person, the pet will need to be quarantined for 10 days. In addition, you are subject to a hefty fine from the city of Bozeman or your local authority.
