Kittens should receive their first vaccination at 6-8 weeks of age. Vaccinations are repeated at 2-4 week intervals until the kitten is 12-16 weeks old. Distemper (Panleukopenia) – a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through air or contact with infected body secretions and causes vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and can be fatal.

That's not surprising. There are two veterinary organizations in the United States. They disagree on the most important canine issues such as feeding, vaccinations, and dental care. Your vet no doubt belongs to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The health information on my web site comes from vets who belong to the American HOLISTIC Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA).

Congratulations on your new kitten!! Cats are wonderful pets and will keep you entertained for years to come with plenty of love and good care!! It is important that your new kitten receive a good physical exam to be sure she is healthy. Occasionally, congenital and developmental problems can occur. Conditions frequently detected involve the eyes, jaws, legs, hernias and testicles. Congenital heart defects can also be detected at this first visit.

Kitten and puppies get a distemper shots starting at 6-8 weeks of age, every 3-4 weeks until they are 3- 4 months old and then at 3- 4 months old they get their last distemper and their rabies vaccine. These vaccines are good for 1 year. Dogs and cats differ from here. Cats will receive a rabies (purevax brand) vaccine yearly. Dogs will receive a rabies vaccine at 1 year then will be vaccinated every 3 years.

Puppies should receive their first vaccination at 6 to 8 weeks of age. Vaccinations are repeated at 3-4 week intervals until the puppy is 12-16 weeks old. Distemper – a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through air-borne secretions and causes respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological problems. Leptospirosis – a bacterial infection of the kidneys spread through contact with urine, saliva or nasal secretions.

Both puppies and kittens begin their vaccination series at six to eight weeks of age and receive vaccinations every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. It is also very important to have your puppy or kitten's stool checked for worms or other intestinal parasites at a young age. If you are unsure of your new pet's age, you can always ask us for advice.

Keeping students in Broward County Public Schools safe from infectious diseases is very important. Before entering a Broward Public School, students must have the proper immunizations. For further information, call the Health Education Department at 754-321-2270. To attend a Broward County Public School, here is what a student needs: IMMUNIZATION FORMS: All immunizations must be documented on an original Florida Department of Health Form 680 (Florida Certificate of Immunization).