So now you’ve gotten this new pet here at Christmas and everyone is overjoyed and in love! But, what in the world do you do now? You call and make an appointment for the “puppy/kitten shot” because you know it has to have a vaccination.  While at the veterinarian’s office, everyone is loving on your sweet new pet and you are thrilled that you made the right decision.  Dr. A examines the new pet and determines everything looks just right, checks for intestinal parasites (and deworms if necessary), and gives it the “puppy/kitten shot”.  Then Dr. A looks at you and says okay, we’ll see you in 2-3 weeks for the next round.  Your mind immediately starts thinking “What? There’s more than one? What have I gotten myself into?”
 
Much like infant babies, puppies and kittens require a “round” of vaccinations.  These vaccinations start between 6-8 weeks of age and go up until they are 12-13 weeks of age for cats and 14-16 weeks of age for dogs.  The reason for this is the age at which the maternal immunity fades away differs for each puppy/kitten, therefore ensuring we have done everything we can to provide this puppy/kitten with the best immunity possible.

Dogs: The “puppy shot” (DA2PP) is a vaccination that immunizes for multiple diseases.  The first “puppy shot” usually includes strains of canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus, parainfluenza, and canine parvovirus.  This vaccination is one that requires a booster.  These “puppy shots” are usually given at 6-7 weeks of age, 9-10 weeks of age, 12-14 weeks of age, then again at 14-16 weeks of age.  Coronavirus and leptovirus (depending on the risk and breed of dog) are added to the “puppy shot” during the series of vaccinations.  At 9-10 weeks of age, we also vaccinate for Bordetella (a bacteria which is known as the leading cause of kennel cough).  Rabies vaccinations are given at 14-16 weeks of age.  Intestinal parasite exams are performed at the first visit and at each subsequent visit until a negative result is achieved.

Kittens: The “kitten shot” (FVRCP) is a vaccination that immunizes for multiple diseases.  The first “kitten shot” includes strains of feline rhinotracheitis (caused by herpes virus), calicivirus, panleukopenia (feline parvo), and Chlamydia (a bacteria which commonly causes upper respiratory infections).  Feline leukemia is offered as a vaccine to kittens/cats at risk.  At-risk cats are cats that are indoor/outdoor or live indoor only with other cats in the household that go outside.  It is recommended to test for feline leukemia before vaccinating for it.  Rabies vaccinations are given at 12-14 weeks of age.  Intestinal parasite exams are performed at the first visit and at each subsequent visit until a negative result is achieved.

*Heartworm and flea/tick prevention will be started during the course of the puppy/kittens vaccination series.  The importance of these preventions will be discussed in a future post.*

We are fast approaching Christmas and it’s time to get presents bought, wrapped, and under the tree.  Can you imagine a cute puppy or kitten with a pretty red bow sitting under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning? What is cuter and sweeter than that? Pets are a popular present during the holidays and a lot of those pets get surrendered to animal shelters for a number of reasons.  If you are thinking of adding a pet to your family this holiday season, here are some things to consider.

Commitment.  Pets are a 10+ year commitment in most cases.  Be sure you are able to make that kind of commitment before adding to your family.

Age. This is not a limiting factor in whether or not you should get a puppy or kitten, but it can help you decide which breed may be best suited for you or the loved one for which you are getting the pet.  A young adult who is full of energy could probably handle a hyperactive Labrador retriever, German shorthair pointer, or another large-breed dog whereas an elderly person who wants companionship should look into potentially a smaller-breed with, generally, less energy such as a shih tzu, Yorkshire terrier, toy poodle, etc.  As far as kittens are concerned, breeds don’t always determine behavior.  Kittens tend to develop their own personality and energy level based on their surroundings.

Free Time. Back to the young adult, sometimes when young adults are starting a career and don’t have a lot of free time, a hyperactive puppy isn’t the best idea.  When puppies get bored, they can become destructive.  In these cases, kittens, lower energy puppies, or adopting a middle-aged pet is a better option.  However, a person who is retired and has a lot of free time could handle a pet that requires more attention.

Living Arrangements. Understanding the living conditions is important in selecting a pet.  Do you live in an apartment? A house in town? A house on a farm? Apartment living may not be conducive to having a hyperactive puppy, but may be perfect for a kitten or small breed puppy, whereas a farm may not be conducive to a small breed puppy, but may be perfect for a hyperactive border collie.  Are there children in the household? Children can make a big difference.  Some breeds of dogs aren’t a right fit for children.  It is important to do your research about each breed you are contemplating before making a decision. 

Financial State. Sadly, this does play a role when making a decision to add a pet to your family.  Pets can be expensive on a monthly basis for preventative care.  If finances are tight, then a large breed dog that requires the highest dose of every medication (including monthly heartworm and flea/tick preventions) can be more expensive than a small breed dog or cat who takes less of those medications.  We will discuss the cost of vaccinations and annual care in a future post.

Adding a pet to your family is one of the best decisions someone can make, but also a very important one.  We hope you take the jump in adding a member to your family this holiday season!