Vaccinating Your Puppy or Kitten

If you are about to add a new puppy or kitten to your household make sure to acquire documentation of vaccination status and previous veterinary care so that you may continue your pet’s care seamlessly.  Potentially dangerous, disease-causing organisms are part of your new addition’s environment.  Puppies and kittens are at the highest risk for exposure to infection because their immune system is not fully developed.  Puppies and kittens start their vaccinations between 6-8 weeks of age, and then continue them throughout their life.  Most of the viruses your pet will be vaccinated against cause infections that are fatal such as Rabies and feline leukemia virus for kittens, and Rabies, Distemper virus, and Parvoviral enteritis for puppies.  In addition, taking your pet to “get its shots” on a regular basis is one of the easiest, most important ways you can protect your pet’s good health, because it also ensures that your veterinarian has the chance to examine your pet regularly to detect any problems before they become serious threats.