Vaccinations for Dogs & Cats

- Knapp Veterinary Hospital - Columbus, Ohio

Adult Dogs

• Every year:
  • Leptospirosis
  • Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
  • Canine Influenza
  • Lyme
• Every 3 years:
  • DA₂PP (Distemper)
  • Rabies^[1]

Puppies

Vaccinations start at 6-8 weeks and are boostered every 3-4 weeks until the Rabies^[1] vaccination is given at 12-16 weeks of age.

• 6-8 weeks old:
  • DA2PP #1
• 3-4 weeks later (9-12 weeks old):
  • DA2PP #2
  • Leptospirosis #1
  • Canine Influenza #1
  • Lyme #1
• 3-4 weeks later (12-16 weeks old): All vaccines at this point will be good for 1 year
  • Rabies^[1]
  • DA2PP #3
  • Leptospirosis #2
  • Bordetella
  • Canine Influenza  #2
  • Lyme #2

If there is no vaccine history (such as when finding a stray animal) we will give the Rabies^[1] (1 year), DA2PP #1, and Leptospirosis #1 vaccines on your first visit. The DA2PP and Leptospirosis vaccines will be boostered 3-4 weeks later and will be good for one year. Afterward, the adult vaccine schedule will be followed.

The Bordetella (Kennel Cough) and Canine Influenza vaccines are only needed if your pet will be boarding, grooming, or otherwise associating with dogs in close quarters. These are yearly vaccines, but some boarding facilities and groomers require giving bordetella every 6 months, so make sure to check their protocols. The Lyme vaccine is generally only needed in higher risk areas, such as if your pet goes in the woods or tall grasses where ticks can be found more prominently. Please consult with your veterinarian if you're unsure if you need these vaccines for your dog.

Adult Cats

• Every year:
  • Rabies^[1]
• Every 3 years:
  • FVRCP (Distemper)
  • FeLV (Feline Leukemia)

Kittens

Vaccinations start at 6-8 weeks and are boostered every 3-4 weeks until the Rabies^[1] vaccination is given at 12-16 weeks of age.

• 6-8 weeks old:
  • FVRCP #1
• 3-4 weeks later (9-12 weeks old):
  • FVRCP #2
  • FeLV #1
• 3-4 weeks later (12-16 weeks old): All vaccines at this point will be good for 1 year
  • Rabies^[1]
  • FVRCP #3
  • FeLV #2

If there is no vaccine history (such as when finding a stray animal) we will give the Rabies^[1] (1 year) and FVRCP #1 vaccines on your first visit. The FVRCP will be boostered 3-4 weeks later and will be good for one year. Afterward, the adult vaccine schedule will be followed.

The FeLV (Feline Leukemia) vaccine is only needed if your cat goes outside or is in direct contact with other cats that go outside; however, it is safe to give to indoor cats as well. For example, if your cat goes by screen doors or windows where they could be in contact with an outdoor cat, you may want to talk to your doctor for their recommendation. This vaccine is given every 3 years.

^[1] In accordance with Franklin county law, all dogs and cats are required to be vaccinated against the Rabies virus. Giving the vaccine is considered a medical procedure and only healthy pets should be vaccinated. The physical examination ensures the health of your pet and, therefore, safety in receiving the vaccination.