Pet vaccinations
Keep Your Pet Healthy and Happy with Metrovet Pet Vaccinations
Whether you’ve just adopted a new cat or dog, or your pet is already a faithful companion, you want to do what’s best to keep them healthy! At Metrovet Clinic, we help Boston pet owners do just that with routine exams and vaccinations that help fight common diseases.
Pet Vaccinations for Happy and Healthy Pets
A preventive care plan helps keep your dogs and cats safe from things that can disrupt their life and affect their health. A yearly appointment with your local Boston veterinarian should include annual vaccinations, heartworm prevention, a fecal test to check for common parasites, and a general assessment of your pet’s overall health, weight, and temperament.
Wellness Care and Preventative Medicine
Another great thing about an annual visit is that veterinarians are trained to notice signs in your animal that, if caught early, could be treated and resolved, extending the life of your pet. Often, serious or even deadly diseases can be avoided with routine, preventative care services.
Is it time to book your pet's vaccination appointment?
Our licensed veterinarians are located in the heart of Boston and would love to help you keep your pet healthy.
dog vaccinations
If you have a dog in your house, we recommend following a vaccination schedule with routine check-ups to lower the risk of contracting unnecessary diseases. That schedule varies depending on whether you have an adult dog or a new puppy.
adult dogs
Your dog requires annual vaccines to maintain a healthy, long life. And to stay safe from contagious diseases that can affect nervous systems, cause respiratory infections, animal aggression, and pose a severe risk to dogs.
We recommend a Rabies Vaccine and DAPP, which protects against Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2 (Hepatitis), Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza. These are considered core vaccines by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) because they're critical for your pet's wellbeing and safety.
In addition, there are non core options that may be used based on the risk to your dog. These include vaccines that fight against diseases in dogs such as Lyme Disease, Bordetella (kennel cough), Leptospirosis, and CIV. Your vet can help you determine what vaccines make the most sense for your pets.
puppies
Welcoming a puppy into your home is an exciting time that comes with following a vaccination schedule to help lower any health risks and boost their fragile immune system as they grow into a full-grown dog.
Puppy shots should start when your puppy is weaned (usually between six and eight weeks old). From there, shots are administered every two to four weeks until roughly fourteen to sixteen weeks.
Just like adult dogs, your little one will receive core vaccines and non core options that your vet may recommend.
If you have adopted a puppy and aren't sure if they were vaccinated (or have partial records or medical history from the previous owner or a vaccine clinic), schedule an appointment with our veterinarians to discuss the next steps to maintain a proper puppy vaccination schedule.
cat vaccinations
Protecting your pet from deadly diseases and health issues is a top priority for any cat lover. And one of the best ways to do that is to schedule regular wellness exams and follow an annual vaccination plan for your adult cat. Kitten vaccinations are more frequent in the first year of your cat’s life.
adult cats
Giving your cat a long healthy life starts with an annual appointment with your local vet. During that visit, your vet will check your kitty for overall health and administer vaccines that protect them from dangerous viruses, respiratory disease, and other dangerous diseases.
We use the FVRCP vaccine that protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FHV-1), Feline Calicivirus (FCV), and Feline Panleukopenia (FPL). We also give a Purevax Rabies (1 and 3 year) and FeLV series to cats under one year and adult cats that go outside. These vaccines are considered core vaccines by the AAHA. Additional vaccines may include Bordetella and Chlamydia. Your vet may recommend these non core options depending on your cat and any possible exposure.
kittens
If you've welcomed a kitten into your home, you know they are full of curiosity and energy. Protecting them is a top priority and includes boosting their immune systems with the proper vaccines when due.
Kitten vaccines start at the young age of six to eight weeks old. Your kitten will get additional vaccines every three to four weeks until approximately sixteen weeks. And while core vaccines are required, additional vaccines can be discussed with your veterinarian to ensure you have the best plan for your new kitten.
If your kitten purchase or adoption didn't come with your pet's records, set up an appointment with our vet to discuss a plan to protect your kitten going forward.
FAQS
Adopting dogs and cats is a wonderful experience that is guaranteed to come with lots of wet noses and playful kisses. At Metrovet, we want to support that experience by helping you get the proper vaccinations to keep your pet healthy and happy for years to come.
Below is a list of frequently asked questions to help you navigate vaccinations.
Which dog vaccines are absolutely necessary?
Most states require a Rabies Vaccine by law, as infected animals can become a danger. In addition to the Rabies Vaccine, we recommend the DAPP vaccine at a minimum to keep your dog safe from Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2 (Hepatitis), Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza. To schedule an appointment at our Boston clinic or inquire about exam fees and the cost of vaccination, request an appointment below.
Do pets need to be vaccinated every year?
Yes. Both cats and dogs require yearly vaccinations. In addition to the local state requirements and vaccines that keep your pet safe (like Rabies and Distemper), a yearly exam can help identify early symptoms of illness caused by a virus, fever, or other health concerns and address them before they become more serious.
What else do clinics do at an annual visit?
In addition to reviewing your pet’s vaccine history and administering kitty or puppy vaccinations (or cat or dog vaccinations), your vet will conduct a check-up.
This check-up is the best way to assess your pet’s overall health and identify any early warning signs of a health concern. If necessary, your vet can also run blood tests or other tests to help you learn more about your pet’s condition and take an active approach to get them healthy as quickly as possible.
Many diseases and health concerns can be prevented or reversed when caught early.
Anything else I should know?
Our motto is more love for our patients, clients, and colleagues. We’re proud to be a local vet serving our community, and we’d love to get to know you and become your go-to for complete care. Your pet’s well-being is a top concern, so please reach out to speak to our staff if we can assist you with any vet service or pet emergency.
