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All puppies and kittens require vaccinations starting
between ages 6 to 8 weeks old, and carried out usually
every 3 weeks until age 16 weeks (4 months of age).
Vaccinations are then usually done on an annual basis.
Rabies vaccine is available as a one year (annual
vaccine) and a three year vaccine (which can be administered
every three years). Check with your veterinarian
on the type of rabies vaccine used in your area.
Vaccines help prevent diseases in puppies and adult
dogs such as distemper,,
parvo
virus infection,,
adenovirus
A and B (hepatitis),,
parainfluenza, and leptospirosis.
These vaccines are sometimes known as "5 or 6 in
one" vaccines, as one vaccine covers the dog for
all of these diseases.
Corona
virus and
Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines are administered
as an option in those dogs exposed to a large group
(such as a kennel, dog training class, or dog show).
Of these diseases, parainfluenza, hepatitis (viral liver
disease), and some varieties of leptospirosis are rarely
seen because of routine vaccination. Make
sure your veterinarian is using the newer
vaccine for leptospirosis containing all the strains
of the bacterial organism.
Vaccination for Rabies
is usually done when the dog and cat are over 3
months of age. Rabies vaccination is repeated in one
year after the initial vaccine, and then annually or
every 3 years depending upon the rabies vaccine used
in your area by your veterinarian.
Vaccination is also available for
Lymes disease. This condition is usually seen
in the northeastern United States. Check with
your veterinarian for recommendations regarding lymes
disease incidence and vaccination in your area.
Kittens and adult cats are vaccinated against diseases
such as
feline panleukopenia (parvo), feline
viral rhinopneumonitis,
Chlamydia, and calicivirus in an all in one vaccine.
Feline
Leukemia virus and
FIP (Feline infectious peritonitis) are other available
vaccines. Leukemia vaccination is highly recommended
in cats that go outdoors, and are in potential contact
with other cats. Cats allowed only on the screened in
porch, may also be exposed to outside cat saliva and/or
urine if an outside cat urinates through the screen,
or decides to spit or sneeze through the screen at the
inside cat.
FIP vaccine is now a controversial vaccination, and
rarely used unless in a breeding facility or cattery
(multiple cat facility/household).
Recently, some vaccinations have been shown to be effective
beyond the one year period, some up to three years.
This is true for the 3 year rabies vaccination.
Check with your veterinarian on which type of vaccines
are being used in your area, and the recommended frequency
of administration.
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