Vaccines

Protect Your Pet from Dangerous Diseases

Vaccinating your pet is crucial to ensuring their long-term health. Vaccines not only prevent many life-threatening illnesses but also protect against diseases common in wildlife and those that can be transmitted to humans. Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable due to their developing immune systems, making early vaccination vital.

While all medical treatments carry some risk, the benefits of vaccinations far outweigh the potential for side effects. Adverse reactions are rare, and when they do occur, they are generally mild and short-lived. Our veterinarians will guide you on what to monitor after your pet is vaccinated.

Common Vaccines for Dogs and Cats

Our veterinarians will create a tailored vaccination plan based on your pet’s specific needs. Below are the most commonly recommended vaccines:

Canine Vaccination Protocol:

• Rabies: After the initial vaccination at four months and a booster at one year, we recommend annual rabies vaccines for dogs.
• Distemper/Parvo (DAP): After completing the puppy series and two annual boosters, the vaccination is given every three years, alternating with the rabies vaccine.
• Leptospirosis: Puppies receive two initial doses, followed by annual boosters.
• Bordetella/Adenovirus/Parainfluenza combo (kennel cough): An intranasal vaccine is given once to puppies and then every 6-12 months. Dogs frequently exposed to other dogs (e.g., boarding, daycare, dog parks) may benefit from a booster every six months, while others receive it annually.

Feline Vaccination Protocol

• Rabies: After the first vaccination at three months and a one-year booster, annual rabies vaccines are recommended for cats.   
• Feline Distemper (FVRCP): Following the kitten series, the vaccine is administered annually for two years, alternating with rabies.
• Feline Leukemia: We recommend vaccinating all kittens, with potential boosters based on your veterinarian's advice, particularly for outdoor cats.   

Why Do Puppies and Kittens Need Multiple Vaccines?

Newborn puppies and kittens are vulnerable to infection, but they gain temporary immunity from their mother’s colostrum—the antibody-rich milk produced in the first few days after birth. This protection is short-term, lasting until the babies’ immune systems mature, which occurs between 14-20 weeks of age.

During this period, maternal antibodies can neutralize vaccines, making them ineffective. This is why puppies and kittens need a series of vaccines spaced over several weeks, starting at six weeks of age. This schedule ensures they’re protected as their maternal antibodies wear off, giving their immune systems the best chance to develop. Even adult pets receiving a vaccine for the first time benefit from two doses to maximize their immune response.

If you’re ready to schedule vaccinations for your pet, make an appointment online or call us at (770) 922-8600.