Just like humans, animals can be affected by infectious diseases, some of which can be transferred to humans. As responsible pet owners that want to keep your animals safe and healthy, we highly recommend that you vaccinate them in line with current guidelines as established by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
Puppies and Kittens
Most puppies and kittens receive some initial protection against infectious diseases from their mother’s milk if she has been regularly vaccinated. However, this protection only lasts for a few weeks to months and so your new addition will need to be vaccinated from an early age.
As a guideline: Puppies and kittens should be vaccinated starting at 8 weeks and given booster vaccinations every 3-4 weeks until they reach a minimum of 16 weeks of age.
Booster injections should then be given 12 months from the initial vaccinations. After that visit, we generally follow the vaccine guidelines established by the AAHA and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP).
Dogs
Your canine friend should be given the following vaccinations based on risk – we will help determine the vaccines that are important to fit your pet’s unique needs while not over-vaccinating:
- Rabies (required by state law)
- Canine distemper virus
- Canine parvovirus
- Infectious canine hepatitis
- Bordetella
- Leptospirosis
- Canine Influenza
- Lyme
Cats
Your feline friend should be given the following vaccinations based on risk:
- Rabies (required by state law)
- Feline panleukopenia
- Feline calicivirus
- Feline herpesvirus (rhinotracheitis)
- Feline leukemia virus
If you have questions about vaccinations or need to make an appointment for your pet to be vaccinated, just give us a call at (843) 856-9190.