Vaccinations & Preventive Care

Vaccinations and preventive care are essential for keeping pets healthy and avoiding serious illnesses. Most common diseases in dogs and cats can be prevented with timely vaccines, parasite control, and routine health checks.

Preventive care helps pets live longer, stay active, and reduce costly or painful treatments later in life.

Core Vaccinations

Vaccines protect pets from dangerous diseases. Puppies, kittens, and adult pets all benefit from vaccines, but the timing and frequency vary:

Dogs:

  • Core vaccines: Distemper, Parvovirus, Rabies
  • Optional vaccines: Bordetella (kennel cough), Leptospirosis
  • Puppies: Receive a series starting around 6–8 weeks, repeated every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks

Adults: Boosters every 1–3 years, depending on vaccine type

Cats:

  • Core vaccines: Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Herpesvirus, Calicivirus, Rabies
  • Kittens: Vaccines start around 6–8 weeks, repeated every 3–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks
  • Adults: Boosters every 1–3 years, depending on vaccine type

Following the recommended vaccination schedule greatly reduces the risk of infection and severe illness.

Parasite Prevention

Parasites like fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms can cause serious health problems. Preventive care includes:

  • Flea & tick prevention: Applied monthly or seasonally
  • Heartworm prevention: Essential in areas with mosquitoes
  • Deworming: Puppies and kittens usually every 2–3 weeks until 12 weeks old; adults typically every 3–6 months

Consistent parasite prevention protects your pet and your household.

Routine Health Checks

Regular veterinary exams help detect problems early:

  • Dental health: Clean teeth and gums prevent pain and infection
  • Weight and body condition: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces risk of diabetes, joint strain, and heart disease
  • Organ function & labs: Blood and urine tests can catch issues before symptoms appear

Most pets benefit from at least one wellness check per year, more frequently for seniors or pets with chronic conditions.

Practical Tips for Preventive Care

  • Keep vaccination and parasite schedules up to date
  • Monitor pets for changes in appetite, energy, coat, or behavior
  • Maintain dental hygiene through brushing, chews, or professional cleaning
  • Consult your veterinarian about lifestyle-based prevention (e.g., indoor vs outdoor pets, travel, exposure risk)