Essential Vaccinations to Keep Your Pet Healthy

There are a variety of diseases which affect our pets and other animals. This makes proper vaccination vital in protecting them from the many types of illnesses they are susceptible to. It's important to consult with us about the unique risks of living in our region. We will be happy to discuss the benefits of protecting your pet with vaccinations, as well as provide you with information on the required vaccinations for your pet.

Core Vaccines for Dogs

Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs regardless of lifestyle, as the diseases they protect against are either highly contagious, potentially fatal, or pose a risk to public health. At East Meadow Veterinary Center, core canine vaccines include:

Rabies — required by law in New York State; protects against a fatal viral disease that can also be transmitted to humans
Distemper — a serious and often fatal viral illness affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems
Parvovirus — a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease causing severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, particularly in puppies
Adenovirus (Hepatitis) — protects against infectious canine hepatitis, which can cause severe liver disease
Leptospirosis — a bacterial disease spread through contaminated water and wildlife contact; particularly relevant for dogs in the Long Island area with outdoor exposure

These are typically administered together as a combination vaccine (DHPP) and given on a schedule starting in puppyhood, with regular boosters throughout your dog's life.

Core Vaccines for Cats

All cats, whether they live exclusively indoors or spend time outside, benefit from core vaccinations. Core feline vaccines include:

Rabies — required by law in New York State for cats as well as dogs
Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FHV-1) — a common cause of upper respiratory infection in cats
Calicivirus — another leading cause of feline upper respiratory disease and oral ulcerations
Panleukopenia (feline distemper) — a highly contagious and often fatal disease, particularly dangerous in kittens

The rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia vaccines are typically given together as the FVRCP combination vaccine.

Lifestyle-Based (Non-Core) Vaccines

In addition to core vaccines, we may recommend non-core vaccines based on your pet's individual lifestyle, environment, and risk of exposure. These include:

Bordetella (kennel cough) — recommended for dogs that frequent boarding facilities, grooming salons, dog parks, or training classes
Lyme disease — recommended for dogs with tick exposure, especially in wooded or grassy areas
Canine influenza — considered for dogs with frequent contact with other dogs in social settings
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) — strongly recommended for cats that go outdoors or have contact with other cats, as this disease is spread through close contact

During your pet's wellness exam, we will review their routine, environment, and risk factors to determine which non-core vaccines are appropriate for them.

Vaccination Schedules

The timing of vaccines matters just as much as the vaccines themselves. A typical schedule looks like this:

Puppies and kittens — begin a series of vaccines as early as 6 to 8 weeks of age, with boosters given every 3 to 4 weeks until around 16 weeks of age, when maternal immunity has fully waned
Adult pets — receive booster vaccines on a schedule determined by the specific vaccine type, your pet's health history, and current guidelines; some vaccines are given annually, others every three years
Senior pets — continue to benefit from vaccinations, though we may adjust the protocol based on overall health status and individual risk assessment

We maintain detailed vaccination records for every patient and will send reminders when your pet is due for their next round of protection.

Schedule Your Pet's Vaccination Appointment

Keeping your pet's vaccinations current is one of the most straightforward and impactful things you can do for their health. Whether your pet is a new puppy or kitten just starting their vaccine series, an adult due for boosters, or a rescue with an unknown vaccination history, East Meadow Veterinary Center is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.