Dr. Cindy Goldsmith, a veterinarian at the Steamboat Animal Hospital, answers:

Puppies and kittens need vaccinations to help prevent severe infections that may be life-threatening. They need a series of vaccines beginning at 6 – 8 weeks and ending at 16 – 18 weeks.

For dogs, vaccines are available for parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, leptospirosis, bordetella and rabies.

For cats we have vaccines for distemper, rhino tracheitis, calcivirus, feline leukemia and rabies.

It is important to complete a series of vaccines so your pet will be protected from these diseases. Your veterinarian can help determine which vaccines your pet needs to keep her healthy!

Dr. Cindy Goldsmith and her husband have lived in the Steamboat community for several years; their son goes to Griffin School. Dr. Cindy has special interests in medicine, surgery, oncology, and ultrasound. She provides an important perspective on animal health.

Text and photographs reprinted with permission from issue 8 of the Steamboat Island Register. For more information and to advertise in the Register, contact Amanda Waggoner at (360) 870-2126 or steamboatreg@gmail.com