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.

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James Mansfield

great doctors 7 SERFICE

ashlei Manning

After another local vet botched cherry eye surgery for our pup, we were referred by others in the community to check out Dundee Animal Hospital, and thank goodness I took that advice! I cannot speak highly enough about our experience with DAH. They were very compassionate, understanding, and upfront in our initial visit discussing attempting the procedure, risks, and potential outcomes so we knew what to expect and were able to make an informed decision on next steps. They also scheduled time on the morning of the surgery to have me meet with the surgeon for her to walk me through (sure even drew pictures to help my understanding) everything she planned to do and expressed her level of confidence given this would be the second attempt at surgery. Everything went smoothly and my dog has had a wonderful recovery. I've been so impressed by every interaction with every member of the staff and it's such a night and day difference vs what I experienced at our previous vet. So happy we made the switch!

Rachael Caise

Dr Lupo is our fave! He takes time to listen and answer questions. Everyone at this location cares about Pets and *pet parents* too. I have been bringing my pets to this location since the 90s!

Rachael Caise

Dr Lupo is our fave! He takes time to listen and answer questions. Everyone at this location cares about Pets and *pet parents* too. I have been bringing my pets to this location since the 90s!