How Often Should Pets Have Shots?

Keeping your pets’ shots up to date is a large part of maintaining their health. Similarly to children, pets require a different regimen of shots after they become adults. Though shots may differ in the newborn and youth stages, the adult stages of shot schedules remain fairly consistent. Knowing the shot schedule for your pets is a vital part of their health care plan.

Shots are an important part of maintaining pet health. As animals become older, their shots become more regulated and may have lapses of one to four years between treatments. These lapses can be determined by your veterinarian. Overall, the frequency of pet shots depends on the type of shot the pet is receiving.

Dog Vaccinations and Frequency

The standard shots are Rabies, distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, hepatitis, coronavirus and leptospirosis for dogs. Puppies receive shots at selected times, usually at seven, 12 and 16 weeks of age. After these shots are given and the puppy becomes an adult, the remaining frequency of the shots will vary. Leptospirosis is a shot that the dog will need once per year, unless otherwise suggested by the veterinarian. Rabies vaccinations are given once every three years to four years, depending on your state of residence.

Cat Vaccinations and Frequency

Cats receive distemper, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, feline leukemia and the rabies shot. Kittens that are between six and 12 weeks old are vaccinated at the first veterinarian visit and every three weeks until they reach 12 weeks of age. When they are older than 12 weeks old, they are given two doses of the distemper three weeks apart and a booster of the distemper after one year. This is the same procedure for the rhinotracheitis vaccine, leukemia and calicivirus vaccine. Rabies vaccinations are given at the same interval as dog rabies vaccinations.

Other Domestic Pet Vaccinations

Rabbits, reptiles, gerbils, hamsters and other family pets may require certain vaccinations, depending on the state of residence. For animals other than dogs and cats, it is best to check with a veterinarian to find out the specific schedule of shots. Also, if the particular breed or state of residence requires shots that may not be on a common list of vaccinations.