Skip to main navigation Skip to main content
Puppies
AAHA

Vaccinate Your Pet for a Long & Healthy Life

pet vaccine

Dogs and cats need vaccinations to help them stay healthy and avoid potentially life-threatening health problems, including canine distemper virus, parvovirus, hepatitis virus, parainfluenza virus, and feline respiratory viruses. The following is a list of common vaccinations we recommend at Androscoggin Animal Hospital:

For Dogs:

  • Rabies—Required by state law, this vaccination is given first at 12–16 weeks of age. Dogs are re-vaccinated at one year from the initial vaccination, and then every 3 years.
  • DHPPv—This combination vaccination protects dogs against canine distemper, canine hepatitis, parainfluenza, and potentially deadly parvovirus. This is the first vaccine given to puppies with boosters every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks of age, and then given yearly.
  • Leptospirosis—This less common but serious disease affects the kidneys and liver and can be transmitted to people. The vaccination is usually first given after 8 weeks of age, with a booster given 3–4 weeks from the first injection, and then yearly.
  • Lyme—Maine is a Lyme endemic state. We recommend annual blood testing for exposure to Lyme disease, vaccination against Lyme disease, and regular tick control for all dogs.
  • Bordetella—Helps protect against “kennel cough.” All puppies will receive a vaccine after 8 weeks of age, followed by a booster 4 weeks later, and then an annual booster. “High-risk” dogs should be vaccinated every 6 months.

For Cats:

pet vaccine
  • Rabies—All cats are required to receive this vaccination at 16 weeks. Re-vaccination is once a year or every 3 years, depending on the vaccine.
  • FVRCP—This combination vaccine is a core vaccine for all cats and protects against feline distemper (panleukopenia) and the two most common upper respiratory viruses. Cats receive their first vaccination at or after 8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. A booster is given 1 year after the last kitten vaccine, and then every 3 years.
  • FeLV—All clients will be educated about this vaccination against feline leukemia virus. Your veterinarian will discuss the risk factors for your particular pet and make recommendations based on your pet’s health history.

Each client receives a unique vaccination plan for his or her pet during the first wellness exam. We will be sure to discuss all vaccinations that we recommend with you and make sure that we work together as a team to give your new pet a great start to a long and happy life.

Love AAH! I travel more than an hour to see them. They are very professional and ALWAYS has my pets best interest in mind.

From Our Blog: