For a healthy pet, Dr. Atakem says vaccinations should be started at 8 weeks of age and given every three weeks until the pet is 4 months old. He says puppies are given the DA2PP vaccine, which protects against many contagious diseases. A kitten is given FVRCP vaccine to prevent many potentially deadly contagious illnesses. Both puppies and kittens are given a rabies vaccine at 4 months. Puppies can also get a vaccine to guard against kennel cough, canine influenza, and leptospirosis. Dr. Atakem also suggests asking your vet questions about specific shots for your particular pet — the recommendation will depend on where you live, your travel plans, and your lifestyle.
