What vaccinations are essential to puppy and kitten health?

Just like human babies, newborn cats, and dogs receive antibodies from their mothers. These proteins in the blood recognize and counteract various antigens (bacteria, viruses, and foreign substances), helping them stay well at this vulnerable stage.

Antibodies begin to deplete starting from about six weeks of age. Now begins the time for the puppy or kitten to start building its own immune system. Puppy and kitten vaccinations from San Marco Animal Hospital aid in boosting your pet’s ability to fight disease.

Remembering your pet’s vaccinations is super important. Giving preventative solutions is really vital to maintaining the health, and well-being, of your pet. First off thank you for reading this blog article on this topic – “What vaccinations are essential to puppy and kitten health?”. We hope you find it useful and helpful.

Puppies

AVMA Recommended Core Puppy Vaccines Include:

Rabies – required by state law and can be given as early as 12 weeks. We usually start puppies with a one-year dose, then go to a three-year booster.
Distemper/Adenovirus/Parvo/Parainfluenza (DAPP)– is a combined vaccination for these three viruses. The initial vaccination can be given as early as six weeks of age, however, most vaccinations start at 8 weeks of age, which is when the maternal antibodies have completely left the puppy’s immune system.
DAPP vaccinations require a booster (or repeated vaccine) every 3 weeks until your puppy reaches between 16-19 weeks. Once your puppy receives its final dose at 16-19 weeks, yearly or 3-year boosters are recommended, based on the lifestyle of the pet.
More non-core vaccinations that might be beneficial based on your puppy’s lifestyle include K9 Influenza, Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough), Lyme, and/or leptospirosis.

Kittens

AVMA Recommended Core Kitten Vaccines Include:

Rabies – required by state law and can be given as early as 12 weeks. We usually start kittens with a one-year dose, then go to a three-year booster.
Feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia (FVRCP): is a combined vaccination for these three viruses. The initial vaccination can be given as early as six weeks of age, however, most vaccinations start at 8 weeks of age, which is when the maternal antibodies have completely left the kitten’s immune system.
Rhinotracheitis (feline herpesvirus) – Contagious virus that attacks the upper respiratory system.
Calicivirus – This respiratory virus comes with joint pain, mouth ulcers, fever, and anorexia.
Panleukopenia (feline distemper) – a very contagious virus that attacks the kitten’s immune system and intestines. This virus is very serious and a common cause of death in kittens.
Non-core vaccines that the conscientious pet owner may want to consider the feline leukemia virus vaccination for their kittens based on lifestyle.

Tailored Treatments

We weigh many factors in designing a vaccination plan that protects your pet and poses no unnecessary risk. Things such as pet’s age at the time of vaccination, existing medical and physical conditions, presence of other animals in the household, exposure to disease, etc. all play and important role.

Put your new best friend on the path to lifetime wellness by ensuring appropriate puppy and kitten vaccinations are given to your pet. Schedule a vaccination consultation appointment with one of our veterinarians today!

The Tuscawilla Animal Hospital wrote this article to help you better understand the things you see and hear when our caring staff members are caring for your pet. Follow us on Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook now! Remember we love caring for your pet no matter what stage of life he or she is in. Again, thanks for reading this blog article.