Mobile Pet Vaccinations | Kitten & Puppy Shots | Severna Park

One of the most important aspects of caring for your pet’s health is vaccinating them against potential diseases.

Pet vaccinations like cat & dog vaccinations stimulate your pet’s immune system to help them fight off viruses and other illnesses that they may encounter in their life. By vaccinating your pet, we prevent serious illness - this is a vital part of preventative care for your pet!

When to Vaccinate Your Pet

Puppy Shots

Your puppy or kitten will get his or her first shots at around 8 weeks of age. The vaccinations that your puppy or kitten needs will vary based on their potential exposure to the different diseases we vaccinate for. To ensure that we protect your pet against potential exposures, we will work together with you to tailor a vaccine schedule specific to your pet during your pet's annual wellness exam.

Adult Dogs & Cats

Adult dogs and cats will continue to receive booster shots throughout their life. As pet’s age, their vaccine requirements may change. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to fight disease but in some cases, pets immune systems are already in overdrive fighting cancer, infection or other diseases. In these cases, we may recommend waiting to vaccinate, discontinuing some vaccines or performing titers to check to see how immune your pet may already be to different diseases. Vaccine protocols for senior pets are not one size fits all.

Core vs. Non-Core Vaccinations

Vaccines are divided into “core” and “non-core” designations. The core vaccines are the ones every pet should receive. They protect against serious, highly contagious diseases with high mortality rates. Non-core vaccines are given based on a particular pet’s risk of exposure to that illness.

Core Vaccines For Dogs

Distemper (DHLPP or DHPP)  

This is a combination vaccine that protects against several different illnesses. The abbreviation DHLPP or DHPP indicates exactly which illnesses the vaccine protects against:

D = Canine distemper virus. A very serious virus with a death rate close to 50% in untreated dogs. It attacks the respiratory, digestive, and nervous system.

H = Hepatitis. A serious disease that affects the liver. (This vaccine is sometimes indicated by A2 in the abbreviation, since it protects against canine adenovirus-2 and adenovirus-1.)

L = Leptospirosis. This potentially serious bacterial disease attacks the kidneys and liver of infected dogs and can be transmitted to humans. Vaccination against this disease is generally considered noncore but may be recommended in areas where leptospirosis is common.

P = Parvovirus. This highly contagious, serious virus has a death rate of close to 90% in untreated dogs. The virus causes severe diarrhea and vomiting, and affects the digestive and immune systems.

P = Parainfluenza. This is a mild respiratory viral disease in dogs.

Rabies

Rabies is a disease of mammals and is 100% fatal, with no effective treatment. Because this disease can also affect humans, rabies vaccination is required by law in most states.

Non-Core Vaccines For Dogs

Lyme

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that is common in our area. Several vaccines are available to protect against infection. The initial vaccine requires a booster 2-4 weeks later, and then is given annually. We will help you determine if your dog should receive the vaccine, depending on his or her risk of exposure. We may also recommend testing your dog for Lyme before administering the vaccine.

Bordetella

The bordetella vaccine protects against a bacterial respiratory disease commonly referred to as kennel cough. This dog vaccination is recommended for dogs that are frequently around groups of dogs – at dog parks, boarding kennels, the groomer, etc. The disease is highly contagious and easily transmitted through the air or the environment.

Core Vaccines For Cats

Feline distemper (FVRCP)

This combination vaccine protects against three deadly airborne viruses: rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia.

Rhinotracheitis is caused by the common feline herpes virus. Symptoms include crusty eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and drooling. It can be fatal if left untreated.

Calicivirus has similar symptoms, and can also cause mouth ulcers. It is more common in kittens or senior cats.

Panleukopenia, commonly known as feline distemper, is very serious and is easily transmitted from cat to cat. It progresses rapidly and can be fatal. Symptoms include fever, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. It’s more commonly seen in kittens.

Rabies

Rabies is a disease of mammals and is 100% fatal, with no effective treatment. Because this disease can also affect humans, rabies vaccination is required by law in most states.

Non-Core Vaccines For Cats

Feline leukemia (FeLV)

This virus affects the cat’s immune system, and usually causes anemia or lymphoma. Affected cats don’t usually show any symptoms, but can pass the virus along to other cats. There is no treatment for this fatal disease, although cats can live with it for years. This is a cat vaccination that might be recommended if your cat goes outside and could come into contact with other cats that could be carriers of the virus.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Puppy's Age	Core Vaccinations	Non-Core Vaccinations
6 - 8 weeks	DHPP (Distemper)	Bordetella
10 - 12 weeks	DHPP (Distemper)	Lyme Leptospirosis (or included in DHLPP)
16 - 18 weeks	DHPP (Distemper) Rabies	Lyme Leptospirosis (or included in DHLPP)
12 - 16 months	Rabies	Bordatella
every 12 months	Leptospirosis	Lyme Bordatella
every 1 - 3 years	Rabies (as required by law)

Kitten Vaccination Schedule

Kitten's Age	Core Vaccinations	Non-Core Vaccinations
6 - 8 weeks	FCRVP (Feline Distemper)
10 - 12 weeks	FCRVP (Feline Distemper)	Feline Leukemia
16 - 18 weeks	Rabies	Feline Leukemia
12 - 16 months	Rabies
every 1 - 3 years	Rabies (as required by law)	Feline Leukemia (depending on vaccine manufacturer)

FAQs About Pet Vaccinations

When should I give my puppy his first shots?

The first round of puppy shots is given around 8 weeks of age. Antibodies from their mom gradually wear off once the puppy is weaned sometime before 16 weeks of age. , so vaccines are recommended every 3-4 weeks up until 16 weeks of age so that their immune system can fight disease when they lose their maternal antibodies.

Are dog vaccines required by law?

In Maryland, all dogs, cats and ferrets 4 months of age and older are required to be vaccinated against rabies, by law.

What’s the difference between core and non-core vaccines?

Core vaccines should be given to ALL dogs and cats, unless you and your veterinarian determine that your pet should not get them. Non-core vaccines are important, but not needed for all dogs and cats. Your pet’s age, medical history, travel habits and environment will all factor into which vaccines are right for him, so it’s best to discuss this with your veterinarian and get their recommendation.

Are cat vaccinations necessary for indoor cats?

Yes. In Maryland, law requires cats to be vaccinated against rabies. It’s also important to consider vaccinating your cat against other diseases they could be exposed to if they happen to escape the safety of your home or need to be boarded while you’re out of town.

What is a titer test for dogs or cats?

A titer test involves measuring the level of antibodies against a particular disease in a sample of blood which can tell us if a previous vaccine is still protecting your dog or cat’s immune system. Not all of the diseases that we vaccinate for can be titiered.