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.
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.
Puppy Schedule
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.
Kitten Schedule
*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.*
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