Just like people, your pets need vaccinations to strengthen their immune systems and reduce the spread of harmful diseases. Vaccines protect pets from diseases that were once quite common, such as Canine Distemper, Canine Parvovirus, and Feline Panleukopenia. Vaccines effectively reduce these diseases so they are rarely encountered in the modern age. Vaccinations now help prevent these devastating diseases while also reducing the spread of common diseases such as Rabies and Parvovirus. We have developed a recommended schedule outlining when pets should receive their vaccinations. Vaccines need to be administered yearly to effectively protect pets from potentially fatal diseases.
Canine Vaccination Protocol
The recommended schedule for puppies begins with core vaccinations for Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus at 6 to 8 weeks of age. These vaccinations need to be boostered for greatest immunity at 3 to 4-week intervals until the puppy reaches the age of 16 weeks. At 4 months, a puppy should receive a vaccine for Rabies administered by a veterinarian. This is mandated by Arkansas law. The following year, vaccinations are repeated to booster immunity. Dogs generally should receive a booster for the Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, and Rabies on a yearly basis for optimal protection. Non-core vaccinations include Bordetella Bronchiseptica or Kennel Cough and Canine Influenza. These vaccinations are recommended for pets who are at increased risk of exposure to these diseases through contact with other dogs such as kennels or dog parks, but are not recommended for all pets.
Feline Vaccination Protocol
Kittens receive antibodies from their mother's milk (if the mother has been vaccinated properly) during the nursing period. This period usually ends after about 6 to 8 weeks of age. At that time, kittens should receive a vaccination commonly known as FVRCP (Feline Rhinotracheitis-Calici-Panleukopenia-Chlamydia Psittaci Vaccine). This vaccine needs to be boostered at 3 to 4-week intervals until the kitten reaches 16 weeks old. At 4 months of age, the kitten should be vaccinated against Rabies by a veterinarian. Vaccinations for Feline Leukemia are recommended after a test confirms your cat is negative. Your cat will receive an initial vaccine for Leukemia then a booster in one month. All cats should receive yearly vaccines and examinations by a veterinarian. If you have questions, please give us a call at (870) 856-3243.
