Puppy & Kitten Vaccination Protocol
Congratulations! You have welcomed a new animal family member to the ‘Ohana! We want to partner with you to keep your tiny new “baby” safe and protected during the “Window of Susceptibility”.
When puppies or kittens stop nursing, they have entered the “Window of Susceptibility”. During this time, their immune systems are still developing. The protection they once got from mom’s milk is not enough to protect them from deadly diseases which they can encounter in everyday environments (even the beach)! That’s why a well-timed vaccination schedule is key to keeping them safe!
To safeguard against life-threatening illness, we follow a carefully timed vaccination schedule. When your puppy or kitten comes home with you for the first time, they are about 8 weeks old. This is the traditional time to start their vaccination protocol, as the antibodies from their mother’s milk are fading. Following their 8 week vaccination routine, boosters will be given on a 4 week cycle, (at 12 weeks and 16 weeks). This ensures their immune system is working to build strong, lasting protection that will carry on until their first birthday. Starting at one year old, we’ll see your puppy or kitten one time a year for vaccinations and other annual care! During this window of susceptibility, it’s crucial to minimize exposure to potentially harmful environments. Avoid dog parks, the beach, and other public areas to reduce the risk of contracting disease.
By staying up to date with their vaccination schedule and taking preventive measures, you can help ensure your young companion stays out of the hospital for preventable diseases, and grows into a healthy adult!
