How do cat and dog vaccinations work?

Pet vaccines contain antigens that stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies. These antibodies help your pet recognize and fight off future infections.

When should I vaccinate my puppy or kitten?

Puppies and kittens should begin their vaccines at 8 weeks of age, with boosters at 12 and 16 weeks. Rabies is typically administered around 15-16 weeks.

Do all pets need the same vaccination schedule?

No, pet vaccine schedules vary depending on the pet’s age, health status, and lifestyle. A veterinarian can recommend a tailored vaccination plan.

What vaccines do dogs need?

Dogs commonly need vaccines such as DHPP, Rabies, Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Lyme, and Canine Influenza.

What vaccines do cats need?

Cats typically need vaccines like FVRCP, Rabies, and Feline Leukemia, depending on their exposure risk.

Pet Vaccines

Cat & Dog Vaccines Offer Essential Protection For Pets in Dundee, Elgin, & Algonquin

While we can’t remove bacteria, parasites and pathogens from your pet’s environment, we can keep your pet protected with cat & dog vaccinations. At Dundee Animal Hospital, we carry all of the pet vaccines your dog or cat will need to stay protected throughout their life. Furthermore, we can create a customized pet vaccine plan to suit their specific lifestyle. Once we have established a plan, we’ll explain your cat or dog vaccination schedule. Many pet vaccines must be given annually to remain effective. In addition, puppies and kittens will need to receive a series of boosters to “boost” their immunity levels.

Like children, pets are extremely vulnerable to illness when they are young. Starting them off on the right paw might seem daunting, but that’s why we’re here to help! From one year to the next, you can count on us to be there for you and your best friend.

How Do Pet Vaccines Work?

Pet vaccinations function similar to human vaccinations. Vaccines contain antigens, or disease-causing agents. Once injected, they trigger the immune system to respond and produce antibodies. Furthermore, these antibodies will attack and destroy the virus. Thus your pet’s immune system will be able to recognize and fight off the virus in the future. To sustain your pet’s immunity to various diseases, they will need to be vaccinated on a routine basis.

Pet Vaccines We Offer

For every harmful disease that’s out there threatening your pet, we have a vaccine to keep them safe:

Dog Vaccinations

Cat Vaccinations

When Should You Vaccinate Your Pet?

Most pets will not have the same pet vaccination schedule, or need the same vaccinations. However, it is important to keep up with your pet’s annual visits. In addition, if they experience any lifestyle changes, they may need another vaccine added to their health plan.

Since young puppies and kittens are vulnerable to disease, we recommend starting their vaccinations at 8 weeks old, granted they’re healthy. Both should receive a series of 3 distemper vaccinations at 8, 12 and 16-week intervals. Rabies can be given when your puppy or kitten is about 15-16 weeks old. A year after their initial rabies vaccination, your dog can receive the 3-year rabies vaccine, to be given every 3 years thereafter. Vaccines including Bordetella, Lyme, Canine Influenza or Feline Leukemia may be recommended depending on your pet’s exposure to these viruses.

If you are uncertain about your pet’s vaccination schedule or need our help, we would be more than happy to sit down and talk with you. Just give us a call at either our Dundee, Elgin or Algonquin location to make an appointment.

Schedule Your Pet's Vaccine Appointment Today

Book an Appointment

Why People Trust Dundee Animal Hospital

Over 60 Years of Veterinary Knowledge & Experience

24/7 Emergency Services Available

Committed to the Safety of Your Pets

STAY UP TO DATE

Read Our Blog

Real Stories from Real Owners

Excellent

Dundee Animal Hospital

4.5

Based on 659 reviews

See all reviews

review us on

Andi Beshir

Dr. Larsen is a wonderful human being. He is so patient and kind, and gentle, especially when he is delivering bad news. He is knowledgeable about his craft and he has a great "bedside manner". My timid little girls are willing to work with him. They are especially nervous around men and they seem to have taken right to him. I appreciate all of the help and care he has provided us. We would highly recommend Dundee animal clinic and their staff!

Andi Beshir

Your doctor was wonderful! She was kind and patient with me...I am somewhat of a spaz when it comes to my fur babies and she made me feel comfortable with the treatment plan. She also gave me additional options should angel get worse. I have been a client of Dundee animal hospital for about a year and I won't take my pets anywhere else again. I typically take my girls to the Elgin location, when the injury occurred they didn't have any openings so the receptionist looked at the Dundee location and found an appointment within seconds and got me in within an hour of my call. I love that the locations communicate with each other and help clients with their pets injuries get seen as soon as possible. For a spazzy pet mom like me this is the best vet I have ever been to. I've had pets all of my life and I worked at a vets office for several years, so saying that says a lot about them. I highly recommend both locations, your pets will thank you!