National Immunization Awareness Month: Has Your Pet Been Vaccinated?

At Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital in San Diego, we want your pet to have a long and healthy life. We want you to enjoy your furry companions wherever you go. Unfortunately, the world contains diseases that can harm your pet. That is why we recommend keeping them up to date on their immunizations.

Veterinarians separate pet immunizations into core and non-core vaccinations. All pets should receive core vaccines as a part of its standard care. Some pets should receive non-core vaccines depending on their lifestyle. Be sure to discuss with your vet whether your pet needs non-core vaccinations.

Canine Vaccines

The following core immunizations are recommended:

• Rabies. A rabies shot is required by law.
• Distemper.  More dogs die from canine distemper than any other infectious disease because there is no cure.
• Parvovirus. This disease is transmitted through contaminated feces and can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea.
• Parainfluenza. This virus is transmitted through nasal secretions.
• Canine Hepatitis. Adenovirus or canine hepatitis is transmitted through contaminated feces or saliva and may be fatal.

A combination vaccine -- DHPP -- is available for distemper, parainfluenza, hepatitis, and parvovirus. Puppies should not receive the DHPP vaccine until they are at least 10 to 12 weeks old.

For canines, non-core vaccines include:

• Canine Influenza
• Bordetella
• Leptospirosis
• Lyme Disease

Again, be sure to ask your veterinarian about non-core immunizations.

Canine Vaccination Schedule

Core immunizations should begin with your puppy and continue through its adult life. These vaccines include:

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

Be sure to check with your veterinarian regarding non-core vaccines.

Feline Vaccines

As with dogs, cats have core and non-core vaccines:

• FVRCP. A combination vaccine that protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus, which are contagious upper respiratory infections, and Panleukopenia or feline distemper.
• Rabies. Cats require an annual rabies vaccination.
• Chlamydia. A bacterial infection that causes severe conjunctivitis. It may be included in FVRCP vaccine.
• Bordetella. This bacterial infection is highly contagious and causes upper respiratory infections.

Three additional vaccines may be suggested depending on you and your cat's lifestyle.

• Feline Leukemia (FeLV).
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
• Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).

It is always best to discuss your cat's care with your veterinarian.

Feline 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
• Annual. FeLV
• Every three years. FVRCP, Rabies

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 us. We are a full-service animal hospital, offering routine and emergency care.