The early months of a kitten’s or puppy’s life are full of excitement and discovery, but they are also a critical time for protecting your new pet’s health. In their young age, baby animals have under-developed immune systems and are vulnerable to illness. If you’re welcoming a new bundle of four-legged joy into your home, Dr. Franci Forman, Medical Director at Oregon Humane Community Veterinary Hospital, recommends following this schedule to ensure your pet’s well-being and set them up for a healthy, happy future.
Kitten
Initial Visit, usually between 8 and 10 weeks:
- Complete physical exam by veterinarian
- FVRCP (“distemper”) injectable vaccine in right front leg
- Oral liquid deworming medication
- Discuss and start year-round life-long flea & heartworm prevention
- Schedule spay/neuter
Booster Visits, every 2-4 weeks from initial visit until at least 16 weeks:
- FVRCP injectable vaccine in right front leg
- FeLV/FIV/Heartworm blood test (once prior to starting FeLV vaccine series)
- FeLV injectable vaccine in left hind leg (2 total doses)
- Oral liquid deworming medication as needed
16 weeks or older (2-4 weeks after previous visit):
- Rabies injectable vaccine in right hind leg
- FVRCP injectable vaccine in right front leg
- FeLV injectable vaccine in left hind leg (if not previously completed)
- Oral liquid deworming medication as needed
Puppy
Initial Visit, usually between 8 and 10 weeks:
- Complete physical exam by veterinarian
- DA2PP (“distemper/parvo”) injectable vaccine in right front leg
- Bordetella oral vaccine
- Oral liquid deworming medication
- Discuss and start year-round life-long flea & heartworm prevention
- Schedule spay/neuter
Booster Visits, every 2-4 weeks from initial visit until at least 16 weeks:
- DA2PP injectable vaccine in right front leg
- Leptospirosis* injectable vaccine in right or left front leg (2 total doses)
- Bordetella oral* vaccine booster if needed (1-2 total doses)
- Oral liquid deworming medication as needed
16 weeks or older (2-4 weeks after previous visit):
- Rabies injectable vaccine in right hind leg
- DA2PP injectable vaccine in right front leg
- Leptospirosis* injectable vaccine in right or left front leg (if not previously completed)
- Oral liquid deworming medication as needed
6 months
- Heartworm test
