Do You Know the Right Vaccination Schedule for Your New Pet?

by PetGuide Staff

Published: July 5th, 2017

do you know the right vaccination schedule for your new pet

Following a vaccination schedule for your pet is the best way to ensure he lives a long and healthy life. Here’s the timeline you should follow.

After bringing a new pet into your family, it’s time to work with a veterinarian to ensure your dog or cat is healthy. Ensuring that he has all his up-to-date vaccinations, at all the right times, is the best way to prevent and eliminate diseases that can prove deadly to pets.

Here’s what you need to know about the vaccines your puppy or kitten will be getting and when they should be administered by a veterinarian.

What Vaccines Are Required?

There are two classes of vaccines: core vaccines and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines should be administered to all pets, while non-core vaccines will only be recommended for certain animals. Your vet will help you determine if your pet needs any of the non-core vaccines, and the decision will be based upon factors like the health status of your cat or dog, as well as his age and breed, and his potential exposure to a disease.

Your vet will follow a straightforward vaccination schedule for your new puppy, kitten or adult pet. The schedule is outlined below so you will have an idea of what to expect. Just keep in mind that factors like where you live and what your pet’s risks are will help your vet determine which vaccines are necessary and when they should be administered to ensure the health of your furry friend.

Puppy & Kitten Vaccination Schedule

If your puppy or kitten was nursing from a healthy mother, her milk likely provided plenty of antibodies that have helped to build up his immune system. Once your new addition is 8 weeks old, your veterinarian can start administering the appropriate vaccines that will continue protecting your pet as he grows. The vaccines are administered at 3- to 4-week intervals, and the final vaccine can be given at around 16 weeks.

This is a standard schedule for your pet’s vaccination shots:

8 Weeks

Dog Core Vaccinations:

DHPP (4-in-1: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
Start Heartworm Prevention (such as Heartgard, Trifexis, Revolution, etc.)

Dog Tests & De-Worming:

De-worming for Hookworm, Roundworm,Tapeworm
Start Parasite Prevention (flea, tick, heartworm)

Cat Core Vaccinations:

FVRCP Vaccine (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia)
Start Heartworm Prevention

Cat Tests & De-Worming:

De-worming for Hookworm, Roundworm, Tapeworm
Start Parasite Prevention (flea, tick, heartworm)

12 Weeks

Dog Core Vaccinations:

DHPP Booster

Dog Non-Core Vaccinations:

Bordetella Vaccine (kennel cough); Lepto Vaccine; Lyme Vaccine; Canine Influenza Vaccine (H3N8); Rattlesnake Vaccine

Dog Tests & De-Worming:

De-worming for Hookworm, Roundworm, Tapeworm

Cat Core Vaccinations:

FVRCP Booster
FELV Vaccine (Feline Leukemia Virus)

Cat Tests & De-Worming:

De-worming for Hookworm, Roundworm, Tapeworm
Start Parasite Prevention (flea & tick and heartworm)
FeLv / FIV / Heartworm Test

16 Weeks

Dog Core Vaccinations:

DHPP Booster
Rabies Vaccine

Dog Non-Core Vaccinations:

Bordetella Booster, Lepto Booster, Lyme Booster, Canine Influenza Booster, Rattlesnake Booster

Cat Core Vaccinations:

FVRCP Booster
FELV Booster
Rabies Vaccine

6 Months

Dog Tests & De-Worming:

Heartworm, Erlichiosis, Anaplasmosis and Lyme Test (4Dx)

Adult Pet Vaccination Schedule

Once your puppy or kitten is grown, booster shots will be required to keep your adult pet protected. Your vet can help you decide which yearly vaccinations are best for your pet based on a number of factors, including:

Type of vaccination
You pet’s age
Current medical and physical condition of pet
Lifestyle and exposure to disease
Presence of disease in pet’s environment
Reaction to previous vaccinations

Potential Side Effects of Vaccines

When your pet is receiving a vaccination, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian about any of the potential side effects that might occur. In this way, you can keep an eye out for symptoms and get your pet any necessary treatments promptly.

Put simply, an immunization will work by mildly stimulating your pet’s immune system. As a result, your pet’s body will develop a level of protection from an infectious disease, but the stimulation of the immune system might result in mild side effects. Less commonly, a pet might develop more severe side effects, such as an immune mediated disease. That’s why it’s recommended that you schedule any vaccination appointments during a time that will allow you to keep an eye on your pet afterwards.

Affording the Cost of Vaccines

Some pet owners may be overwhelmed by the costs of the veterinary care and vaccinations that are required when introducing a puppy or adult dog into the family. And you also need to factor in the long-term costs associated with having your pet examined annually and receiving all of the necessary booster shots.

Thankfully, there are several options for pet parents on a tight budget. Vetco Wellness Centers provide affordable veterinary services and immunizations for dogs at Petco and Unleashed store locations all over the United States. They don’t charge an office visit fee, and you don’t even need an appointment. Plus, they offer evening and weekend hours for busy pet owners.

With the right care and the appropriate vaccinations, your puppy or kitten can grow up to be a healthy, strong adult, so definitely talk to your vet about the vaccination schedule that is right for your pet.

PetGuide Staff

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Dogs are cute, no doubt about that, but most of them are not winning awards for their lovely BO – in fact, if we’re being honest, most pooches are a bit stinky. Of course, if you make sure to keep them clean with regular baths, grooming, and teeth brushing, you can eliminate or at least significantly reduce any unpleasant smell. But sometimes, even if you are very attentive about your dog’s hygiene, they can still smell a bit funky. Why does this happen? And what should you do in that case? Lastly, is there a way to prevent unpleasant body odors in your dog? Let’s try and answer all these stinky questions.Why Does My Dog Smell Bad?Are you catching a whiff of something foul whenever your dog enters the room? Are you struggling to keep them clean and smelling fresh? There could be a number of reasons why your pupper is stinky, and it is important to go over everything in order to properly address this issue. Firstly, you want to consider their hygiene. Lack of regular grooming and bathing can lead to a buildup of dirt, oils, and bacteria on a dog's skin and coat, resulting in a bad odor. Make sure you are giving your dog a regular wash or a bath, and that you are using  special shampoos that are safe for pets and smell nice.

Britain's Beloved Breed, the Scottish Terrier, Faces Extinction

Once an icon of British culture, the Scottish terrier is now facing extinction. The Scottie has a distinctive silhouette of a short-legged but sturdy dog with furnishings at the beard, legs, and lower body.These mighty pooches decorated everything from the Monopoly board to designer bags, and shortbread tins. However, the Kennel Club has placed the Scottish terrier on its “at watch” list after only 406 puppies were registered by breeders in 2023.The number of registered Scotties has been plummeting for five consecutive years, but this is a record low.The Scottie was the most popular in the 1930s when there were more than 5,800 registered puppies in a single year. Presidents Franklin D Roosevelt and George W Bush enjoyed the company of Scottie dogs, while countless celebrities including Dorothy Parker and Charles Lindbergh owned a Scottish terrier. Originally bred to hunt foxes, badgers, and other vermin in the Highlands, the Scottish terrier has a loyal, fateful, and bold nature, but is never aggressive. Scotties are dignified, self-assured, independent, and highly intelligent dogs that make wonderful companions to people of all ages.Unfortunately, the Scottie isn’t the only dog that has fallen out of favor with British dog lovers. On the Kennel Club’s “at watch” list are also the English pointer, the rough collie, the wire fox terrier, the Sussex spaniel, the curly-coated retriever, the otterhound, the Gordon setter, the Norwich terrier, and the Manchester terrier. “The Scottish terrier has been such an icon and recognizable breed in the UK for decades and means so much to so many different people, so these latest figures are really worrying,” said Bill Lambart, a spokesman for the Kennel Club.On the other end of the popularity spectrum are Bernese mountain dogs and miniature longhaired Dachshunds, which saw the biggest rise in registrations. The English setter, the Jack Russel terrier, and the Yorkshire terrier also experienced a surge in popularity. Brits are lucky to have more than two hundred wonderful dog breeds to choose from. Each of these breeds has unique personality and character traits and make amazing companions. However, most dogs seen in the parks and streets come from the top ten most popular breeds.“People often opt for well-known choices and simply forget to dig a little deeper, with the worrying knock-on effect that not only are some of our most iconic breeds in decline but also that people might not be getting the perfect match for them,” said Lambert. “People simply forget there are so many different dog breeds, with different personalities and characteristics, and it’s not just the well-known ones that could be a great match for our lifestyles.” The Kennel Club is pleased to see that some of the country’s native breeds, like the English setter, are regaining their popularity. However, the organization also stresses that many breeds are at risk of extinction only because they are no longer fashionable. The top ten most popular breeds in the UK, including the French bulldog, Labrador retriever, and Cocker spaniel, account for more than 60 percent of annual puppy registrations for all breeds. Despite the low registration numbers, there’s still hope for the Scottish terrier. Breed enthusiasts and clubs have started to promote the breed’s unique traits, in hopes of increasing the public’s interest in this amazing breed. The plan to educate the public about the Scottish terrier’s character, history, and suitability as a companion pet could be essential for boosting the breed’s registration numbers. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

After 5 Long Years, a Lost Senior Dog is Reunited With His Owner

It seems that year is off to a good start in Sharonville, Ohio, where a true miracle happened for a hopeful pawrent. A Butler County woman named Hannah experienced immense relief and happiness after she was reunited with her long-lost doggo, at the annual My Furry Valentine adoption event in Sharonville. Will, Hannah’s wonderful Golden Retriever buddy had been missing for five years, after he wandered away from home in October 2019. Devastated, Hannah and her family searched for days and weeks for Will, but without success. In the end, fearing the worst, they had to let go of their wavering hopes.But incredibly, much to their amazement, their hopes were rekindled. They spotted a stray dog photo posted out of Clermont County – the resemblance to Will was uncanny. Hannah quickly sent a Facebook message to the nonprofit Clear the Clermont County Animal Shelter, inquiring about the dog - apparently named Rome. After a brief explanation, she said she believed it was none other than her beloved Will. 

What Do I Do if My Dog Has a Chipped Tooth?

Discovering that your dog is hurt or in pain is a concerning moment for any pet parent, regardless of the injury. But dental injuries can be particularly stressful. If you have ever experienced a toothache, you understand!Whether your pup chipped a tooth during a rough play session with their best furry friend or while gnawing on a hard chew like a bone or antler, any dental damage must be addressed promptly.Read on to learn how to prioritize your dog’s dental health, including identifying if they may be suffering from a broken or chipped tooth, how to address dental damage and tips for preventing a broken tooth before it happens. Your pup will thank you!Common Signs of a Broken or Chipped ToothThe first step to caring for dental problems is to identify that your dog is experiencing an issue. The signs of dental problems vary considerably. While some dogs won’t show any discomfort, others may demonstrate considerable pain. This is due not only to the difference in a dog’s personality and pain threshold but also the spectrum of injuries that fall under the heading of “dental problems.”Broken teeth can be categorized into three groups:Enamel Fractures: Damage only to the enamel of the tooth.Crown Fractures: Damage extends deeper into the tooth, breaking the crown and exposing the pulp.Root Fractures: The root of the tooth has been broken.Unless you inspect your dog’s teeth regularly and spot a problem, we often have to rely on body language and behavioral changes to know there’s a problem. Unfortunately, dogs are very good at hiding pain, so they may be suffering from a problem for a while before we’re aware that there is an issue.Some of the more common signs of a broken or chipped tooth include:Excessive droolingBloody salivaPawing at their muzzleChewing on one side of the mouthReluctancy to eat and kibble or harder-to-chew itemsRefusal to eat at allAvoiding drinking cold waterGrinding teethSwelling in the faceDiscomfort or reluctance to have muzzle touchedWhining or whimpering Not playing as they would normally Sudden or out-of-character aggressive or anxious behaviorTrembling or shaking

Study Reveals Older Dogs Who Sleep Badly May Have Dementia

It’s hard to watch a beloved dog get old, as it seems like only yesterday your senior pooch was a teething puppy with a penchant for chewing your slippers. The American Kennel Club, the expert on all doggy things, says that most small breeds become seniors between the ages of seven and 10. Larger breeds age faster than their small counterparts and are considered old when they are six years old. Like old people, senior dogs can get dementia.As they age, dogs can develop canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS), a condition that is very similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. Scientists have long known that people with dementia can find it harder to get to sleep. Now, researchers from North Carolina State University have discovered that senior dogs with dementia experience the same sleep problems as people with dementia. “Just like humans with Alzheimer's disease, dogs with CCDS, experience sleep disruptions, such as insomnia, and sleep fragmentation,” said senior study author Dr. Natasha Olby, a professor of veterinary neurology, neurosurgery, and gerontology at North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine. To discover whether sleep problems are a sign of early dementia in dogs, as they are in people, Dr. Olby and her team used a group of senior dogs who were part of an ongoing trial testing antiaging supplements. Scientists selected 28 dogs between the ages of 10 and 16 to participate in the new sleep study. To be included in the antiaging study, the dog must have lived more than 75% of the expected lifespan for their breed. The dogs also couldn’t suffer from arthritis or be blind, as they needed to complete tasks designed to test their cognitive abilities. Scientists evaluated each dog’s cognitive abilities by having them perform a series of tests and asking their owners to fill out a list of questions, known as the Canine Dementia Scale Questionnaire.In the new study, researchers used polysomnography, a form of electroencephalogram (EEG) used to diagnose sleep problems in people. The researchers affixed electrodes on the dogs’ skulls using a water-soluble gel and recorded brain activity during a two-hour nap. “Past sleep studies in dogs often involved surgically implanted electrodes,” said Alejandra Mondino, a postdoctoral researcher at North Carolina State University. “Non-invasive studies are relatively new. We are one of a handful of groups doing this work.”When results from cognitive testing were compared to sleeping brain waves, researchers discovered that dogs with more advanced dementia took longer to fall asleep and spent less time sleeping. “These dogs have dementia and sleep disruption is a part of that,” said Mondino. “In addition to the shorter time spent sleeping, when we look at the EEG, we saw their brain activity during sleep was more akin to wakefulness. In other words, when they do manage to sleep, their brains aren’t really sleeping.”These results don’t explain the link between sleep and dementia, but studies like this one may help scientists to better understand the process and find ways to treat it. “There’s a possibility we might be able to identify an early signature of change on the EEG that can tell us ‘Hey, things are starting to slide’. Because with a chronic neurodegenerative process, of course, we’d love to be able to intervene sooner rather than later,” said Olby according to CNN Health.Until that happens, veterinarians can prescribe medications for anxiety and melatonin for sleep to senior dogs with cognitive decline. Diet and exercise also appear to be a factor. Studies have shown that diets rich in flavonoids, antioxidants, and medium-chain fatty acids could potentially slow the development of dementia in dogs. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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