Getting Started on the Right Paw

- Posted in Blog, Community Veterinary Hospital, Veterinary Care

Medication Schedule for Kittens & Puppies

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 every 3-4 weeks until at least 16 weeks of age.
  • 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
  • FeLV/FIV/Heartworm blood test (once prior to starting FeLV vaccine series)
  • FeLV injectable vaccine (2 total doses)
  • Oral liquid deworming medication


16 weeks or older (2-4 weeks after previous visit):

  • Rabies injectable vaccine
  • FVRCP injectable vaccine
  • FeLV injectable vaccine
  • Oral liquid deworming medication

Puppy

Initial Visit, usually between 8 and 10 weeks:

  • Complete physical exam by veterinarian
  • DA2PP (“distemper/parvo”) injectable vaccine every 3-4 weeks until at least 16 weeks of age.
  • 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
  • Leptospirosis* injectable vaccine (2 total doses)
  • Bordetella oral* vaccine booster if needed (1-2 total doses)
  • Oral liquid deworming medication 


16 weeks or older (2-4 weeks after previous visit):

  • Rabies injectable vaccine
  • DA2PP injectable vaccine
  • Leptospirosis* injectable vaccine (if not previously completed)
  • Oral liquid deworming medication


6-7 months

  • Heartworm test