Vaccinations should start why your pet is still a puppy or a kitten. The first round of core vaccines should be when they are between 6 and 8 weeks of age. For dogs, the core vaccines are rabies, distemper, canine parvovirus, and canine hepatitis. The core vaccines for cats include rabies, feline distemper, feline calicivirus, and feline herpesvirus. Revaccination or booster shots is given at least 3 times before they turn 16 weeks of age. When they reach 1 year old, pets should receive a booster shot of all the 4 core vaccines. Adult pets can however go longer between vaccinations. Although most vaccines should be given annually, certain vaccines do provide longer protection or immunity than others. Thus, rabies, canine distemper, and canine parvovirus are usually given every 3 years. On the other hand, cats need to have their annual shots.
Talk to your Forest Hill, MD veterinarian if you have any concerns and/or questions about vaccines and vaccination. Schedule an appointment today!
