What Vaccinations Does My Pet Need and When?
Vaccinations are essential for protecting your pet from preventable diseases. Understanding which vaccines your pet needs and when they should be given can help ensure a healthy, long life.
Core Vaccines for Puppies and Kittens
Puppies and kittens require a series of vaccinations early in life to build immunity against dangerous diseases. At Pet Clinic, we recommend starting vaccinations as early as 6 to 8 weeks of age, with boosters given every 3 to 4 weeks until they are about 16 weeks old. Core vaccines for puppies typically include distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus, while kittens receive the combination FVRCP vaccine to protect against feline distemper, feline herpesvirus, and calicivirus.
These vaccines are essential for preventing serious and sometimes fatal diseases that can spread rapidly, especially in young, vulnerable animals. Additionally, depending on your pet’s lifestyle and environment, your veterinarian at Pet Clinic may recommend other vaccines, such as the leptospirosis vaccine for dogs or the feline leukemia vaccine for cats, to provide extra protection based on your pet’s unique needs.
Booster Shots and Vaccinations for Adult Pets
As pets mature, they still need booster shots to maintain immunity against disease. At Pet Clinic, we recommend that adult dogs and cats receive annual or triennial booster shots depending on the specific vaccine. For example, the rabies vaccine, which is required by law in many areas, is given every one to three years, depending on the type of vaccine used. Additionally, dogs may need vaccines like bordetella (for kennel cough) and Lyme disease, particularly if they are regularly exposed to other animals or outdoor environments.
Cats may also need a booster for feline leukemia or rabies. Regular vaccination appointments at Pet Clinic help keep your pet protected against common infectious diseases and maintain their overall health. Your veterinarian will discuss the appropriate vaccination schedule based on your pet’s lifestyle, age, and medical history to ensure they’re always up to date and well-protected.