Vaccines

Vaccines are needed periodically after 6 weeks of age for both puppies and kittens. In both dogs and cats, combination vaccines are used to vaccinate against most of the preventable viral diseases in one shot. Owners need to make sure they are aware of any boosters that are necessary, especially for puppies and kittens, and the proper interval between vaccines recommended by the veterinarian. Usually puppies and kittens require booster vaccines every three weeks until they are about four months old.

Most commonly called the Distemper combination or DHLPPC vaccine, it is a mixture of several vaccines given in a single shot. This shot includes vaccines for Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvo, and Corona. Booster shots of this vaccine are usually required annually by most veterinarians.

Administered separately, rabies vaccines are critical. Rabies can be transmitted to people, and in both animals and humans, infection is deadly. For these reasons, rabies prevention is often regulated by the local government and is recommended for all pets, even strictly indoor cats. Likewise, the advised interval between rabies vaccines differs depending on locality; owners need to discuss with a local veterinarian what is necessary to protect their pet.

Local veterinary staff can also suggest other vaccines for the pet based on the pet's environment, lifestyle and other variables. They can also explain the efficacy of vaccines; not all vaccines provide significant protection against disease however, if the pet is highly susceptible to the disease, the vaccine still might be advised. Remember to take pets to the veterinarian for annual checkups and booster vaccines.