Vaccinating Your Dog or Cat

When your pets are young, it may seem like they are getting vaccines every other month. However, as they grow older, your pets can wait longer between vaccinations. Knowing what shots to give them and when can be confusing. At Sheehy Animal Hospital in Livonia, MI, we can answer your vaccination questions and keep your pets healthy.

Your pets' vaccination schedules depend on their age and lifestyle. Frequent shots are needed to build up immunity. These are followed by booster shots to maintain protection against diseases. Our veterinarians at Sheehy Animal Hospital recommend the following core and non-core immunizations.

Canine Vaccines

Core vaccinations should be given to all dogs. Non-core vaccines may be needed for dogs that spend time around other animals or live in a high-tick area. The following are core vaccines:

• Rabies. Most states require pets to receive rabies vaccinations, because it is a highly contagious and deadly disease that can be transmitted to humans.
• Distemper. Canine distemper is a fatal viral disease. It can be easily transmitted between dogs, even without close contact.
• Canine Hepatitis. This disease can be transmitted through contaminated feces, urine, saliva, or blood. Hepatitis can be fatal.
• Parvovirus. This virus spreads through contaminated feces. Parvovirus may cause lethargy, vomiting, and severe dehydration. This disease can be fatal.
• Parainfluenza. This is a contagious respiratory virus. Dogs can contract the virus through nasal secretions.
• Bordetella. This bacterium may cause a viral infection. Your dogs can contract kennel cough if they make contact with Bordetella.
• Leptospirosis. This bacterial infection spreads through your dog’s bloodstream. It can be transmitted to humans.

Combination vaccines, such as the DHPP, are available to protect against distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Non-core vaccines include:

• Canine influenza
• Lyme Disease

We advise giving your dog the canine influenza vaccine if they are kenneled.

Feline Vaccines

Like dogs, cats have core and non-core vaccine requirements. Core immunizations include:

• FVRCP. This protects cats against feline viral rhinotracheitis and calicivirus, both upper respiratory infections. It also protects cats against panleukopenia, or feline distemper.
• Rabies. Most state laws require this vaccination for cats.

Non-core vaccines for cats include:

• Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
• Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
• Chlamydia
• Bordetella

If you have questions, you can discuss your cat's vaccination needs with our veterinarian.

Where to Have Your Pet Vaccinated in Livonia, MI

For more information about vaccines or to schedule an appointment, contact Sheehy Animal Hospital. Our veterinary staff is available to answer your questions.