Dog and Cat Vaccinations in Marietta, GA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Protecting Your Pet’s Health, One Vaccine at a Time

Keeping your pet up-to-date on vaccinations is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a long, healthy, and happy life. At Town & Country West Veterinary Clinic in Marietta, GA, we design personalized vaccination plans for dogs and cats based on their age, lifestyle, and health needs following AAHA and AVMA guidelines. 

 

Vaccines protect pets from dangerous, sometimes fatal diseases such as parvovirus, distemper, and rabies, while also protecting the people and other animals around them.

 

Why Are Pet Vaccinations Important?

Just like humans, pets can be exposed to viruses and bacteria in everyday life, at the dog park, groomer, boarding facility, or even just on a walk through your neighborhood. Vaccines:

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• Help prevent serious and life-threatening diseases.

• Reduce the risk of costly emergency treatments.

• Protect both your pet and your family (rabies is zoonotic, meaning it can spread to humans).

• Support public health by controlling disease outbreaks.

 

Puppy & Kitten Vaccine Schedules

Young pets need a series of booster shots because the natural immunity they get from their mother’s milk begins to fade around 6–8 weeks of age. Until their immune system matures, booster vaccines given every 3–4 weeks build strong, lasting protection.

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• Puppies: First shots around 6–8 weeks, with boosters every 3 to 4 weeks apart until ~16 weeks. We have 4 packages for puppies at Town & Country West Veterinary Clinic (PUP1, PUP2, PUP3 & PUPF).

• Kittens: Start at 6–8 weeks, with boosters every 3–4 weeks until ~16 weeks. We offer 4 packages to take care of their needs (KIT1, KIT2, KIT3 & KIT4).

• All our packages include a complete physical exam, a parasite examination, and the recommended vaccination based on age and needs.

 

Completing this full series is essential; missing boosters can leave gaps in immunity.

 

Adult Pet Vaccinations

Once your dog or cat has completed their initial series, most vaccines require boosters every 1–3 years, depending on the specific vaccine and state requirements. At your pet’s wellness exam, we’ll discuss which vaccines are:

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• Core Vaccines (recommended for all pets):

  • Dogs: Distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, rabies

  • Cats: Panleukopenia, calicivirus, herpesvirus, rabies

• Non-Core / Lifestyle Vaccines (based on environment & lifestyle):

  • Dogs: Bordetella (kennel cough), Lyme disease, leptospirosis, canine influenza

  • Cats: Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)

 

Advanced Feline Protection: Purevax® Non-Adjuvanted Vaccines

At Town & Country West Veterinary Clinic, we are proud to offer Purevax® non-adjuvanted feline vaccines, the safest option for your cat’s long-term health.

 

What Are Adjuvants and Why Do They Matter?

Adjuvants are additives in some vaccines that help boost the immune response. While safe for dogs and humans, adjuvants in cats have been linked to rare but serious reactions, including vaccine-associated sarcomas, an uncommon yet aggressive form of cancer.

 

Why Choose Purevax®?

Purevax® feline vaccines are:

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• Non-adjuvanted – no added irritants

• Equally effective – strong immune protection without compromise

• Safer for cats – significantly lower risk of injection-site sarcomas

 

We recommend Purevax® for all feline patients, especially indoor cats, senior cats, or those with a history of vaccine sensitivity.

 

What to Expect at a Vaccination Appointment?

Before administering any vaccines, our veterinarians perform a full physical exam to ensure your pet is healthy enough for vaccination. Afterward, most pets only experience mild, temporary effects such as:

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• Slight soreness at the injection site

• Mild tiredness or decreased appetite

• Low-grade fever

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Severe reactions are extremely rare, but if your pet experiences swelling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or persistent lethargy, contact us immediately.

 

If you have any questions about our wellness packages, click here.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Vaccinations

 

What diseases do vaccines protect my pet from?

Vaccines protect against dangerous illnesses such as rabies, parvovirus, distemper, feline leukemia, and kennel cough. Some are required by law (like rabies), while others depend on your pet’s lifestyle.

 

Why does my puppy or kitten need multiple shots?

Maternal antibodies protect young pets at first, but as those fade, vaccines are needed to “train” the immune system. A series of shots ensures your puppy or kitten develops full, lasting immunity.

 

When should my pet start vaccinations?

Puppies and kittens should begin around 6–8 weeks of age. Adult pets should stay current with boosters every 1–3 years, depending on the vaccine.

 

Are any vaccines required by law?

Yes. Rabies vaccination is legally required in Georgia for both dogs and cats.

 

What if my pet misses a vaccine booster?

If too much time passes, your veterinarian may need to restart the vaccine series to ensure protection. It’s best to stay on schedule to avoid gaps in immunity.

 

What should I watch for after my pet is vaccinated?

Most pets experience only mild effects like temporary soreness or sleepiness. Rare but serious reactions (vomiting, swelling, trouble breathing) require immediate veterinary attention.

 

Can I use a blood titer test instead of a vaccine?

In some cases, a blood test (titer) can measure immunity levels, but for rabies, titers are not accepted as a substitute; vaccination is required by law.

 

Protect Your Pet Today

At Town & Country West Veterinary Clinic, we’re committed to keeping pets in Marietta, Powder Springs, Kennesaw, Smyrna, Austell, Mableton, and Hiram safe through personalized vaccination plans.

 

Call us today at (770) 528-6363 to schedule your pet’s vaccination appointment and give them the healthy start they deserve!