Vaccinations:
Puppies and kittens have some disease immunity while nursing their mothers.
After being weaned from nursing, puppies and kittens need a series of
vaccinations against diseases that can be uncomfortable, serious of even fatal.
Responsibly vaccinating your pet is both humane and economically wise, since the
cost of treating these diseases far exceeds the price of vaccinations.
Common dog and cat diseases are listed below, followed by the vaccination
schedule that All Creatures Veterinary Care offers for puppies and kitties under
one year old. Check with your veterinarian to see what protocol the hospital
recommends for repeat vaccinations, as the American Veterinary Medical
Association suggests that vets vaccinate adult dogs and cats according to
customized circumstances.
The only vaccine that is mandated by law is rabies for dogs, because rabies
kills humans as well as animals. Other pet diseases, not as commonly seen in
California, may be discussed with your pet doctor to see if your travel plans or
additional residence calls for these vaccines.
Occasionally a pet may react adversely to a vaccination. For this reasons, some
pet owners elect to have vaccinations done on separate dates to identify which
vaccine caused a reaction, for future pre-treatment or caution. Certain
homeopathic (holistic) vaccinations may be available, although rabies is not
among these. Call or see your veterinarian if your pet exhibits symptoms such as
vomiting, facial swelling, respiratory difficulties or lethargy after being
vaccinated.
Puppy - recommended vaccine schedule
| Distemper/hepatitis/parainfluenza/parvoenteritis/coronavirus
(DHPP/C): |
| |
Given in a series. To be started at 8 weeks of age, 12
weeks and 16 weeks. |
| Rabies: |
| |
Start at 16 weeks or older. First vaccine annual,
subsequent three year. |
| Bordetella: |
| |
At 12 weeks of age, booster one month later. Vaccine
effective for six months. |
Kitten - recommended vaccine schedule
| Panleukopenia/rhinotracheitis/calicivirus (RCP): |
| |
Given in a series. To be started at 8 weeks of age, 12
weeks and 16 weeks of age. |
| Feline leukemia: |
| |
(recommend testing prior): can be given at 12 and
booster given at 16 weeks of age. |
| Rabies: |
| |
Given at 16 weeks of age or older. Annual. |
|
