There is a lot of misinformation going around about pet vaccines. The facts are that they remain a cost-effective and proven way to protect your pet from potentially deadly diseases. Dr. Oberto at All Care Animal Clinic in West Palm Beach would like to look at some of the questions that we run into regarding vaccines for pets.
What Vaccines are Legally Required?
In the state of Florida, all dogs and cats have to get the rabies vaccine from a veterinarian. This is because rabies is transmissible to people from pets. Rabies is almost always fatal and incurable.
When are Pets Old Enough to Get the Rabies Vaccine?
Puppies and kittens need to be at least three months old.
When are Pets Old Enough to Get Other Vaccines?
Healthy puppies can start getting their first shots when they are six weeks old. Kittens can start when they are eight weeks old.
Can Pets Get All of Their Vaccines at One Time?
The rabies vaccine needs only one dose, then a dose at one year, then a booster every one to three years. Other core vaccines need to be given in three doses for your pet to be fully inoculated. It is just the way that vaccines work. The same thing applies to some vaccines made for humans.
Are Pets Too Old to Start Vaccines?
As long as they are healthy, even senior pets can start vaccines. Senior pets must be fully vaccinated because their immune systems are not as strong as they were when they were young.
What are the Core Vaccines for Dogs?
Rabies, parvovirus, canine distemper, adenovirus type 1 (also called canine hepatitis), and adenovirus type 2 (also called kennel cough) are considered core vaccines.
What are the Core Vaccines for Cats?
Rabies, feline distemper, feline herpesvirus, and calicivirus are core vaccines for cats.
Contact Our Veterinarian in West Palm Beach, FL
If you have questions about the benefits of pet vaccines and live in the West Palm Beach area, contact All Care Animal Clinic to schedule an appointment with Dr. Oberto. Call our team today at (561) 688-1154 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.