What are puppy and kitten shots?
Puppies and kittens receive protection from their mother in the form of antibodies. These antibodies are specific types of protein molecules that would attack viruses and bacteria in the puppy or kitten’s body if they got exposed to them. Unfortunately, these protein molecules don’t last very long and the amount that the puppy or kitten actually get into their system is hard to determine. Therefore, we need to give vaccinations or shots of things that will build antibodies in the puppy or kitten bodies. The series of shots is needed to build enough antibodies that the puppy or kitten can defend itself against an exposure to disease causing organisms. The immune system needs to be “programmed” and the series of shots given 3-4 weeks apart will do this. Puppies are vaccinated against viruses such as Distemper, Parvo, and Corona. Kittens are vaccinated against Distemper, Leukemia, PIP, and Upper respiratory viruses.
