Food, water, and a little bit of love. These are the things we strive to give our pets.
But what about taking them to the vet and ensuring they are healthy? Unknown to many people, there are timelines of what shots pets need, based on their age.
Read on to discover more about the recommended vaccination schedules for cats and dogs. You’ll learn what’s best for your pets and how to help them stay healthy no matter what their age.
Knowing the Cat Vaccination Schedule
Cat vaccinations are broken down into different timelines within a cat’s life. This includes:
- Baby kittens who are under one year old
- Cats that are young adults, ages 1-5
- Older cats ages 5-10
With cats, there are some vaccinations they can skip, depending on their lifestyle.
Indoor cats don’t need feline leukemia if they are kept indoors religiously. Although these treatments don’t cause harm to a cat when they are young, there’s no need to subject the animal to them if they don’t go outdoors.
We recommend all cats be given heartworm prevention year round, whether they are indoor or outdoor cats, as this is a mosquito transmitted disease. As well, there is no vaccine available for heartworm prevention.
Use your own judgment when deciding what is best for your pets. Regardless of their lifestyle, all cats need vaccinations to protect against rabies.
Understanding the Dog Vaccination Schedule
Dog vaccinations get a little tricky. Like the cat, they are broken down along the following timeline:
- Puppy, for the first year of life
- Young dog, age 1-5
- Older dog, ages 5-10
Dogs go outside more often than cats since they need walks to relieve themselves. For pet owners that take their mutts to the dog park, there are certain procedures they need to follow to ensure protection.
Rabies is always required for dogs. Owners that don’t get the vaccination and license their dog find themselves at risk for fines.
Studies show that once a dog reaches the older adult phase, they don’t need certain vaccines, such as parvo or bordetella. Always talk to your vet, and look to your dog’s age, health, and lifestyle for cues.
The Needs of Older Pets
Older pets have special needs.
They get tired quickly, have weaker immune systems, and don’t spend as much time outside. A whole list of vaccinations isn’t a necessity for pets once they reach the mark of ten years or older.
Dogs or cats that have cancer, or other diseases that contribute to a weaker immune system don’t need the same vaccinations a healthy puppy would.
Since these dogs aren’t running outdoors as much, and have developed immune systems, vaccinations do they bodies more harm than good. When in doubt, talk with your vet and ask them questions about your dog’s health.
The answers may surprise you, and help you feel comfortable with your decision.
Let Us Help
Taking care of your pets is a lifelong process that goes on until the last day. You don’t have to figure it out alone.
We are happy to help you and your pet at whatever stage of life they are at.
If you have questions about the dog vaccination schedule or aren’t sure how old your pet is, give us a call. We are here to help, whatever your needs are.