We recommend that all pet owners establish a relationship with a local, full-service veterinary hospital to provide for your pet’s health throughout its lifetime.

Vaccination FAQs

Q. How important are vaccines to my pet's health?

Vaccines are very important in managing the health of your dog or cat. An up to date rabies vaccination is a legal requirement in Kootenai County. Vaccines have saved many lives and play a vital role in the battle against preventable infectious disease. That being said, not every pet needs to be vaccinated against every disease. Your veterinarian will help you decide a vaccination protocol that is best for your individual pet.

Q. What vaccines should my puppy or dog receive? Core vaccines are recommended for all puppies and dogs with an unknown vaccination history. These vaccinations include the DA2PP ((D) canine distemper, (A2) canine adenovirus-2, (P) canine parvovirus, (P) canine parainfluenza), and Rabies.

The generally accepted guideline of the puppy vaccination schedule for the first year is:

• 6-8 weeks
• DA2PP
• Bordetella (kennel cough) optional
• 10-12 weeks
• DA2PP
• 14-16 weeks
• DA2PP
• Rabies (if exact date of birth is unknown, Rabies is administered at 16 weeks)
• Annual and 3 years
• DA2PP
• Bordetella (booster)
• Rabies

For dogs older than 16 weeks of age, two doses of the DA2PP vaccine given 3-4 weeks apart are recommended. After a booster at one year, revaccination can occur every 1-3 years thereafter, as your vet recommends. Rabies vaccination can be given with a booster in 1 year and then every 1-3 years thereafter.

Q. What vaccines should my kitten or cat receive? Core vaccines are recommended for all kittens and cats with an unknown vaccination history. These vaccinations include the FVRCP ((FVR) feline viral rhinotracheitis (feline herpesvirus 1 or FHV-1), (FCV) feline calicivirus, and (FPV) feline panleukopenia virus), and Rabies.

The generally accepted guideline of the kitten vaccination schedule for the first year is:

• 6-8 weeks
• FVRCP
• 10-12 weeks
• FVRCP
• 14-16 weeks
• FVRCP
• Rabies (if exact date of birth is unknown, Rabies is administered at 16 weeks or older)
• Annual and 3 years
• FVRCP
• Rabies

For cats older than 16 weeks of age, two doses of the FVRCP vaccine given 3-4 weeks apart are recommended. After a booster at one year, revaccination can occur every 1-3 years thereafter, as your vet recommends. Rabies vaccination can be given with a booster in 1 year and then every 1-3 years thereafter.

Q. Can vaccines cause a reaction in my pet?

Immunizations mildly stimulate the pet’s immune system in order to create protection from specific infectious diseases. This stimulation can cause some occasional reactions in your pet including: mild lethargy, decreased appetite and tenderness at the site of injection. Most of these symptoms will subside in a day or two.

While less common, some pets can have an allergic reaction to vaccines. Acute facial swelling, hives, itching or rubbing of face, vomiting, diarrhea or profound lethargy would warrant an immediate exam.

If your pet has ever had an allergic reaction to a vaccine we are unable to vaccinate your pet. You will need to go to a full-service veterinary clinic to have your pet vaccinated.