Pet Vaccinations
Vaccines keep your pet safe from common diseases.
Vaccinations help protect the health of your pet by preventing serious diseases. We are committed to providing safe and effective pet vaccines at Animal Hospital of Fort Lauderdale. Our veterinarians will guide you through the vaccination process so that your companion receives the necessary immunizations to lead a healthy life.
Puppy vaccines and kitten vaccines are important to starting your pet’s life off with as much protection as possible. We are here to answer your questions about when and why to begin vaccinating your pet.
Why Choose to Have Your Pet Vaccinated
Deciding to immunize your pet is one of the big first steps in your pet’s healthcare journey.
Vaccinations work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens, reducing the risk of infection and severe illness. Pet vaccines are rigorously tested for safety and efficacy, and our team is here to address any concerns you may have about your pet’s vaccinations.
Core pet vaccinations are mandatory, sometimes by law, to protect pets from widespread and severe diseases. Non-core vaccinations, also called lifestyle vaccines, are recommended based on your pet’s lifestyle and environment. By keeping your pet’s shots up-to-date, you not only protect their health but also contribute to the health of the overall pet and human community.
Vaccines for Dogs
- Rabies: Required by state law, this vaccine protects against the deadly rabies virus.
- Distemper and Parvovirus (DAPP/DHPP): Essential for all dogs, this vaccine protects against highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases.
- Leptospirosis: Recommended for dogs exposed to wildlife or standing water.
- Bordetella: Necessary for dogs who frequently socialize in dog parks, attend daycare, or board in kennels.
- Influenza: Advised for dogs that are often in contact with other dogs, such as those that board or visit dog parks.
- Lyme: Recommended for dogs that live in or travel to areas where ticks are common.
- Coronavirus: May be recommended for dogs in environments with high exposure risk.
We also offer dog vaccine titers, which are a blood test that measures immunity levels for rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. The results of the titer may allow your pet to skip unnecessary boosters if adequate immunity is present.
Vaccines for Dogs
- Rabies: Required by state law, this vaccine protects against the deadly rabies virus.
- Distemper and Parvovirus (DAPP/DHPP): Essential for all dogs, this vaccine protects against highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases.
- Leptospirosis: Recommended for dogs exposed to wildlife or standing water.
- Bordetella: Necessary for dogs who frequently socialize in dog parks, attend daycare, or board in kennels.
- Influenza: Advised for dogs that are often in contact with other dogs, such as those that board or visit dog parks.
- Lyme: Recommended for dogs that live in or travel to areas where ticks are common.
- Coronavirus: May be recommended for dogs in environments with high exposure risk.
We also offer dog vaccine titers, which are a blood test that measures immunity levels for rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. The results of the titer may allow your pet to skip unnecessary boosters if adequate immunity is present.
Vaccines for Cats
- Rabies: State law mandates annual rabies vaccinations for all cats.
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP): This shot is critical for protecting cats against severe respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. Boostered every 3 years after the initial series.
- Feline Leukemia (FeLV): Recommended for cats with outdoor access or contact with other cats. Boostered every 2 years after the initial series.
Wellness Exams & Pet Parasites FAQs
Dogs should generally receive rabies vaccinations at 16-17 weeks of age, a booster one year later, and then every three years. Distemper and parvo vaccines are administered at 8, 11, 14, and 16-17 weeks, with a booster one year later and as needed. The Leptospirosis, Influenza, Lyme, and Coronavirus vaccines are given as a series of two injections three weeks apart, followed by annual boosters. The Bordetella vaccine is an oral dose administered on the gumline, given once annually.
Your dog may have special needs, so it is important to work with our veterinarians to develop an appropriate vaccine schedule.
Cats should receive the rabies vaccine at 16-17 weeks, with a booster one year later and annually thereafter. Feline distemper shots are given at 8, 11, 14, and 16-17 weeks, followed by a booster after one year, then every three years. Feline leukemia vaccines consist of two initial injections at 11 and 14 weeks, boostered one year later, and then given every two years for indoor-outdoor cats. We recommend collaborating with our veterinarians to create a personalized schedule based on your cat's needs.
Even indoor cats or other pets can be at risk for certain diseases. Core vaccines protect against serious illnesses that can be transmitted in various ways, such as through air or contact with surfaces. Discuss your pet's lifestyle with our veterinarians to determine the best vaccination strategy.
While rare, some pets may experience mild reactions such as slight lethargy or a mild fever after vaccination that can be observed until they go away within a couple of days. If you notice any severe symptoms, such as swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing, contact us immediately.
Vaccines for Pets in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vaccines for Pets in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Come to Animal Hospital of Fort Lauderdale.
Our pet vaccine schedules and protocols were created to make sure your pet receives the necessary protection against preventable diseases. Schedule a pet vaccination appointment with our veterinary team today! Call us to keep your companion healthy and safe from common diseases.
Animal Hospital of Fort Lauderdale provides pet vaccinations for cats and dogs in Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Wilton Manors, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Lighthouse Point, Pompano, and surrounding Florida communities and beyond.
