Pet Vaccinations in Tampa, FL
Pet Vaccinations
At Cross Creek Animal Hospital, our veterinary care team is passionate about disease prevention in pets. Pet vaccinations prevent serious illnesses in dogs and cats, including highly contagious diseases such as parvo, distemper and rabies. The core dog vaccination and cat vaccination series is a critical part of pet wellness care. Vaccines are typically administered every one to three years, depending on a vaccine manufacturer’s requirements and our Tampa veterinarian’s recommendations.
Core Vaccines for Dogs and Cats
Our Tampa veterinarian recommends that all pets receive the core vaccination series.
Core Dog Vaccines (DHPP)
For dogs, the core vaccine is a combined shot known as DHPP. It protects against distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus.
Core Cat Vaccines (FVRCP)
For cats, the core cat vaccination series includes the combined FVRCP shot, protecting against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia (feline distemper). It protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia (feline distemper).
Rabies Vaccination: Required by Florida Law
Florida state law requires all dogs and cats aged four months or older to be vaccinated against rabies. The rabies vaccine is given again one year later, then every one to three years, depending on the vaccine manufacturer’s guidelines.
Puppy and Kitten Vaccine Schedule
A new puppy or kitten should receive the puppy/kitten shot series, starting shortly after weaning, typically at 8 to 10 weeks. Young pets are especially vulnerable to illness because their immune systems aren’t yet fully mature. For this reason, our Tampa veterinarian gives booster shots every 3 to 4 weeks until your pet’s immune system has matured, which typically happens at 18 to 20 weeks of age. The series includes the core vaccines and rabies.
Non-Core (Lifestyle) Vaccines
Depending on your pet’s risk of exposure to other illnesses, our veterinarian may also recommend non-core vaccines, such as kennel cough (Bordetella) for dogs that visit groomers, dog parks or boarding facilities.
Why Vaccinations Matter
Pet vaccinations are critical to protecting your pets against contagious diseases. These illnesses often don’t cause symptoms until several days after infection, so your pet could meet a seemingly healthy animal at the dog park, grooming salon or kennel and catch a disease. Vaccination is the only effective way to make sure your pet is protected against these deadly diseases.
Without vaccination, pets are vulnerable to serious diseases. Even with advances in veterinary care, not all diseases can be treated successfully. Vaccinations are the best way to keep your pet healthy and active for years to come, alongside routine preventive care, flea and tick prevention and a yearly physical exam.
Are Pet Vaccines Safe?
Our dog and cat vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect your pet. Like any medication, they carry a small risk of allergic reaction. Animal vaccines, like human vaccines, work by stimulating the immune system, so some pets may have minor side effects afterward. However, the risk of a side effect or allergic reaction is far lower than the health problems that come with catching an infectious disease. If your pet has been vaccinated before without problems, an allergic reaction to future vaccines is highly unlikely.