A Complete Guide to Puppy and Kitten Vaccinations
Vaccinations are a form of preventive care that helps protect your pet from potentially life-threatening diseases that can be easily spread in the environment or from contact with other animals.
Vaccinating your puppy or kitten is a necessary step in providing them with a healthy life. Vaccinations help prevent them from getting sick and avoid the pain and discomfort of a serious illness.
Dog Vaccines
What Are the Core and Non-Core Vaccines for Puppies?
Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs, regardless of their lifestyle or location. These vaccines protect against highly contagious and potentially life-threatening diseases. The core vaccines for puppies include:
- Distemper: A highly contagious virus that can cause respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological problems.
- Adenovirus: A virus that causes respiratory and liver diseases.
- Parvovirus: A highly contagious virus that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and even death.
- Rabies: A deadly virus that can be transmitted to humans and causes brain and spinal cord inflammation.
Non-core vaccines may be recommended for dogs based on their individual risk of exposure. The non-core vaccines for puppies may include:
- Bordetella: A bacteria that can cause respiratory disease, also known as kennel cough.
- Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection that can cause liver and kidney damage and can be transmitted to humans.
- Lyme disease: A bacterial infection that can be transmitted by ticks and can cause joint pain, fever, and other symptoms.
- Canine influenza: A highly contagious virus that can cause respiratory disease in dogs.
Your veterinarian can help you determine which vaccines are appropriate for your puppy and recommend a vaccination schedule to protect them against these preventable diseases.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule and Guidelines
The puppy vaccination schedule can vary based on the type of vaccine, your puppy’s age, and other factors. Here’s a generally accepted guideline for first-year puppy core vaccinations from the American Kennel Club:
6-8 Weeks Old:
- Distemper, parvoviruss
10-12 Weeks Old:
- DHPP (distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and parvovirus)
16-18 Weeks Old:
- DHPP
- Rabies (required by law in most states)
After completing the initial puppy vaccine series, your dog will need booster shots to maintain immunity. Booster shots are typically given annually, but some vaccines may require boosters every three years.
Cat Vaccines
What Are the Core and Non-Core Vaccines for Kittens?
Core vaccines are recommended for all cats to protect against highly contagious and potentially life-threatening diseases. The core vaccines for kittens include:
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR/FHV-1): A respiratory virus that causes sneezing, runny nose, and fever.
- Calicivirus (FCV): A respiratory virus that causes oral ulcers, fever, and respiratory signs.
- Panleukopenia (FPV): A virus that causes fever, vomiting, and diarrhea and can lead to severe dehydration and death.
- Rabies: A deadly virus that can be transmitted to humans and causes brain and spinal cord inflammation.
Non-core vaccines may be recommended for cats based on their individual risk of exposure. The non-core vaccines for kittens may include:
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): A virus that can cause cancer and immune system suppression. Typically highly recommended for indoor/outdoor cats.
- Chlamydia Felis: A bacteria that can cause respiratory disease.
- Bordetella: A bacteria that can cause respiratory disease
Your veterinarian can help you determine which vaccines are appropriate for your kitten based on their risk factors and lifestyle. Following a recommended vaccination schedule is vital to ensure your kitten is protected against these preventable diseases.
Kitten Vaccination Schedule and Guidelines
The kitten vaccination schedule and guidelines can vary based on the type of vaccine, your kitten’s age, and other factors. Here is a generally accepted kitten core vaccination schedule from the American Association of Feline Practitioners:
6-8 Weeks Old:
- FVRCP (core – for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus, and Feline Panleukopenia)
10-12 Weeks Old:
- FVRCP (core; first or second shot)
14-16 Weeks Old:
- FVRCP (core; only if first shot given at 10-12 weeks)
- Rabies (required by law in most states)
After completing the initial kitten vaccine series, your cat will need booster shots to maintain immunity. Booster shots are typically given annually, but some vaccines may require boosters every three years.
Work with your veterinarian to develop a vaccination schedule tailored to your pet’s needs, health status, and lifestyle. They can provide guidance on which vaccines are necessary and when they should be administered.
Bayside Animal Hospital is here to help you give your pets the care they need for a healthy start in life. Our experienced team loves getting to know you and your pets and providing excellent veterinary care. Call (916) 791-8387 to learn more or to schedule your next appointment.