Safe Pet Vaccinations for Dogs & Cats Coral Gables, FL

Why Vaccinate Your Pet?

We love our pets, and we take them everywhere.  But, the world is not always pet-friendly.  When we take our furry friends out into the world, we expose them to disease.  That's why having your pets vaccinated is essential to their long-term health.

Just like human vaccines, pet vaccines are designed to trigger a pet's immune system to produce antibodies.  By injecting pets with an inactive version of the disease, it is hoped that the pet will produce sufficient antibodies to fight off the disease.  Like humans, animals that receive a vaccination may not develop full immunity and will require boosters to remain protected.

What Canine Vaccinations Are Recommended?

Pet immunizations are separated into core and non-core vaccinations.  Core vaccines should be given to all pets, while non-core vaccines depend on your pet's lifestyle.   For example, vaccinating against Lyme disease is not necessary unless you live or play in an area where ticks thrive.

In addition to regular vaccinations, your furry friends should have annual heartworm tests and a fecal exams.  These diagnostic tools help identify other health issues that may impact your pets' health.  The following immunizations are recommended:

• Rabies Vaccination and Rabies License tag registration
• DHLPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvo)
• Bordetella

 A combination vaccine called DHPP is available for distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza.  Two additional vaccines -- Bordetella and Leptospirosis -- may be required depending on your dog's lifestyle.

Puppy Vaccine Schedule

Your puppy's core immunizations should include:

• 6 to 8 weeks. Distemper and parvovirus.
• 10 to 12 weeks.
• 16 to 18 weeks. DHPP, rabies
• 12 months. DHPP, rabies

Be sure to check with your veterinarian regarding non-core vaccines such as Bordetella and Canine influenza which can protect against these highly contagious diseases.

Adult Canine Vaccine Schedule

Adult canine immunizations begin one year after the last puppy vaccination.  Both DHPP and rabies are given at three-year intervals.  All non-core vaccinations are given annually.

What Feline Vaccinations Are Recommended?

As with dogs, cats should have an annual fecal exam in addition to the following vaccines:

• Feline Rabies
• FVRCP
• Leukemia 

It's always best to discuss your cat's vaccination needs with your veterinarian.

Kitten Vaccine Schedule

Your kitten's core immunizations should include:

• 6 to 8 weeks. FVRCP and FeLV
• 10 to 12 weeks. FVRCP and FeLV
• 16 to 18 weeks. FVRCP, Rabies, and FeLV
• 12 months. FVRCP, Rabies, and FeLV

Adult Feline Vaccine Schedule

Adult feline immunizations begin one year after the last puppy vaccination.  Both FVRCP and rabies are given at three-year intervals.  FeLV and non-core vaccinations are given annually.

Ask Your Veterinarian

Maintaining the recommended immunization schedule is essential to providing your pet with a long and healthy life.  If you have questions or would like more information, please contact a veterinarian.

Gables Animal Clinic is located in Coral Gables, Florida. We provide a wide range of veterinary services with the goal of enhancing all aspects of the well-being of every pet we treat. Contact us to book a check up for the special pets with whom you share your home.