Vaccine Protocol
Our hospital also offers the RESQ micro chipping service. After Hurricane Katrina displaced thousands of pets, the BIG EASY Animal Hospital now encourages pet owners to microchip their pets as a way to increase the chances of a pet being found should an emergency arise or if the pet goes missing.
Extra care is often necessary for pets that are either very young or approaching their senior years. Because of this, our veterinarian stresses the importance of counseling new owners on how to care for their puppy. Our doctor also helps clients learn how to care for senior pets and can provide information about diet, arthritis and other senior pet concerns.
A healthy mouth is indicative of your pet's overall health. We offer standard dental cleanings for your pet, and encourage clients to take an active role in keeping their pet's teeth sparkling and healthy. Proper dental care can help prevent periodontal disease and other illnesses, which, left untreated, could cause more serious health problems.
We believe that a "one size fits all" approach to vaccines is inappropriate. We tailor our vaccine protocol for each patient to ensure they are well protected against the diseases for which they are at risk. However, we do not administer vaccines more frequently than necessary and we do not administer vaccines for diseases for which an individual pet is not at risk.
Dogs
DHP—combined vaccination protecting against canine distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus
For puppies, we recommend 3 to 4 sets of vaccinations given every 3 to 4 weeks, depending on age of presentation. The final boosters are typically given at 16 weeks.
For non-vaccinated adult dogs (or adult dogs with unknown vaccination history), we recommend 2 sets of vaccinations given 3 to 4 weeks apart. We boost this vaccine a year after the puppy series and then give it every 3 years from then on.
Bordetella (Kennel Cough) Vaccination
The initial vaccination for puppies is given as an intranasal spray. Subsequent vaccinations are given by intranasal or injection. For high-risk dogs, an injection every 6 months is recommended to maintain immunity.
Rabies
State Laws requires rabies vaccination. We usually vaccinate puppies for rabies when they are at least 12 weeks old and, as required by Pennsylvania state law, we administer this vaccine on an every three-year basis.
Leptospirosis
We vaccinate all at-risk puppies for this disease. Two doses are given 3 to 4 weeks apart. We then boost annually.
Lyme Disease
We do not consider this a core vaccine and recommend it only to our patients that spend part of the year in areas endemic for Lyme disease. The first time a dog is vaccinated against Lyme disease, two doses given at 2 to 4 week intervals are necessary. After the first year, annual vaccinations are necessary.
Cats
Combined Vaccination Protecting Against Feline Panleukopenia, Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Pneumonitis
We recommend 3 sets of vaccinations given at 3 to 4 week intervals, with the final booster given 14 -16 weeks. Adult cats receive the vaccine one year after the kitten series and then every 3 years following.
Feline Leukemia Vaccination
This vaccination is recommended for all outdoor cats. For kittens and adult cats, we recommend 2 sets of vaccinations given at 3 to 4 week intervals. After the first year, this vaccination should be administered yearly.
Rabies
Kittens need to be vaccinated against rabies at 12 or more weeks of age. The first rabies vaccination is good for one year, according to Pennsylvania state law. Because we use the Purevax vaccine, we administer this vaccine on a yearly basis.