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Vaccinations and Preventative Medicine

All puppies and un-vaccinated dogs should receive two to three "parvo-distemper combo" vaccines with Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvo Virus.

Any dog exposed to other dogs, such as through the fence in the neighborhood, parks, hiking trails, grooming or boarding facilities should also receive Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccination.

Every dog is required to have regular Rabies Virus vaccination.

In Montana and particularly Helena, all dogs should be on medication to prevent Heart Worm disease, as well.

Dachsund dog

We recommend ALL unvaccinated kittens and cats receive Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, and Feline Leukemia Virus with at least two vaccinations.  

 

For Indoor cats, we recommend to not continue Leukemia vaccination regularly, but the FVRCP combo vaccinations should be continued at regular intervals, depending upon exposure risk and age.

All cats, regardless of lifestyle, are to be vaccinated regularly for Rabies Virus.

Did you know?  Alpine Animal Clinic doesn't charge extra for routine vaccinations?  We believe so strongly that the entire health and well-being of your family member is so important that we only charge by the exam.  Yep, that's right.  Whether your pet needs all the vaccinations, just one, or anything in-between, routine vaccinations are at no additional cost.

 

Preventative veterinary care can add years to the lives of your 4-legged family, and help keep them active and well.  We tailor our approach to the specific needs of you and your family.  Indoor cats have different requirements from outdoor cats.  Hunting dogs and show dogs have different requirements from lap dogs.  Age, health and previous vaccination history is also very important in deciding what vaccines your pet should receive.

 

Your pets' Annual Exam with Vaccinations visit includes a nose-to-tail exam, checking the entire health and well-being of your loved one.  We assess your pet's dental health, their nutritional status, troubleshoot orthopedic problems, and perform a complete physical examination to spot trouble before it becomes a problem. Of course, we ensure they are up to date on their immunizations, and recommend only those services and immunizations your individual pet truly needs.  

 

Currently, Canine Influenza is considered an experimental vaccination and is available by special order at an additional charge if needed.

Orange tabby cat: outdoor cats have high risk without vaccinations.

At Alpine Animal Clinic our policy is to only vaccinate for diseases to which your pet can realistically be exposed to, and for which the benefit of the vaccine outweighs the risks of the vaccine's side effects.  We therefore do not routinely recommend FIP ,  FIV ,  lyme disease leptospirosis rattlesnake bite vaccines, or other vaccines that we feel have not been proven to be safe and effective.  Leptospirosis, lyme, and rattlesnake vaccines are available by request and at additional cost at Alpine Animal Clinic.

Canine Influenza (dog flu) is an emerging disease that is increasing in risk.  Dual-valent Influenza vaccine is now available and recommended for most dogs.  It  has been proven to be effective and is available at additional cost at Alpine Animal Clinic.  Currently in our area it is not a required vaccination for boarding and grooming facilities.

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