Maintaining the health of your beloved pet includes ensuring that they are up to date on their vaccinations. The veterinarians at TLC Pet Care Centers have proudly served Cincinnati’s four-legged residents for over 30 years. They offer a wide range of animal care services, including wellness exams and pet surgery.

If it’s been some time since your pet’s last vaccination, these expert veterinarians would like to discuss why vaccines are so important. 

Here, they’ll explain why vaccines are necessary, as well as how often your pet requires shots:

• “Core” Diseases: Core vaccines protect animals from fatal or easily transferable diseases such as rabies, distemper, adenovirus, feline herpesvirus type I (rhinotracheitis), and parvovirus. Each of these diseases is found all over the North American continent.
• “Non-Core” Diseases: Non-core vaccines protect your pet from diseases transmitted through environmental exposure, such as kennel cough, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis, and feline leukemia. Which non-core vaccines are necessary for your animal will depend on your pet’s “lifestyle” habits.
• Dog Vaccine Frequency: Cincinnati’s best animal hospital recommends starting puppies on a vaccine series around six to eight weeks of age, depending on their health. Adult dogs generally require vaccines every three years, though some may need annual vaccinations.
• Cat Vaccine Frequency: Kittens should begin receiving vaccines around the same time as puppies, so about every three or four weeks. Adult cats benefit from vaccines every three years, though again, annual shots may be necessary depending on your feline’s health.

Each state in the U.S. has specific laws regarding rabies vaccinations, with some requiring them every year and others every three years. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you what’s required in the state you live in.

Discuss your cat or dog’s current state of health with the compassionate, experienced team at TLC Pet Care Centers and give your pet the high-quality care they need to live a long and happy life. These veterinarians offer vaccinations and many other pet wellness services, including dental care and grooming. Exotic pet care is also available for scaly and feathery family members.

For more on the services available through the esteemed animal hospital, contact TLC Pet Care Centers today. You can visit their website or call (513) 683-2300 for the East location or (513) 825-4011 for the West location.