A: Puppies generally begin their vaccinations for Distemper (a virus that causes diarrhea, pneumonia, and neurological problems) at 6-8 weeks of age. The vaccine protects against several other diseases, including Parvovirus. These vaccinations are repeated at three-week intervals until the last one is given at or beyond 16 weeks of age. A vaccination to protect against Tracheobronchitis (Bordetella) is given once during the puppy visits, as is the Rabies vaccine. Lyme Disease vaccinations require three doses at three-week intervals, generally administered during the series of Distemper vaccinations, and the manufacturer has recently suggested another booster 6 months later.
Kittens usually begin their vaccinations against Feline Upper Respiratory Disease Complex (Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Distemper) at around 6-8 weeks of age. They receive boosters at three-week intervals until they are at least 12 weeks old. Many, but not all, kittens are also vaccinated against Feline Leukemia, twice at three-week intervals, during their kitten visits. As in puppies, Rabies vaccine is given once during these visits.