SPRING IS HERE & SO ARE THE KITTENS AND PUPPIES

Kittens and puppies, just like babies, need a series of vaccinations to ensure good health. Vaccinations are important to help build up the immune systemof puppies and kittens. Pets that have not been thoroughly vaccinated and come in contact with these viruses or other non-vaccinated pets are at risk of contracting a disease that can cause illness and even cause death. Not all animals are the same and not all pet owners are comfortable with a generic vaccine schedule. Please discuss your lifestyle and environmental concerns with your vet and they will prepare a vaccination schedule appropriate for your needs.

Vaccinations are usually started at the age of six to eight weeks. After that time, there are some variations but generally follow up vaccines are given every three to four weeks for a total of 3 or 4 booster shots. Some veterinarian's vary this process but the basics pretty much stay the same.

Understanding the importance of vaccinations can go a long way in understanding the general needs of your pet. Schedules vary from vet to vet regarding how often and which boosters are to be given. Regardless of how often it is recommended for your pet, keeping up with the routine care that your vet suggests is the best way to provide your puppy or kitten with the best care he/she deserves.

Remember also, just as you baby proof your home, you do need to puppy and kitten proof it as well. These little ones tend to get into things and find the strangest places to squeeze into and to chew on.

Vaccinations can protect your puppy against serious infectious illnesses. Puppies' vaccines typically include Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, Para-influenza, Coronavirus, Bordetella, Rabies and many times Leptospirosis.

Puppies that have not been vaccinated can come down with a number of things with the most commonly known disease being Parvo. Parvo is very contagious and deadly to many if not most puppies.

Kittens that have not been vaccinated commonly come down with severe respiratory diseases. The combination vaccination that we use is FVRCP: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (feline distemper). Rabies vacination is given when age-appropriate which is usually at 4 months old.

There are other vaccines available; however, since AHF does not agree with allowing cats outdoors, we consider them unnecessary.