Prevent Disease & Illness with Proper Pet Vaccinations

Keeping vaccinations up to date is one of the most effective ways for your pet to stay healthy. There are a variety of dangerous diseases that are easily preventable through a standard course of vaccinations. At Intermountain Pet Hospital, we are committed to staying on top of the most current vaccination protocols, ensuring your pet is getting the best prevention available. Vaccinations have proven efficacy at building your pet’s immunity and preventing him or her from suffering from a potentially fatal disease. Properly following your pet’s vaccination schedule not only keeps your pet and your family safe, but also protects other animals as well.

Your pet’s vaccination schedule starts as a puppy or kitten. Once through the initial vaccination schedule, your pet will require booster shots to maintain immunity as he or she get older. We keep track of your pet’s vaccines and will give the boosters at regular wellness visits, thereby ensuring your pet is always safe and protected from avoidable diseases.

Typical vaccinations and testing for dogs include:

• DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus)—Your puppy receives the first vaccination at the initial exam, around 6 to 7 weeks of age. The vaccine is repeated every 3 weeks until 15 to 16 weeks of age. After the initial schedule is completed, your pet will require this vaccine every 1 to 3 years, depending on age and risk status. Your veterinarian will make the appropriate recommendation.
• Bordetella—This vaccination prevents respiratory disease in your dog. The initial vaccine is given at 9 weeks of age and is repeated 3 weeks later. Following the first two shots, a booster is required every 12 months.
• Rabies—Your dog will have the first two vaccines at 16 weeks and 1 year. After the first two vaccinations, a booster is required every 3 years.
• Heartworm test—Your dog will begins monthly heartworm prevention medication as a puppy and will take it the rest of his or her life. After the first year, a heartworm test is performed at the annual exam.

Typical vaccinations for cats include:

• FVRCP and feline distemper (feline herpes, calicivirus, and panleukopenia)—Your kitten begins a vaccination schedule at 6 to 8 weeks of age. The vaccine is repeated every 3 weeks until 12 to 14 weeks of age. After the initial schedule is completed, your pet will require this vaccine every 1 to 3 years, depending on age and risk status. Your veterinarian will make the appropriate recommendation.
• Rabies—Your cat gets a rabies vaccination at 16 weeks and 1 year, and then gets a booster every 3 years.
• FeLV (feline leukemia)—The initial vaccination is administered at 9 weeks, followed by a booster at 12 weeks, and then annually at wellness exams. Your veterinarian will make a recommendation for indoor-only cats.