(Photo: Kittens getting weighed in before vaccination)
There are many diseases that affect our pets. As a responsible pet owner here is some information that should help you. Most puppies are ready for a new home at 6 weeks of age, they are eating on their own and can get around by themselves pretty well. At 6 weeks of age the breeder should've already had the puppy its first "vet check". This vet check includes its first distemper /parvo combination vaccine, a physical exam to check for any abnormalities and also deworming. You should receive the vaccination certificate as proof of this first vet check. Your puppy will need further vaccinations at 10, 14, and 18 weeks of age to ensure adequate protection against some pretty serious diseases. At the last booster vaccination (18 weeks) your puppy will also receive his/her Rabies vaccination. Your dog will then be all set for one year. You should also make sure to get your puppy started on monthly heartworm medication to prevent heartworm disease.
If you have a kitten the same scenario applies but the vaccine has a different name. Your kitten still should've had a vaccine and vet check at 6 weeks of age and also dewormed. The same time frame applies to cats as well; booster vaccines are needed at 10, 14, and 18 weeks of age to ensure adequate protection against diseases. Rabies vaccination should also be given at the appropriate age.
Some cats and dogs require additional vaccinations which are not part of the core vaccination schedule. These might include; for dogs, Bordetella (also known as kennel cough vaccine) and Lyme vaccine, for some cats the Leukemia vaccine is recommended. At your kitten and puppies' first visit it will be discussed with you and your veterinarian if any of these vaccines would be necessary.
Yearly vaccinations and wellness checks are recommended to ensure the health of your pet; at this time you can bring up any concerns you may have.
As a responsible pet owner you are ensuring your puppy or kitten is properly protected against diseases; this will prevent costly treatment of deadly diseases and could also save the life of your pet.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact your local veterinarian or veterinary technician for more information.
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