Vaccination
Protect Your Pet: Vaccination Services for Tigard & Beaverton
Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to protect your beloved dog or cat from serious, potentially life-threatening diseases. At Nimbus Pet Hospital, we understand that keeping your furry family members healthy is your top priority and it's ours too.
Regular vaccinations not only safeguard your pet's health but also contribute to the overall well-being of our community by preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Whether you have a new puppy or kitten, or you're caring for an adult pet, staying current with vaccinations is essential for a long, healthy life.
Why Pet Vaccinations Matter
Vaccines work by stimulating your pet's immune system to recognize and fight specific diseases. This preparation allows their body to respond quickly and effectively if exposed to these illnesses in the future. Without proper vaccination, pets remain vulnerable to diseases that can cause severe illness, long-term health complications, or even death.
Many vaccine-preventable diseases are highly contagious and can spread rapidly through pet populations. Some, like rabies, can even be transmitted to humans. By keeping your pet up-to-date on their vaccinations, you're not only protecting them but also helping create a safer environment for all pets and people in our community.
Essential Core Vaccines for Dogs
Core vaccines are considered essential for all dogs, regardless of their lifestyle, because they protect against diseases that are widespread, highly contagious, or pose serious health risks.
Rabies Vaccine
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system and can be transmitted to humans. This vaccine is required by law in most areas. Dogs typically receive their first rabies vaccine at 16 weeks of age, with boosters given annually or every three years depending on the vaccine type and local regulations.
DA2PP (Distemper/Parvovirus) Vaccine
This combination vaccine protects against several serious diseases:
Distemper: A viral infection that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems
Adenovirus: Causes hepatitis and respiratory infections
Parvovirus: A highly contagious virus that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, especially dangerous for puppies
Parainfluenza: Contributes to kennel cough and other respiratory infections
This vaccine series typically begins at 6-8 weeks of age and continues every 3-4 weeks until puppies are 16 weeks old.
Lifestyle Vaccines for Dogs
Based on your dog's activities, environment, and risk factors, we may recommend additional vaccines to provide comprehensive protection.
Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
Bordetella is a bacterial infection that causes a persistent, dry cough. While not usually life-threatening, it's highly contagious and can lead to more serious respiratory complications. This vaccine is especially important for dogs that:
Visit dog parks or boarding facilities
Attend doggy daycare or grooming salons
Participate in dog shows or training classes
Have regular contact with other dogs
Leptospirosis
This bacterial infection can cause kidney and liver damage and can be transmitted to humans. Dogs can contract leptospirosis through contaminated water, soil, or contact with infected animals. The vaccine is recommended for dogs that:
Spend time outdoors in rural or wooded areas
Have access to ponds, lakes, or streams
Live and exploring outdoors in Oregon
Canine Influenza
Dog flu is a respiratory infection that causes coughing, fever, and nasal discharge. While most dogs recover fully, some may develop pneumonia. This vaccine is recommended for dogs with high social exposure to other dogs.
Core Vaccines for Cats
Like dogs, cats require core vaccines to protect against the most common and dangerous diseases.
Rabies Vaccine
Just as with dogs, rabies vaccination is essential for cats and is required by law in most areas. Indoor cats need this protection too, as they can still be exposed to rabid animals that enter the home.
FVRCP (Feline Upper-Respiratory/Distemper)
This combination vaccine protects against:
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis: Causes upper respiratory symptoms
Calicivirus: Leads to respiratory infections and mouth ulcers
Panleukopenia: Also known as feline distemper, this virus causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms
Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
This vaccine protects against a virus that suppresses the immune system and can lead to cancer. It's especially important for:
Cats that go outdoors
Multi-cat households
Cats exposed to other cats of unknown vaccination status
Vaccination Schedules: Timing is Everything
Puppies
Young puppies receive antibodies from their mother's milk, but this protection fades over time. The vaccination schedule ensures continuous protection as maternal antibodies decline.
8-12 weeks: First DA2PP vaccine, Bordetella
12-16 weeks: Second DA2PP, Bordetella, and Leptospirosis
16-20 weeks: Third DA2PP, Rabies, and boosters for lifestyle vaccines
12-16 months: Final boosters to complete the initial series
Ready to Protect Your New Puppy? Click here to Schedule an Appointment Today!
Adult Dogs
After completing their puppy series, adult dogs need regular boosters to maintain immunity:
DA2PP: Every 3 years
Rabies: Annually or every 3 years (depends on vaccine type)
Bordetella: Annually
Leptospirosis: Annually
Let’s Protect the Family’s Best Friend! Click here to Schedule an Appointment Today!
Kittens
Kittens follow a similar schedule to puppies:
6-8 weeks: First FVRCP vaccine
10-12 weeks: Second FVRCP and first Leukemia vaccine
14-16 weeks: Third FVRCP, second Leukemia vaccine, and first Rabies vaccine
Adult Cats
Adult cats need regular boosters:
FVRCP: Every 3 years
Rabies: Annually or every 3 years
Leukemia: Annually (for at-risk cats)
Ready to Protect Your New Kitten? Click here to Schedule an Appointment Today!
Common Vaccination Questions
Are vaccines safe for my pet?
Yes, vaccines are very safe. Serious adverse reactions are rare, and the benefits far outweigh the risks. Most pets experience no side effects, though some may have mild symptoms like temporary lethargy or soreness at the injection site.
Can indoor pets skip certain vaccines?
Even indoor pets need core vaccines. Indoor cats can still be exposed to rabies if a rat enters the home, and indoor dogs still need protection against diseases they might encounter during veterinary visits or emergency situations.
What if my pet's vaccines are overdue?
If your pet's vaccines have lapsed, don't worry. We can restart their vaccination schedule and get them back on track. The timing of booster vaccines will depend on how long it's been since their last vaccination.
Do older pets need vaccines?
Yes, senior pets still need regular vaccinations. While their immune systems may not respond as strongly to vaccines, they still provide important protection and are generally safe for healthy older pets.
Can vaccines be given together?
Yes, most vaccines can be safely administered during the same visit. This is more convenient for pet owners and reduces stress for pets by minimizing the number of veterinary visits needed.
Schedule Your Pet's Vaccination Today
Protecting your pet's health starts with staying current on their vaccinations. At Nimbus Pet Hospital, our experienced veterinarians will work with you to develop a vaccination schedule tailored to your pet's specific needs, lifestyle, and risk factors.
Don't wait until it's too late. Contact Nimbus Pet Hospital today to schedule your pet's vaccination appointment. Our compassionate team is here to answer your questions and provide the exceptional care your furry family member deserves.
Ready to protect your pet? Click here to Schedule an Appointment Today!