Pet Vaccinations

The importance of vaccinating your pet is no different than the importance of your own vaccinations or getting your child vaccinated. Vaccines for your pets contain antigens for the diseases your pet could contract, and when administered, they prepare your pet’s immune system to fight those diseases should he or she be exposed.

Vaccinations are strongly recommended by your local veterinarians, humane societies and national organizations such as the American Animal Hospital Association even if your pet will not go outdoors. Indoor pets can be exposed to diseases by airborne contagions that enter through open windows or when a disease-causing organism is brought inside on another pet. Routine check-ups and vaccines are a crucial part of managing your pet’s health.

Kittens and puppies will typically begin receiving vaccinations at six to eight weeks and then at continuing intervals as recommended by your veterinarian until one year to 16 months. Adult cats and dogs receive needed vaccinations annually at their well check. Understand that the rabies vaccination is required by law in Ohio, since this virus is fatal to all mammals, including humans.

Essential vaccinations

• Rabies – Given at 3 to 6 months; booster at 1 year, then every 3 years.
• Distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus (DHPP) – Given at about 8 weeks and boostered twice at three-week intervals, then given annually.

May be recommended

• Leptospirosis – Prevalent in moist climates; may be given as part of the DHPP (DHLPP).
• Bordetella (kennel cough) – A contagious upper respiratory infection; vaccine recommended for dogs that frequent boarding kennels, doggie daycare or dog parks.
• Lyme Disease – Carried by ticks; a growing problem in the Great Lakes area, including Northeast Ohio.
• Canine Influenza – A viral upper respiratory infection prevalent in animal shelters and boarding kennels.

Essential vaccinations

• Rabies – Given at 3 to 6 months; booster at 1 year, then every 3 years.
• Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia (FVRCP) – Given at about 8 weeks and boostered three times at one-month intervals, then given annually.

May be recommended

• Chlamydia – A bacterial infection that causes conjunctivitis; may be given as part of the FVRCP (FVRCP-C).
• Feline leukemia – A fatal viral infection transmitted through close contact; essential for cats that go outdoors.
• Feline immunodeficiency virus – Viral infection transmitted through close contact; recommended for outdoor cats.
• Bordetella – A contagious upper respiratory infection; vaccine recommended for cats that frequent boarding kennels or groomers.

If you live in the Canal Fulton, North Canton, or surrounding Ohio areas contact Lake Cable Animal Hospital to discuss a pet vaccination protocol that is right for your pet. We consider your pets’ age, medical history, environment, travel habits, and lifestyle before making a recommendation that ensures your pet remains happy and healthy.