As we all know, puppies and kittens need vaccines to protect them from common infectious diseases. Puppies and kittens receive some immunity from maternal antibodies. This can be passed in utero (while pregnant) or by nursing, via colostrum. These maternal antibodies start to decline over a period of time and the individual pet’s immune system will take over. We do not know the exact timing of the transition and that is why puppies and kittens need boosters. We generally recommend starting vaccines around 6 weeks of age and boosters every 2 weeks until the pet is 12 weeks old. Then, we give one final booster at 16 weeks old. A pet must be at least 12 weeks old to receive a rabies vaccine. It does not matter “how many shots” a puppy has, what matters is the “age” when the vaccines are given due to the maternal antibodies.
Preventative health care is a vital part of being a “pet parent”. Through examination, stool checks and appropriate vaccines, we can keep not only our pets healthy but protect ourselves as well. There are some parasites and diseases that are “zoonotic”, meaning contagious to people and animals. We are happy to discuss all of this with you and find a personalized plan for your pet. Please call us or visit us on Facebook.
- Dr. Nichola Gaither
Preventative health care is a vital part of being a “pet parent”. Through examination, stool checks and appropriate vaccines, we can keep not only our pets healthy but protect ourselves as well. There are some parasites and diseases that are “zoonotic”, meaning contagious to people and animals. We are happy to discuss all of this with you and find a personalized plan for your pet. Please call us or visit us on Facebook.
- Dr. Nichola Gaither