petvaccinations

[petvaccinations]

Puppy and Kitten Vaccinations – What to Expect

When welcoming a new puppy or kitten into the home, vaccinations are among the first essential veterinary services needed to ensure their health. During the initial visit to an animal hospital Virginia Beach, veterinarians will discuss a vaccination schedule tailored to the pet's age, lifestyle, and specific risk factors. Puppies and kittens are typically given a series of core vaccines, which protect against common and potentially life-threatening diseases such as distemper, parvovirus, and rabies for dogs, or feline distemper, herpesvirus, and rabies for cats. These vaccines are administered in a series, starting as early as 6-8 weeks of age and continuing every few weeks until the pet reaches about 16 weeks old.

The veterinarian may also recommend non-core vaccines based on local disease prevalence or the pet’s environment, such as Bordetella for puppies that will be socializing with other dogs. Each vaccination visit provides an opportunity for the vet to perform a general health check-up, monitoring the pet's growth, weight, and development. Discussing topics such as parasite prevention and nutrition is also important during these visits. Following the recommended vaccination schedule ensures that puppies and kittens develop strong immunity, setting a foundation for a lifetime of good health.