We recommend annual vaccine appointments for
adult dogs & cats.
Your veterinarian will recommend a custom vaccine plan based on your pet’s age, breed, size, and medical history.
Advancements in pet vaccines over the years has made it easier than ever for us to protect dogs and cats from many major diseases, including rabies. In addition to strengthening your pet’s immunity to various diseases, cat and dog vaccines also dramatically reduce the spread of infection among companion animals and people.
Our Recommended Core Cat & Dog Vaccines
Pet vaccines fall into two key categories: core and non-core. Core vaccines are essential to your pet’s health and protection, while non-core vaccines are recommended based on level of risk and lifestyle. They include the following:
Core Vaccines for Dogs
- Distemper
- Adenovirus (hepatitis)
- Parvovirus
- Parainfluenza
- Rabies (required by law in Washington)
Non-Core Vaccines for Dogs
- Bordetella
- Leptospirosis
Bordetella is bacteria that can cause an upper respiratory virus in dogs known as kennel cough. As the name suggests, kennels tend to be a hotbed of activity for the virus, which is why vaccination is recommended for dogs that board or visit the groomer, daycare, or dog park.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection shed in the urine of infected animals and can be found in standing water (puddles, ponds) and soil. Lepto can be spread to humans as well, and infection may be life threatening without timely treatment.
Core Vaccines for Cats
- Panleukopenia (or feline distemper)
- Calicivirus
- Rhinotracheitis (or feline herpes virus)
- Rabies (required by law in Washington)
Non-Core Vaccines for Cats
- Feline leukemia (FeLV)
The feline leukemia virus is highly contagious and often spread among feral cat populations. If your cat spends time outside each day, they are at an increased risk for contracting the disease.
What is Titer Testing?
Titer testing involves evaluating a blood sample from your pet to determine whether they have sufficient antibodies to immunize them against certain diseases. Titer testing does not guarantee protection for your pet, but it can give us some insight into how your pet responds to vaccinations and infections.
Chimacum Valley Veterinary Hospital offers titer testing for the following:
- Rabies
- Canine distemper
- Canine parvovirus
