Getting your pets vaccinated is one of the most important things you can do for their health. Just like people, our dogs and cats can become very sick with diseases that vaccines are designed to prevent. As a pet parent, you may not be able to prevent every emergency during your pet’s life, but timely vaccines means avoiding those unnecessary illnesses.
Whether you adopt a puppy or kitten or you take in an older dog or cat, vaccinations are a key part of their care. Your veterinarian can help you understand what vaccinations your pet needs and at what intervals. If you don’t know your pet’s vaccine history, your vet can safely start a course of vaccination assuming they have not been protected. Vets will always recommend your pet receive core vaccines and a rabies vaccine throughout his or her life.
Puppies and kittens will generally begin vaccination at six to eight weeks and continue, with additional doses through 16 months as advised by your veterinarian. Once pets reach adulthood, vaccines are continued annually or every two to three years based on the dosage used by your veterinarian.
Canine vaccines:
- Distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus (DHPP) – Given at about 8 weeks with a booster twice at three-week intervals, then given annually.
- Rabies – Given at 3 to 6 months with a booster at 1 year, then every 3 years.
- Additional recommended vaccines may include leptospirosis, bordetella (kennel cough), Lyme disease, and canine influenza
Feline vaccines:
- Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia (FVRCP) – Given at about 8 weeks with a booster three times at one-month intervals, then given annually.
- Rabies – Given at 3 to 6 months with a booster at 1 year, then every 3 years.
- Additional recommended vaccines may include chlamydia, feline leukemia (fatal and considered essential for outdoor cats), feline immunodeficiency virus, and Bordetella.
Vaccinating all pets is critical for safety and health—even kittens and cats who are strictly indoor pets. Vets also point out that rabies vaccination of all pets is required by Ohio law.
If you have questions about vaccinating your pet, contact your vet or ask one of our staff members for a referral.