Why do we vaccinate our kittens and puppies?
Just like humans, development of vaccines gives us an amazing opportunity to protect adorable puppies and kittens from deadly diseases they may otherwise be vulnerable to. When they are first born, they receive their first protective antibodies from their mother through milk shortly after birth, which serve to prevent infectious diseases. At some point, however, these maternal antibodies against disease disappear, leaving puppies and kittens vulnerable to infection. The timing of when these maternal antibodies disappear varies from each individual, which is why we recommend vaccinating them several times between 8 and 16 weeks of age. After puppy/kitten vaccine series is complete, most vaccines are recommended throughout their adulthood based on their lifestyle and risks
Call us at (808) 453-500 now to book an appointment to get started. Otherwise continue reading to learn more about specific vaccines we recommend to dogs and cats.
What vaccines are recommended for Dogs?
DAPP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) – This is a combination vaccination that prevents several life-threatening viral illnesses affecting the neurologic, gastrointestinal, and respiratory systems as well as the liver in dogs. Parvovirus is of particular concern which is unfortunately common in unvaccinated puppies, is highly contagious, and is often fatal without appropriate treatment. Unfortunately, our veterinarians at Aina Haina Veterinary Clinic have seen A LOT of puppies infected with parvovirus on the Hawaiian islands, so we strongly recommend this vaccine to ALL puppies. After the initial puppy series, the vaccine booster is administered in one year, then every 3 years.
Leptospirosis – This is a bacterial disease spread by exposure to standing water contaminated with urine of infected wildlife. It causes severe illness characterized by liver and kidney failure and is contagious to humans. Puppies are vaccinated at 12 weeks of age or greater. The first vaccination is followed by a booster in 3-4 weeks, and then it is given annually. Being in a tropical, wet environment like Hawaii, we also see quite a bit of dogs (both puppies AND adults) being affected by Leptospirosis, many of them unfortunately losing their lives due to this disease.
Kennel Cough – This is a disease with bacterial (Bordetella) and viral (Adenovirus/Parainfluenza) components that causes upper respiratory tract symptoms in dogs. It is spread through contact with other infected dogs and is most commonly seen in kennels, dog parks, and other places where dogs are social with one another. Vaccination does not always prevent disease but can lessen symptoms. This vaccine is given in the nose or mouth as early as 6-8 weeks of age and repeated every 6-12 months. Mild upper respiratory symptoms may be seen for several days following vaccination.
Rabies – This is a fatal viral disease that is contagious to humans and other animals through bites. Luckily, Hawaii is considered a rabies-free state, so vaccination is not required unless your pet is traveling outside of the state or living in a military base. Click here if you’re planning to travel internationally with your dog.
What vaccines are recommended for cats?
FVRCP (Feline viral rhinopneumonitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia) – This is a combination vaccination that prevents several life-threatening viral illnesses affecting the neurologic, gastrointestinal, and respiratory systems as well as the liver in cats. In recent years on Oahu, we have seen an outbreak of panleukopenia infection in kittens, so we at Aina Haina Veterinary Clinic recommends all kittens to be protected with this vaccine. After the initial kitten series, the vaccine booster is administered in one year, then every 3 years.
Feline Leukemia (FeLV) – This is a retrovirus that is transmitted through direct contact with other cats, including sharing of food and water bowls. Once infected, the cats usually become a life-long career, putting them at risk for developing severe infections and cancer down the road. We recommend this vaccine to any cat who goes outside or has housemates who go outside. The initial series consist of 2 vaccines, 3-4 weeks apart. Starting one year later, a booster should be given annually.
Rabies – Since Hawaii is a rabies-free state, this vaccine is only needed for pets traveling outside Hawaii or living on a military base. Click here if you’re planning to travel internationally with your cat..
What about vaccine reactions?
Vaccine reactions are something we occasionally encounter in both dogs and cats. Typical vaccine reactions you may see includes:
- Pain at the injection site
- Mild swelling where vaccine was given
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
Fortunately, most of these events are generally rare, and even if present, often self-limiting and resolved by 2- or 3-days post vaccination. It is usually recommended to notify your veterinarian when these reactions are noted to see if we need to pre-treat your pet with medication (such as Benadryl) prior to the next vaccination to minimize the risk of reactions.
We at Aina Haina Veterinary Clinic strongly believe that benefits far outweigh the risks when it comes to vaccinating our patients, and recommend vaccinating all dogs and cats for most of the vaccines above, while some may be more based on pet’s lifestyle and risks.
Do adults need vaccines too?
Although these vaccines are especially important for young puppies and kittens. Because we see many of these diseases affecting adults in Honolulu, we often recommend continuing to give vaccines even into adulthood. Our veterinarians at Aina Haina Veterinary Clinic can also discuss your pet’s specific lifestyles and health status to formulate appropriate vaccine schedules and combinations.
Ready to protect your pets from these disease? Call us at (808) 453-500 now to book an appointment to get started.