Vaccines

Dogs and cats, and especially puppies and kittens, are highly susceptible to a number of infectious diseases. By far the most important in the Yuma area are canine Parvovirus and feline leukemia. Because of our weather, we have more problems with Parvo than anywhere else in the United States. The vaccinations your pet receives may vary with the area of the country and the prevalence of diseases. At FAH, the following vaccinations are recommended. Most puppies should begin the Distemper-Parvo combination shot at 6 to 7 weeks of age. Rottweilers, rottweiler mixes and puppies hand-fed from birth should get their first Parvo at 5 to 6 weeks of age. They will require boosters until they are 16 weeks of age.

Dogs

Dogs with special needs may be vaccinated against Bordetella (kennel cough), Kittens and puppies should be vaccinated for rabies at 4 months of age. Boosters are given 1 year later, then every 3 years, unless given by the YCHS in which case it is only good for 1 year.

Kittens should be tested for Leukemia prior to bringing them home. It is nice to test for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus at the same time, but this disease is not nearly as prevalent. Kittens and cats at high risk, i.e., exposed to other cats whose vaccination status is unknown, should receive the Leukemia vaccine in addition to the feline combination (FVRCP).

Cats