At Veterinary Medical Center of Easton,
Vaccines are recommended on an
annual basis.
We can provide a custom vaccination plan that is tailored to your pet’s age, vaccine history, and other factors.
Discover Our Vaccines for Life Program
Dog Vaccinations
Learn about the dog vaccines we offer by clicking the tabs below.
Dog Distemper (DA2PP) and Rabies
The dog distemper vaccine is a comprehensive immunization given to puppies starting at 8-9 weeks old. They receive an exam and puppy booster shots every 3-4 weeks until they reach 16-17 weeks old. This schedule is crucial for maintaining protection as the immunity your puppy obtained from their mother wanes. For larger breeds with black and tan coloring, a final booster is advised at 17-18 weeks due to a higher risk of parvovirus. After the initial series, the vaccine is updated after one year and subsequently every three years. This vaccine safeguards against several viruses:
- Dog distemper, an often-fatal virus, targets the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, the skin, and the central nervous system. Dogs of all ages are at risk, hence the necessity for vaccination.
- Canine adenovirus, which can lead to severe respiratory illness and hepatitis, is now infrequently encountered thanks to widespread vaccination.
- Parvovirus, or parvo, is highly contagious and potentially deadly. It causes intense gastrointestinal distress, such as diarrhea and vomiting, particularly in young and unvaccinated dogs.
- Parainfluenza virus contributes to infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as kennel cough, and is usually a mild infection in otherwise healthy dogs.
For adult dogs at risk of vaccine reactions or with immune system issues, an annual vaccine antibody titer test for distemper and parvovirus can be considered after the initial one-year booster instead of regular vaccinations. This alternative is not suitable for puppies, however.
The rabies vaccine is first given between 12-16 weeks of age, with a booster after one year, and then every three years. Rabies, a fatal virus affecting all mammals, is particularly prevalent in wildlife on the eastern shore. Vaccination against rabies is not only crucial for your pet’s health but is also mandated by Maryland law for all dogs aged 12 weeks and older.
For additional information and answers to frequently asked questions about vaccinations, you can visit the American Veterinary Medical Association website at AVMA Vaccination FAQs.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis, or lepto, is a bacterial infection that poses a serious health risk to both humans and animals worldwide. If not addressed, it can cause severe liver and kidney damage, and may even be fatal. Transmission occurs through contact with infected wildlife such as opossums, skunks, raccoons, and rodents, as well as exposure to water contaminated with the bacteria or through infected urine.
To safeguard against this zoonotic illness, which can impact both you and your pet, we recommend vaccinating your dog with two initial shots spaced 3 weeks apart, followed by annual boosters. This immunization routine is your pet’s best defense against serious disease.
Lyme
Cat vaccinations
Rabies
Rabies virus is a fatal infection typically transmitted through bite wounds, open cuts in the skin, or mucous membranes from an infected animal’s saliva. There is no treatment available once your cat is infected with rabies. This virus has very real and serious human and pet implications.
For more information about rabies, visit this link: https://catfriendly.com/feline-diseases/rabies/.
Note: All cats, including indoor cats, are required by Maryland state law to be vaccinated against rabies.
Consider the following:
- There is a small, but real potential for rabies to enter your household. Wildlife such as bats, raccoons, or skunks may bring the virus into your house and expose your cat to rabies.
- There is a legal liability should an unvaccinated cat bite or scratch a person. Rabies is a fatal disease for both humans and pets and is found here on the Delmarva Peninsula.
FVRCP (Feline Distemper)
The feline FVRCP vaccine protects your cat against the three highly contagious viruses: feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia. The initial kitten series includes vaccine administration every 3-4 weeks, with the last vaccine administered after 16 weeks of age. The vaccine is given again at one year of age and then every three years.
This vaccine protects against:
Feline Herpesvirus (Feline Rhinotracheitis) – Clinical signs are associated with upper respiratory infection such as sneezing and discharge from the eyes and/or nose. This virus can become latent (inactive) in some cats. These “carrier” cats may have long-term infections that reactivate in times of stress or with treatment that suppresses the immune system.
Feline Calicivirus – Clinical signs include sneezing, eye discharge, nasal discharge, oral ulcers, anorexia, and joint pain (lameness or stiffness.)
Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper Virus) –This virus most commonly attacks the intestine, bone marrow, and brain and can cause severe disease, including death. Symptoms are most severe in kittens. Clinical signs may include severe diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, fever, lethargy, and anorexia. The immune system is often compromised, resulting in secondary infections. This virus is very resistant in the environment and may survive for over a year.
For more information about panleukopenia, visit this link: https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/pages/Feline-Panleukopenia.aspx.
FeLV (Feline Leukemia)
After the initial kitten series (2 vaccinations 3-4 weeks apart), it is recommended to booster your cat again at 1 year of age, then yearly depending on their risk of exposure to the virus. A FeLV blood test should be performed prior to vaccination.
Feline leukemia is a significant cause of illness and death in cats. The feline leukemia virus is spread through grooming, sharing food or water dishes, biting, mating behaviors and in-uteri. Survival time for cats infected with FeLV ranges from 6 months to 3 years after infection. Clinical signs associated with a viral infection are not specific and may include immune-mediated diseases, tumors, bone marrow disorders including anemia, and secondary infections.
For more information on the feline leukemia virus, visit this link: https://catfriendly.com/feline-diseases/felv/
