Beagle
People say a puppy, or kitten, has ‘had their shots’ all the time. But what does that simple phrase really mean? People naturally assume it means their new pet has had all the immunizations they need for a healthy and happy life free of infectious disease. Unfortunately, this is rarely what it really means. The sad truth is that this simple phrase is often meaningless.
Often this phrase is used by a well-meaning owner who has done what’s right by giving the puppy or kitten it’s FIRST vaccination before selling the pet to a new home. Often this is even done at the correct age of 6 weeks, soon after weaning. The problem arises when the impression is given that no further immunizations are necessary, or either the breeder or new owner don’t realize the timing of that next vaccination is critical. The new owner then waits too long to boost that first vaccine, in which case that first vaccine is almost meaningless.
When a young puppy or kitten is born its immune system is totally naive. The newborn’s mother helps correct this by giving the newborn a hefty dose of antibodies in the mother’s first milk, known as colostrum. However, these antibodies don’t last forever. They slowly disappear from the youngster’s bloodstream because the youngster isn’t able to replace them. As these antibodies slowly disappear the youngster is eventually left unprotected against all the infectious diseases puppies and kittens are so vulnerable to. How quickly these antibodies disappear varies from one individual to the next, and there is no way to tell which patient’s levels are low without expensive testing. This is why it is so critical to start vaccinations as early as possible, at 6 weeks of age, so those patients with insufficient levels aren’t left unprotected.
Another commonly misunderstood, but critical, point is how long it takes for a vaccine to take effect. It takes a patient’s immune system 2-3 weeks to process a vaccine and develop an effective immune response based on that vaccine. If a patient encounters an infectious disease during that 2-3 week period the vaccine isn’t going to be worth much, even if ‘he’s had his shots’.
This delay while the immune system is preparing is also why boosting vaccinations on time is critical. With a single dose of a vaccine the patient will develop an immune response, but it isn’t as strong and doesn’t last as long as it would after a booster. Giving that booster just as the immune system is ramping up it’s response to the first vaccine further stimulates the immune system and creates the most reliable protection. Waiting longer than 1 month, or boosting less than 2 weeks apart, will reduce the protection the patient receives. Another reason to be careful about the timing of vaccine boosters is the best vaccine companies will guarantee the effectiveness of their vaccines if they are given and boosted strictly according to the company’s recommendations. If you deviate from these recommendations you don’t have any guarantee.
Which vaccines a veterinarian will recommend for your pet may vary from case to case. Consult with your veterinarian for details. However, the following guidelines will fit most cases.
The first vaccine a puppy needs is a Canine Distemper-Parvovirus combo. This should be given first at 6 weeks of age and needs to be boosted every 3-4 weeks until the puppy is 4 months old. This ensures the puppy starts to develop its own protection as soon as possible, as well as ensuring that protection is as strong as possible.
A vaccine for kennel cough should be given to puppies sometime between 6 weeks and 4 months, usually around 8 weeks of age, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Some kennel cough vaccines will also need a booster 3-4 weeks after the initial dose.
The first vaccine a kitten needs is a Feline Distemper-Panleukopenia combo. This should be given first at 6 weeks of age and needs to be boosted every 3-4 weeks until the kitten is 4 months old. This ensures the kitten starts to develop its own protection as soon as possible, as well as ensuring that protection is as strong as possible.
A blood test and vaccine for Feline Leukemia Virus should be given to kittens sometime between 6 weeks and 4 months, usually around 8-10 weeks of age.
Rabies vaccinations have to be given after 12 weeks of age. Most rabies vaccines need a booster within a year of the original dose. After this 1 year booster most rabies vaccines are certified for 3 years duration. However, local public health requirements for rabies control may specify a shorter duration. Licensing of pets, and the duration of licenses, is also up to local law. Check with your veterinarian or animal control for details. Cats need to be vaccinated for rabies as much as dogs do. They also need to be licensed just as much as dogs do.
These recommendations are not exhaustive. There are other vaccines that may be recommended for your pet based on your pet’s lifestyle. Also, these recommendations are given as education only, not in an attempt to direct you how to care for your pet, or to prescribe therapy for your pet. Specific recommendations for your pet can only be given by A Caring Vet after a physical exam and consultation with the veterinarian.
