Prevent Disease with Proper Vaccinations for Your Pet at Callaghan Road Animal Hospital
One of the most important aspects of keeping your pet healthy is following the appropriate vaccination schedule. Not only are vaccinations a critical preventive measure to protect your pet from a variety of dangerous diseases, but also some are required under Texas law. While there is a standard protocol for vaccinations, we understand that not every pet needs every vaccination. We discuss your pet’s risk and exposure with you to tailor your pet’s vaccination schedule so it reflects the needs of your family’s specific lifestyle.
Canine vaccinations:
- Rabies –Under Texas law, your dog is required to have a rabies vaccine at 12 weeks followed by a booster in 1 year. After this series, a booster is required every 3 years.
- DHLPP –Distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus—Your puppy receives the first vaccination at the initial exam, approximately 6 to 7 weeks of age. The vaccine is then repeated every 3 weeks until 15 to 16 weeks old. After the initial schedule is completed, your dog may require yearly booster shots.
- Bordetella –The initial vaccination is given to your puppy at 9 weeks of age and is repeated annually.
- Heartworm –Your dog will begin monthly heartworm prevention medication as a puppy and will need this medication for the duration of his or her life. After 6 months of age, we perform a heartworm test annually.
Feline vaccinations:
- Rabies –Your cat will receive a rabies vaccination at 12 weeks and 1 year, and then a booster every 3 years.
- FVRCCP and feline distemper (feline herpes, calicivirus, chlyamdia, and panleukopenia) –We start your kitten’s immunization schedule 6 to 8 weeks of age. The vaccination is repeated every 3 weeks until 14 to 16 weeks of age. A booster is required annually.
- FeLV (feline leukemia) –The initial vaccinations are administered to your cat at 9 weeks and 12 weeks, and then annually at wellness exams.
- FIV (feline immuno-deficiency virus) –Initial vaccination are administered to your cat at 9 weeks and 12 weeks, and then annually at wellness exams.
At Callaghan Road Animal Hospital, we believe wholeheartedly in pet wellness care and the protection vaccinations provide for your pet. When you make your pet’s vaccination schedule a priority, you are ensuring your pet doesn’t have to suffer unnecessarily from easily preventable diseases.
