Puppies and kittens have some disease immunity while nursing their mothers.

After being weaned from nursing, puppies and kittens need a series of vaccinations against diseases that can be uncomfortable, serious of even fatal. Responsibly vaccinating your pet is both humane and economically wise, since the cost of treating these diseases far exceeds the price of vaccinations.

Common dog and cat diseases are listed below, followed by the vaccination schedule that All Creatures Veterinary Care offers for puppies and kitties under one year old. Check with your veterinarian to see what protocol the hospital recommends for repeat vaccinations, as the American Veterinary Medical Association suggests that vets vaccinate adult dogs and cats according to customized circumstances.

The only vaccine that is mandated by law is rabies for dogs, because rabies kills humans as well as animals. Other pet diseases, not as commonly seen in California, may be discussed with your pet doctor to see if your travel plans or additional residence calls for these vaccines.

Occasionally a pet may react adversely to a vaccination. For this reasons, some pet owners elect to have vaccinations done on separate dates to identify which vaccine caused a reaction, for future pre-treatment or caution. Certain homeopathic (holistic) vaccinations may be available, although rabies is not among these. Call or see your veterinarian if your pet exhibits symptoms such as vomiting, facial swelling, respiratory difficulties or lethargy after being vaccinated.

Puppy – recommended vaccine schedule

Distemper/hepatitis/parainfluenza/parvoenteritis/coronavirus (DHPP/C):

Given in a series. To be started at 8 weeks of age, 12 weeks and 16 weeks.

Rabies: start at 16 weeks or older. First vaccine annual, subsequent three year.

Bordetella: at 12 weeks of age, booster one month later. Vaccine effective for six months.

Kitten – recommended vaccine schedule

Panleukopenia/rhinotracheitis/calicivirus (RCP):

Given in a series. To be started at 8 weeks of age, 12 weeks and 16 weeks of age.

Feline leukemia: (recommend testing prior): can be given at 12 and booster given at 16 weeks of age.

Rabies: given at 16 weeks of age or older. Annual.