Vaccines are essential for keeping our furry friends healthy and protected from a range of deadly diseases. As responsible pet owners, it's important to ensure that our pets receive all the necessary vaccines on schedule. Here are some of the pet vaccines your dogs and cats should get.
Dogs:
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Rabies Vaccine: This is a mandatory vaccine for all dogs in most states, as it is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted to humans. Rabies is fatal and can be contracted through the bite of an infected animal. The first dose should be given at three months of age, and boosters are required every 1-3 years depending on state regulations.
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Distemper Vaccine: This vaccine protects against canine distemper, a highly contagious and often fatal disease. The virus attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems, leading to seizures, paralysis, and death. The vaccine is usually given in a series of doses starting at 6-16 weeks of age and boosters are required every 1-3 years.
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Parvovirus Vaccine: Parvovirus is a highly contagious and deadly disease that attacks the gastrointestinal tract, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. The virus can survive in the environment for months, making it easy to contract. The vaccine is usually given in a series of doses starting at 6-16 weeks of age and boosters are required every 1-3 years.
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Bordetella Vaccine: This vaccine protects against kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection that can spread quickly in areas where dogs are kept in close proximity. It's recommended for dogs who will be spending time in boarding facilities, grooming salons, dog parks, or other areas where they will be exposed to other dogs. The vaccine is usually given annually.
Cats:
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Rabies Vaccine: This is a mandatory vaccine for all cats in most states, as it is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted to humans. Rabies is fatal and can be contracted through the bite of an infected animal. The first dose should be given at 8 weeks of age, and boosters are required every 1-3 years depending on state regulations.
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Feline Distemper Vaccine: This vaccine protects against feline distemper, also known as feline panleukopenia. It's a highly contagious and often fatal disease that attacks the immune system, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. The vaccine is usually given in a series of doses starting at 6 weeks of age and boosters are required every 1-3 years.
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Feline Herpesvirus Vaccine: This vaccine protects against feline herpesvirus, which causes upper respiratory infections in cats. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and watery eyes. The vaccine is usually given in a series of doses starting at 6 weeks of age and boosters are required every 1-3 years.
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Feline Calicivirus Vaccine: This vaccine protects against feline calicivirus, another cause of upper respiratory infections in cats. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and mouth ulcers. The vaccine is usually given in a series of doses starting at 6 weeks of age and boosters are required every 1-3 years.
It's important to note that the above pet vaccines are not the only vaccines available for dogs and cats. There are other vaccines that may be recommended depending on your pet's lifestyle, such as Lyme disease vaccine, leptospirosis vaccine, canine influenza vaccine for dogs, and feline leukemia vaccine for cats. Your veterinarian can provide you with a vaccination schedule and recommend the appropriate vaccines for your pet.
Contact a local vet to learn more about pet vaccinations.
