Your pet’s health starts with making sure they have preventive care. Preventive care helps to shield your pet from common viruses and diseases found in the environment, or even other animals.

We’ve outlined the best core vaccinations to discuss with your veterinarian when planning your pet’s first visit.

Keep in mind, core vaccinations are the vaccines most recommended by vets to ensure a healthy start to your pet’s life. There are other vaccinations specific to certain breeds, ages, and even the region where your pet lives. A vet can make additional suggestions based on your pet’s situation.

 Core Vaccinations for Your Cat: 

FPV (feline panleukopenia): This is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease that attacks blood cells and puts the cat at risk for additional viral & bacterial illnesses.

This virus can be spread from an infected cat’s blood, feces, urine, or fleas that migrate from one cat to the next.

Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1): This condition causes upper respiratory infections and eye ulcerations. Kittens are at higher risk than adult cats.

Feline Herpesvirus can be passed from one to cat to another, especially in kennels or houses with more than one cat. Poor health also makes a cat more susceptible to contracting the virus.

Feline Calicivirus (FCV): This is a common respiratory disease that attacks the respiratory tract. The virus attacks a host of organs such as lungs and intestines, as well as the musculoskeletal system. It is typically passed from cat to cat through larger, multi-cat facilities such as shelters, or boarding facilities.

At Emancipet, we roll these three vaccines in to one shot!

Rabies: This dangerous virus can affect the brain and spinal cord of animals, yet is extremely preventable through vaccination. The virus is passed through bite and scratch wounds from other animals and can be transmitted to humans also. This vaccine is required by law for pets over 12 weeks of age.

Core Vaccinations for Your Dog:

Distemper: This contagious viral illness attacks a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. When distemper attacks the dog’s brain and spinal cord, it can lead to seizures and paralysis.

The disease can be transmitted when an infected dog comes in contact with a non-immunized one.

Parvovirus: This is another highly contagious, viral illness which attacks a dog’s intestines, and limits the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food, also leading to dehydration.

Parvo is typically contracted through direct contact with an infected dog, or fecal matter from an infected dog. The disease is so easily spread, a healthy dog can contract it by getting infected feces in their mouths.

Pets who are not vaccinated against this disease are at a high risk for contracting it because it is so easily passed from one dog to another.

Adenovirus (Canine Hepatitis): This viral disease causes an upper respiratory infection, and also targets parts of the liver, kidneys, and eyes. The disease begins in the mouth and then spreads to the bloodstream.

Typically, this virus shows up in younger dogs and can be passed through the saliva and feces of an infected dog to a healthy one.

At Emancipet, we roll these three vaccines in to one shot!

Rabies: This dangerous virus can affect the brain and spinal cord of animals, yet is extremely preventable through vaccination. The virus is passed through bite and scratch wounds from other animals and can be transmitted to humans also. This vaccine is required by law for pets over 12 weeks of age. 

Your pet’s health begins with providing the best care, as early as possible, to help protect them from factors outside of your control. Talk to your vet about the best options based on your pet’s health history, breed, and other factors.

Learn more about the services Emancipet offers and find additional resources to help you maintain your pet’s health.