Vaccines & Prevention

At Dewitt Animal Hospital, we require an examination prior to vaccinating your pet. Vaccinating an unhealthy animal may exacerbate the animal’s ill-health or the vaccine may be ineffective. An examination allows the veterinarian to ensure that your pet is in good health before receiving a vaccination.

Canine Vaccines & Prevention

DHLPP – Distemper / Hepatitis / Leptospirosis / Parainfluenza / Parvovirus
Puppies
– 6 weeks and older: DHLPP every 2-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age.

Adults 
– 2 DHLPPs are given 2-4 weeks apart the first time receiving the vaccination, no matter what age.
– Yearly vaccination thereafter

Rabies
– Can be given as young as 12 weeks
– First one given as a one-year vaccination
– All others after the first given as a three-year vaccination

Bordetella
– Can be given as young as 8 weeks
– First time given as a 2-shot series: 1st, then 2nd 2-3 weeks later
– After second shot, given yearly

Lyme 
– Vaccine can be given as young as 9 weeks.
– First time given as a 2-shot series: 1^st, then 2^nd 2-3 weeks later.
– After second shot, given yearly

Lyme testing should be completed per recommendation of the veterinarian.

Heartworm
– Heartworm Prevention can be given starting between 6-8 weeks of age
– We offer two types of prevention in-clinic: Heartgard (chewable) and ProHeart (injection). With other options available on our online store.
– ProHeart can be given to puppies and dogs 6 months of age, or older.

Feline Vaccines & Prevention 

FVRCP – Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Feline Herpes virus)/ Calicivirus / Chlamydia psittaci / Panleukopenia (Distemper)
Kittens
– Can be given as early as 6-8 weeks
– Given every 3 weeks until 16 weeks of age

Cats
– 2 FVRCP’s are given 3 weeks apart the first time receiving the vaccination, no matter what age
– Vaccinated yearly thereafter

Rabies
– Can be given as early as 12 weeks
– Always given as a one year vaccination 

Leukemia
– Can be given as early as 12 weeks
– FeLV/FIV test recommended prior to vaccination
– First time given as a 2-shot series: 1^st LV, then 2^nd LV 2-3 weeks later
– After second shot, given yearly thereafter.