Vaccines your dog or cat needs
The core vaccines, when to give them, and why puppies and kittens should stay home until they are done.
General guidance, awaiting review by a Guyanese vet. Always ask a vet about your own animal.
Vaccines protect against diseases that spread easily between animals and kill many puppies and kittens in Guyana each year. Your vet will advise the right schedule for your pet; this is a general guide.
Dogs
- Parvovirus, distemper and hepatitis (often a combined shot). Puppies usually start at 6 to 8 weeks with boosters every few weeks until about 16 weeks, then a booster after a year.
- Rabies. Rabies is fatal and can spread to people. Ask your vet when your puppy should have it and how often to repeat it.
- Leptospirosis is recommended for many dogs in flood-prone areas.
Cats
- Feline panleukopenia, herpesvirus and calicivirus (a combined shot), starting at 6 to 8 weeks with boosters until about 16 weeks.
- Rabies, as advised by your vet.
Until the course is finished
Keep puppies and kittens away from unknown animals, public places and areas where strays gather. Parvovirus survives in soil for months. Bring the vaccination card to every vet visit and keep it safe; adopters and boarding kennels will ask for it.