Does my dog or cat really need that vaccine doc? I have done a lot of research on the internet and I don’t think they are safe. I would prefer not to give them vaccines at all actually!! I hear this frequently and I feel the need to address when vaccines are needed, important, not so important, etc.
First thing to know is it is never safe to choose to not vaccinate a puppy or kitten. It is a know fact that the diseases young animals can contract are not only dangerous but life threatening, not to mention expensive to treat. A young animal is protected by what are called maternal antibodies until around 6-8 weeks of age. At that point we are dealing with an immune system that is not fully matured but also no protection from mom. So what do you do? Starting around 7-8 weeks of age, we need to begin giving the first set of vaccines which will protect these young animals from the devestating diseases that lurk in the grass of every dog park or yard around.
What viruses do you need to vaccinate agains? In puppies the two most importatant vaccines are Parvo and Distemper. In kittens it is the Rhinotracheitis, calici, and Panleukopenia viruses. Both puppies and Kittens need to have a series of vaccines every 3-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks of age. After this they need to have a one year booster. By doing this we are giving our puppies and kittens the best chance to stay healthy and disease free. After the first year, a wellness visit is important yearly and you veterinarian can best instruct you on how to procede with future vaccines.
