Individualized Vaccinations

A deeper approach to immunology.

As a child, you likely received vaccinations to keep you protected from conditions such as the flu, tetanus, measles, and Hepatitis. But did you know that pets need to be vaccinated, too? At Columbia Pike Animal Hospital in Annandale, VA, we recommend regularly scheduled vaccinations for all of our canine and feline patients. Cat and dog vaccinations are your pet’s best defense against rabies, distemper, Lyme disease, and influenza, to name a few. Vaccines are easy to administer, and can last several years. Nothing’s more important to us than your pet’s health and your satisfaction—vaccinations are integral to your loved one’s longevity, and we want you to enjoy as many years together as possible. Give us a call at (703) 256-8414 to start your pet’s vaccination schedule.

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We offer all the essential and lifestyle vaccinations pets need to stay healthy and protected from harmful pathogens. Core vaccines are required for your pet’s ongoing wellness, while non-core vaccines are given according to their lifestyle. Our core and non-core vaccines include:

Dogs

Rabies (core)
DHPP/distemper-parvo
Lyme (non-core)
Bordetella (non-core, required for boarding, daycare, grooming, dog park)
Canine influenza (non-core, required for boarding, daycare, grooming, and dog park)
Leptospirosis

Cats

Rabies (core, we offer traditional and PUREVAX)
Feline distemper/FVRCP (FVRCP, core)
Feline leukemia (non-core)

*Rabies vaccinations are required by VA state law

Pet Vaccinations and Protocol

Vaccination FAQs

What Do I Need to Know About Canine Influenza?

Canine influenza is a respiratory infection generating symptoms similar to the human flu virus. It is highly infectious between dogs and can be transmissible before symptoms are present. Therefore, we encourage our patients to receive the canine influenza vaccine (CIV). Dogs who are in close contact with other dogs such as at dog parks, grooming and boarding, or in training and competitions, are prime candidates for the vaccination. Symptoms of the flu include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and a possible fever. While many dogs can recover from the illness in a few weeks, some pets may have complications. Prevention is the only way to fully protect your pet! Additionally, the vaccination helps not only keep your dog healthy, but stems the spread of the disease further into the pet community.

What Vaccines Are Right for Your Pet?

Choosing a pet vaccination plan takes place during the wellness exam, in which we evaluate your animal companion’s breed, gender, weight/size, home environment, frequency of travel, and other lifestyle factors. This helps us determine their risk of exposure to certain parasites and viruses, and thus what vaccinations they’ll need to stay protected. We’ll be more than happy to discuss the characteristics and benefits of your pet’s required vaccines. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call us at (703) 256-8414. We look forward to seeing you and your four-legged family member!

When Does My Puppy or Kitten Need Vaccines?

Ideally, we recommend that puppies and kittens receive their first distemper vaccine between 6 and 8 weeks of age. Additional boosters should be given every 3 to 4 weeks, until they are 12-16 weeks old. At this time, they can receive their rabies vaccination. The initial rabies vaccine lasts a year, and subsequent rabies vaccines last 3 years. Canine influenza and Bordetella require a follow-up vaccine to offer adequate protection.

Vaccination FAQs

What Do I Need to Know About Canine Influenza?

Canine influenza is a respiratory infection generating symptoms similar to the human flu virus. It is highly infectious between dogs and can be transmissible before symptoms are present. Therefore, we encourage our patients to receive the canine influenza vaccine (CIV). Dogs who are in close contact with other dogs such as at dog parks, grooming and boarding, or in training and competitions, are prime candidates for the vaccination. Symptoms of the flu include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and a possible fever. While many dogs can recover from the illness in a few weeks, some pets may have complications. Prevention is the only way to fully protect your pet! Additionally, the vaccination helps not only keep your dog healthy, but stems the spread of the disease further into the pet community.

What Vaccines Are Right for Your Pet?

Choosing a pet vaccination plan takes place during the wellness exam, in which we evaluate your animal companion’s breed, gender, weight/size, home environment, frequency of travel, and other lifestyle factors. This helps us determine their risk of exposure to certain parasites and viruses, and thus what vaccinations they’ll need to stay protected. We’ll be more than happy to discuss the characteristics and benefits of your pet’s required vaccines. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call us at (703) 256-8414. We look forward to seeing you and your four-legged family member!

When Does My Puppy or Kitten Need Vaccines?

Ideally, we recommend that puppies and kittens receive their first distemper vaccine between 6 and 8 weeks of age. Additional boosters should be given every 3 to 4 weeks, until they are 12-16 weeks old. At this time, they can receive their rabies vaccination. The initial rabies vaccine lasts a year, and subsequent rabies vaccines last 3 years. Canine influenza and Bordetella require a follow-up vaccine to offer adequate protection.