The Importance of Pet Vaccinations

Vaccinations protect your pet against disease. Some diseases, such as rabies and parvovirus, have no cure and are usually fatal. Others may not be fatal but are difficult to treat. That’s why Central Animal Hospital in Scarsdale, NY, recommends having your pet vaccinated as part of his or her routine preventative care. It’s one way to ensure your pet enjoys a long and healthy life.

Pet Vaccinations

Immunizations not only protect your pet, but they protect you from diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans. Some vaccines, such as rabies, are required by law. If owners fail to have their pets vaccinated, they are subject to fines. It is important to discuss your pet’s vaccination needs with our veterinary staff to ensure your pet is well-protected.

Veterinarians distinguish between core and non-core vaccinations. Core vaccines are given to all pet dogs and cats, but non-core vaccines are given based on you and your pet’s lifestyle. For example, dogs that are frequently around other dogs may need to be inoculated against Bordetella and canine influenza. If you live in a tick-infested area, your pet should be protected against Lyme disease.

Canine Vaccinations

The following core immunizations are recommended:

• Rabies
• Parvovirus
• Parainfluenza
• Distemper
• Canine Hepatitis

Distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza are often given in a combination vaccine called DA2P-CPV.

Non-core vaccines include:

• Bordetella
• Canine Influenza
• Lyme Disease
• Leptospirosis

Be sure to check with our Health Care Team regarding non-core vaccinations for your pets.

The suggested puppy schedule for canine vaccinations is:

• 6 to 8 weeks: DA2P-CPV.  Then repeated, every 3-4 weeks, until puppies are 16 weeks old.
• At 12 weeks:  Rabies vaccine.
• At 1 year, 4 months old: DA2P-CPV and Rabies booster.
• At 2 years, 4 months old:  DA2P-CPV and then given each year.
• Rabies is given every 3 years after the 1 year booster.
• Non-Core vaccines are given annually.  Bordetella may be given bi-annually.

Feline Vaccinations

The following core immunizations are recommended:

• FVRCP
• Rabies
• Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

FVRCP is a combination vaccine that protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Panleukopenia or feline distemper, and Chlamydia. 

Non-core vaccinations include:

• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

It’s always best to discuss your cat’s vaccination needs with your veterinarian. 

The suggested kitten schedule for feline vaccinations is:  

• 6 to 8 weeks: FVRCP and FeLV.  FVRCP is repeated, every 3-4 weeks, until kittens are 16 weeks old.
• FeLV is repeated once more, 3-4 weeks later.
• At 12 weeks:  Rabies vaccine.
• At 1 year, 4 months old: FVRCP, FeLV, and Rabies, and then given each year.

Ask Central Animal Hospital in Scarsdale, NY

It is important to discuss the best immunization schedule for your pets with our Health Care Team at Central Animal Hospital. For more information on vaccinating your pets, call us today at 914-723-1250.