Vaccinations are a vital part of your pet’s lifelong health plan. By protecting your dog or cat from serious and contagious diseases, vaccines not only extend their life—but also help protect other animals and people in your community.

At Monte Vista Animal Hospital in Reno, Nevada, we tailor vaccination plans to your pet’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors. Whether you’ve just adopted a new puppy or are caring for a senior pet, we’re here to make the process simple and stress-free.

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Why Vaccines Matter

Protection from Dangerous Diseases

Vaccines protect pets from life-threatening illnesses such as:

  • Rabies
  • Distemper
  • Parvovirus
  • Feline leukemia
  • Kennel cough

These conditions can spread rapidly and are often fatal if left untreated. Vaccination is one of the most effective and affordable ways to safeguard your pet’s health.

Learn more from the AVMA

Supporting Public Health

Diseases like rabies can spread from animals to humans. Keeping your pet vaccinated helps reduce the risk of zoonotic disease transmission and is often required by law.

World Rabies Day: Can My Pet Get Rabies? – AAHA

Long-Term Health & Cost Savings

Preventive care is more affordable—and less stressful—than treating serious illness. Routine vaccinations help avoid costly emergency visits and support your pet’s overall wellness.

Building a Pet Vaccination Schedule

For Puppies & Kittens

Most young pets start vaccines at 6–8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks old. Core vaccines include:

  • Puppies: Distemper, parvovirus, rabies
  • Kittens: Feline distemper (panleukopenia), upper respiratory viruses, rabies

Dog’s Life Stages – AAHA
Cat’s Life Stages – AAHA

For Adult Dogs & Cats

Once the initial series is complete, most adult pets require core vaccines every 1–3 years, depending on the vaccine type and their lifestyle.

  • Dogs may need vaccines for Bordetella, leptospirosis, or Lyme disease.
  • Cats may need feline leukemia vaccines.

Kennel Cough – AKC
Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease – AVMA

For Senior Pets

Older pets may not need vaccinations as frequently, but they still require protection. Their immune systems change with age, and certain vaccines—like rabies—remain essential. We’ll help determine the right schedule during your pet’s annual exam.

Vaccines Explained

For Dogs

 

For Cats

  • Rabies: Critical for outdoor and indoor cats alike.
  • Feline Distemper & Respiratory Diseases: Core for all cats. Feline URI Overview – ASPCA Pro
  • Feline Leukemia (FeLV): Especially important for kittens and cats that go outdoors.

Are There Risks to Vaccinating?

Mild, Temporary Side Effects

It’s normal for pets to feel a bit tired or sore after vaccinations. Common side effects include:

  • Mild fever
  • Decreased appetite
  • Soreness at the injection site

These typically resolve within 24–48 hours.

Rare But Serious Reactions

Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible. Symptoms include:

  • Facial swelling
  • Vomiting
  • Trouble breathing

Seek immediate veterinary care if you notice these signs.

Aftercare and Ongoing Checkups

Monitoring at Home

Keep a close eye on your pet after vaccines. If anything feels “off,” don’t hesitate to reach out. Most pets bounce back quickly with no complications.

Yearly Wellness Exams

Vaccinations are just one part of your pet’s preventive care. Annual check-ups allow us to:

  • Review vaccination needs
  • Detect changes in health early
  • Discuss lifestyle and exposure risks

Why Regular Vet Visits Matter – AAHA

Vaccines protect your pet at every stage of life—from curious puppies and kittens to senior companions. They’re safe, effective, and essential for long-term wellness.

At Monte Vista Animal Hospital, we create custom vaccination plans tailored to your pet’s unique needs. If you’re unsure about your pet’s vaccination status or want to learn more, we’re here to help.

Contact us today to schedule your pet’s wellness visit. Let’s keep them protected, happy, and healthy—together.