Core Canine and Feline Vaccinations

If you love your pet, you’ll do what you can to protect him from infectious diseases. Vaccinating your feline or canine companion is the best way to accomplish this task. Vaccinations stimulate your pet’s immune system to fight against diseases that pose a threat to his health and life. At TLC for Pets in Reisterstown, MD, we offer core (essential) and non-core (optional) vaccines to protect your cat & dog at every stage of his or her life.

Types of Vaccines

Cat & dog vaccines can be divided into two categories: core vaccines and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines are considered essential as they protect pets from high-risk diseases that can lead to death.

•           Core vaccines for dogs include rabies, distemper, parvovirus and canine hepatitis. 

•           Core vaccines for cats include rabies, feline distemper, feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus.

Non-core vaccines are optional and given when needed to protect pets against diseases that are prevalent in their specific area or easy to contract due to their lifestyle. Bordetella (kennel cough) and Lyme disease are common examples of non-core vaccines. Your veterinarian near you can help you decide what vaccines to give your pet.

An Established Vaccination Schedule

Your Reisterstown vet can also develop a vaccination schedule conducive to your pet’s healthcare needs. Some pets need more protection than others due to their age, health, lifestyle, location or breed.

Kittens and puppies need a series of vaccines after they’re weaned from their mother’s milk. This series can start when your pet’s around 6 to 8 weeks of age. We will follow up with booster shots at 3–4-week intervals until your pet is 16 weeks old, after which he’ll be put on a vaccination schedule to stay protected long-term. Some adult dogs and cats need annual vaccines while others do fine with boosters every 2–3 years. Almost all states require that pets be protected against rabies by law.

See Our Veterinarian Near You in Reisterstown, MD

To schedule vaccinations for your furry friend, contact your veterinary specialist from TLC for Pets in Reisterstown, MD at 410-833-1717. Your pet's health is our top priority.