Pet vaccinations is as essential to your pet's health as they are for people. Similar to humans, vaccines help their bodies build immunities to certain viruses that can be fatal. Our veterinarians can administer these shots during any visit. Meriden Animal Hospital is available for all your pet care needs from annual wellness exams and vaccination updates to urgent care and emergency services.
Core Kitten and Cat Vaccines
Vets recommend some vaccinations for all healthy cats and kittens. Rabies is fatal to all animals and is easy to transmit between other animals and to humans. The vaccine is required for all cats and dogs by most state and local health departments. Kittens can get this one as early as eight weeks, and they need to be re-vaccinated at 12 months. The first dose for cats over 16 weeks is two shots, 12 months apart with a booster every year or every three years depending on the state or local laws.
Other core vaccinations include,
- Feline distemper
- Feline herpesvirus
- Calicivirus
Kittens can receive these shots as early as six weeks and then continue to get them every 3 to 4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. Adults over 16 weeks receive this vaccination in two doses, three to four weeks apart. Following the initial immunization, cats need a booster shot every three years.
Core Puppy and Dog Vaccines
Like kittens and cats, puppies and dogs are required to show proof of regular rabies vaccinations. They can receive this as early as three months old and then get another dose at 12-months. Annual boosters are required.
Other core vaccines include,
- Canine distemper
- Parvovirus
- Adenovirus (type 1 CAB-i, canine hepatitis)
Puppies receive three doses between 6 and 16 weeks and unvaccinated adults over 16 weeks get two treatments, three to four weeks apart. All dogs get boosters every three years.
Additional Vaccinations for Some Cats and Dogs
There are vaccines that vets only recommend for certain situations such as boarding and dog daycare. Cats and dogs that spend time in close quarters are at risk of bordetella or kennel cough, which is a very contagious upper respiratory infection.
What About Vaccines for Other Pets?
Vaccinations may be available for pets other than cats and dogs to prevent emergency care situations. Our Meriden veterinarians treat a variety of animals. Some, such as horses and rabbits may need vaccines, other small pets like chinchillas do not require them.
Does Your Pet Need Their Vaccines Updated?
Contact our Meriden veterinary hospital today at 785-484-3358 to schedule a comprehensive pet care exam with one of our licensed veterinarians. We also provide emergency services. Please let our veterinary staff know if your pet isn't up-to-date on their vaccinations when bringing them in for any urgent care.