Vaccines and parasite prevention are cost-effective health care you can provide.
Core vaccines
Dogs
- C5: distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, kennel cough
- Puppies: 3 shots at 6-8, 10-12, 14-16 weeks, then annual booster
Cats
- F3: panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus
- Kittens: 2 shots at 6-8 and 12 weeks, then annual booster
- Indoor cats still need vaccines — viruses can come in on your shoes
Parasite control
- Heartworm: Mosquitoes in Brisbane mean this is essential. Monthly oral or annual injection, year-round. Treatment after infection is extremely expensive and painful.
- Intestinal worms: Every 3 months (roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm).
- Fleas and ticks: Brisbane paralysis ticks can be fatal. Monthly preventive medication is strongly recommended.
Annual cost estimate: Vaccines + parasite prevention runs about $300–$500/year. Compared with heartworm treatment (thousands of dollars), prevention is a bargain.