Practical Vaccination Tips for Dogs and Cats: Keeping Your Pets Safe and Healthy
Vaccinations are crucial for protecting your pets from harmful diseases, many of which can be life-threatening. For dogs and cats, vaccinations help prevent illnesses like rabies, parvovirus, distemper, and feline leukemia, among others. At CityVax, we believe in making pet care accessible, which is why our pop-up clinics offer low-cost vaccination services at various locations to ensure your pet stays protected.
Keeping your dog or cat’s vaccinations up to date not only protects them but also helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases in your community. In this blog, we’ll provide some practical tips to ensure your pets get the vaccines they need, when they need them.
Before diving into the tips, it’s important to understand the difference between core and non-core vaccines.
Core vaccines are essential for all pets, regardless of their lifestyle or environment. These vaccines protect against diseases that pose a high risk to both pets and humans. For dogs, core vaccines include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus. For cats, core vaccines include rabies, feline panleukopenia (feline distemper), calicivirus, and rhinotracheitis.
Non-core vaccines are recommended based on your pet’s lifestyle, environment, and risk factors. For example, dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors or in social environments may need the Lyme disease or Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine. Cats who roam outdoors may benefit from the feline leukemia vaccine. Your veterinarian can help determine which non-core vaccines are appropriate for your pet.
Puppies and kittens require a series of vaccinations starting as early as 6-8 weeks of age. These initial shots, known as the "puppy" or "kitten series," are typically given every 3-4 weeks until your pet is about 16 weeks old. This schedule ensures their developing immune systems have the best chance to build strong defenses against disease.
Key vaccines for puppies include distemper, parvovirus, and rabies, while kittens need feline distemper, calicivirus, and rabies vaccines.
Once your dog or cat has completed their initial vaccinations, they will require booster shots. Most core vaccines require a booster every 1 to 3 years, depending on the specific vaccine and your veterinarian’s recommendations. Regular boosters ensure your pet remains protected throughout their life.
Make sure to keep a vaccination record for your pets and work with your veterinarian to stay on top of their vaccine schedule. CityVax clinics make it easy for busy pet owners by offering convenient, pop-up locations throughout the year.
Vaccination day can be stressful for both pets and their owners, but there are ways to make the experience smoother:
Pets are incredibly intuitive and can pick up on your emotions. If you stay calm and relaxed during the vaccination visit, your dog or cat is more likely to remain calm too. Try not to project anxiety onto them.
Bringing a favorite toy, blanket, or treat to the clinic can help your pet feel more at ease. For cats, a carrier with a familiar blanket inside can make the trip less stressful.
Some pets can become nervous or defensive in unfamiliar environments, so be sure to hold them securely, but gently. If your pet is particularly anxious, speak with your vet ahead of time about using calming techniques or even mild sedation if necessary.
Make sure your pet has access to water before and after their appointment, especially if it’s a warm day or if you’ll be traveling to one of our CityVax pop-up locations. Proper hydration can help pets feel more comfortable and less stressed.
One of the best ways to stay on top of your pet’s vaccinations is by setting reminders. You can do this using your phone’s calendar or by keeping a dedicated pet health journal. Many veterinarians and clinics, including CityVax, offer reminders and follow-up emails to help you keep track of booster shot schedules.
At CityVax, we understand how busy life can be, which is why our pop-up clinics make it convenient to get your pets vaccinated without disrupting your schedule.
CityVax is dedicated to making pet vaccinations accessible and affordable. If your dog or cat is due for vaccinations or if you’re not sure when their next shot is, visit one of our pop-up clinics near you. Check our website, HERE or call (832) 281-0559 for upcoming locations and dates, and give your pet the protection they need to live a long, healthy life.
