Just like people, pets need vaccines to help their immune system fight off dangerous and potentially lethal diseases. Even indoor-only pets should be vaccinated as there will always be risks of escaping or the threat of airborne diseases entering your home. The following is a look at the core canine and feline vaccines the team at Concord Veterinary Clinic provides.

The Core Vaccines for Dogs

• Rabies Vaccination: The rabies virus creates devastating symptoms that, once they begin, become fatal to all mammals. This virus is so devastating that most states require rabies vaccinations by law. Rabies vaccines are available both as a one-year and three-year shot.
• Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus (DHPP): DHPP is a comprehensive combination vaccine that can protect dogs against distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Each of these diseases is incredibly contagious and can prove lethal to puppies and dogs, although healthy adult dogs may overcome them in time. Most dog daycares, dog sitting agencies, dog parks, and other facilities will require proof of DHPP.

Feline Core Vaccines

• Rabies: Cats, just like dogs, are susceptible to rabies and are required by law in most states, regardless of whether they are inside-only, inside and outside, or outside-only pets.
• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP): The FVRCP vaccine is also a combination shot that protects cats against the three listed diseases. This vaccination should be administered when the kitten is eight weeks of age and then given three booster shots two to three weeks apart. Afterward, the cat will need booster shots of the vaccine yearly or every three years depending on the cat’s lifestyle and the type of vaccine.

Learn About Other Vaccines and Schedule Your Pet’s Appointment

While these are required core vaccinations for canines and felines, they are not the only available vaccines. To learn more about the different types of vaccinations, including others required by most boarding organizations, or to schedule your pet’s next appointment, call concord veterinary clinic today at (925) 338-2375.