An annual physical exam and doctor consultation are the most important parts of preventative care for pets. This process includes weighing your pet, assigning a Body Condition Score, pain scoring and completing a comprehensive 12-system exam. You will have time to talk to the veterinarian about any of your pet’s health concerns, who will develop a treatment plan and follow up for any problems noted.

We live in an age where many serious infections diseases can be prevented with vaccination. At Horizon Veterinary Care, we wholeheartedly believe in vaccinations for your pet. However, we do not give them unnecessarily, and always tailor them to individual patients’ needs.

Vaccinations for dogs: 

DAPP: This vaccination is recommended for all dogs. The components protect against well-known viruses Distemper and Parvo, as well as Adenovirus, (which can cause severe hepatitis), and Parainfluenza, which can contribute to respiratory illness.

Schedule: every 4 weeks until 4 months old; booster at 16 months old, then every three years. 

Rabies: This vaccination protects against a terminal, incurable disease in pets that is also transmissible to humans. It is legally required that all dogs and cats. In September 2019, two pet dogs were euthanized after playing rabid bats in Cowlitz County – so the risk for exposure is real.

Schedule: Once when > 12 weeks old, then every three years. 

Bordetella: This vaccination is recommended for all dogs. It helps to prevent pneumonia caused by common respiratory pathogens that can be passed in casual nose-to-nose contact.  

Schedule: Annually 

Leptospirosis: This vaccination is recommended all dogs. This vaccination protects against a bacterium that is spread through exposure to wildlife and livestock urine. Leptospirosis is also zoonotic, which means it can be passed from animals to people. Since dogs can be exposed even in their back yard, we recommend this vaccine for all dogs.

Schedule: Two initial doses given 4 weeks apart, then annually. 

Canine Influenza: Dog flu is a virus specific to dogs. There are two strains circulating in the United States, both of which are covered by the vaccine we carry. This year, we have not had any outbreaks in the Pacific Northwest. This is a optional vaccination, as the risk is low, especially since we have not had any outbreaks in the area. However, it is required by many grooming, day care, and boarding facilities – check with your local business about their requirements.

Schedule: Two initial doses given 4 weeks apart, then annually if exposed to high-risk situations (dog shows, frequent boarding).  

We live in an age where many serious infections diseases can be prevented with vaccination. At Horizon Veterinary Care, we wholeheartedly believe in vaccinations for your pet. However, we do not give them unnecessarily, and always tailor them to individual patients’ needs. 

Vaccinations for cats: 

All of our vaccines are Merial PureVax, which are the only feline vaccines made without adjuvants. Adjuvants have been associated with the development of aggressive cancers called sarcomas. Although there is controversy around the cause of sarcomas in cats, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) only recommends the use of non-adjuvanted vaccines in cats.

FVRCP (Purevax): This vaccination is recommended for all cats. The components protect against symptoms of feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) caused by a ubiquitous herpes virus. An estimated 97% of all cats will be exposed to this virus in their lifetime [CITATION https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/respiratory-infections] . It also protects against severe illness associated calicivirus, which can cause pneumonia, ocular and oral ulcer, and rarely severe systemic disease. Panleukopenia is the cat analogue to parvovirus in dogs – it causes severe illness, immune system suppression, and can be fatal.

Schedule: every 4 weeks until 4 months old; booster at 16 months old, then every three years. 

Rabies (Purevax): This vaccination protects against a terminal, incurable disease in pets that is also transmissible to humans. It is legally required that all dogs and cats stay current on this vaccine. In September 2019, two pet dogs were euthanized after playing rabid bats in Cowlitz County – so the risk for exposure is real.

Schedule: Once when > 12 weeks old, then every three years. 

FeLV (Purevax): This vaccination protects against a virus that cause cancer (leukemia) and early death in young cats. The virus is called Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). FeLV is transmitted by prolonged, closed contact with other infected cats, bite wound, or through fetal-maternal contact. It is recommended for all kittens as an initial 2-vaccine series, even if they are indoor, to help provide protection in case they accidentally get outside and become exposed. After the initial kitten series, indoor-only cats no longer need this vaccine. However, any cat that goes outside or lives with an FeLV positive cat should have it boostered annually.

Indoor-only cats: kitten series of 2 boosters, given 4 weeks apart. No further vaccination 

Cats with outdoor exposure: Two initial doses given 4 weeks apart, then annually.