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Vaccinations And Schedules For Cats And Dogs in Regina, Saskatchewan

Vaccinations And Schedules For Cats And Dogs in Regina, Saskatchewan

How Bad Is It to Skip Vaccinations for Your Pet?

Having a pet is great but that also comes with a lot of responsibilities. One of the responsibilities is to get them vaccinated on time or in some cases get them vaccinated at all. If you adopted your pet after thinking through the process then you wouldn’t want to do anything to put them in any danger.

Skipping their vaccinations or intentionally not getting them shots is the same as putting them in danger. It is normal to be concerned about the after-effects of the vaccination but they aren’t as bad as the diseases they might get into.

The puppies and kittens might feel swollen, have joint pain, dizzy, or lose their appetite which could last for 24 to 36 hours only. However, if they aren’t getting first shots then their body won’t be able to fight harmful bacteria or germs.

The vaccine when goes into their system activates white blood production. These cells are the defense system of the body and increase its immunity so the body lives long in health.

Following are some diseases and infections your cat, dog, puppy, or kitten may fall into by skipping their needed vaccinations. It also explains how important it is to follow their pet vaccination schedule.

Vaccination Schedule for Dogs & Puppies?

Rabies

Your pup should be prevented from this disease as there is no proper treatment for it, so the best way is to keep your pet from falling into it.

In most states, the first dose is suggested to be given at the age of 3 months. After that, another single dose once they reach 16 weeks of age. In some cases, after this vaccination, boosters are required after every 3 years however in some states boosters are set in after each year.

Lyme Disease

Swollen joints, increased fatigue, and loss of interest in eating are common symptoms of Lyme disease. However, this disease has an effective treatment available and a dog can still live a long life with this disease too. So, it is up to pet parents how they choose their pet to live the rest of their life.

This infection requires the first dose as soon as the pup turns 9 weeks. The second dose follows it around 2 to 4 weeks later. Once your pup enters adulthood the same procedure will be required for 2 vaccines with a difference of around 4 weeks.

Canine Influenza

This disease can make ground for many fatal and non-recoverable diseases. It affects a great ratio of puppies because of low immunity strength at this age. Also, this is a non-core vaccine which means its vaccination should be suggested by a personal vet.

On average, it is essential to vaccinate your puppy with the first dose as they enter 2 months of their age and the second one should follow 2 to 4 weeks after the first one. However, a booster dosage once a year can improve the efficiency of vaccines.

Canine Distemper

The disease doesn’t have a proper remedy however its symptoms can be reduced making the dogs resist it for months. The more preferable way is to strictly follow the dog vaccination schedule.

A puppy needs at least 3 doses of core vaccine before they enter adulthood. After that 2 doses should be scheduled at least with a gap of a month.

Bordetellosis

This infection leads to kennel cough. If your pet dog visits other pets very often or travels with you more often than vaccination is more than an option for your pet.

It is rarely a case to need a dosage for a puppy with symptoms of Bordetellosis. However, 2 doses are recommended in case of injection product, and vaccination with a gap of 12 or 6 months can increase the effectiveness of the shot.

What Is the Vaccine Schedule for Cats and Kittens?

Feline Distemper

When your kitten turns 6 weeks it’s time for the first vaccination. This goes on after every 3 to 4 weeks until they turn 16 weeks. When they enter the age to become an adult, they need to get vaccines again. This time they only need 2 doses 3 to 4 weeks apart. Your cat will be then good for a year at least.

After that, if you keep them injected with booster doses after every 3 years that will keep their immunity levels strong enough, that they could fight the infection on their own.

Rabies

Keep up with your cat vaccination schedule because they need their first vaccination at the age of 8 weeks at least. As soon as your kitten turn 16 weeks it would need a single vaccination with a booster once a year. State laws vary across different states, and so do rules and regulations that apply to your pet. This is why it is considered best to follow your veterinarian’s expert opinion on this one.

Bordetella

This infection in cats and kittens can cause deadly respiratory problems. However, if your kitten receives its first dosage right after turning 4 weeks of age. That can prevent them from falling into this infection but as soon as they hit puberty, they will require 2 more doses with a gap of a year in between.

Along with the consultancy of their veterinarian having a booster dose once a year is a wise choice but only after a careful check-up.

Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

The Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) transmits from cat-to-cat contact. This virus is able to help set foot on many fatal diseases like cancer. This is why as soon as your kitten turns 8 weeks get them their first injection of vaccination or by other ways like the intranasal method. The ultimate goal is to get medicine in their system.

The second shot will need to have a break for at least 3 to 4 weeks in between. So, that each of them will have proper time to set into the system of your pet cat. After your cat turns 16 weeks of age, they will again need two doses of vaccines 3 to 4 weeks apart.

In case you are thinking of getting a booster dosage, this completely depends on the lifestyle of your cat or kitten. If that involves more often contact with other cats then booster once a year won’t hurt. In case their lifestyle is the exact opposite then they won’t be needing a booster. However, it is best to consult with the personal veterinarian of your pet in this matter.

Calicivirus

It is a wise decision to keep a check in on early vaccinations of your kitten because this is the time when their immunity is at the lowest. This is why as soon as they turn 6 weeks of age it’s the time for their first shot of immunization and the second in the next 3 to 4 weeks of it.

Keep this schedule going until they transform into their adult self, then it will be time for the next couple of shots a month apart too. This vaccine is for all ages of cats and a booster dose once a year or once in 3 years is appreciated to keep them going.

Visit Us and Bring Your Pet Along

If your pet hasn’t received any of its shots and you don’t even have any veterinarian for your loved one then visit us at Northgate Animal Hospital. We have one of the best well-experienced Animal Hospital Regina.

In the opposite case, your pet could suffer from a series of problems including diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, and so on. And your pet won’t have the strong guts to survive the consequences. So, make the right choice without passing another minute.

At Northgate Animal Hospital in Regina, we treat your pets as special as you treat them. If you have any queries, you can call us at (306) 543-7500 and consult with one of our vets in Regina.