HOME > Services > Vaccinations
Vaccinations
How do you get your Pet Vaccinated?
The thing is, when we know that you’re bringing in your pet for vaccination, we’ll do the required research before your arrival. It’ll entail knowing the medical history and current status of your cat or dog. This helps us to identify the vaccines that your buddy needs.
How do you schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians? It’s simple. Call us and let us know that you’ll visit us with your pet for vaccines. No matter how busy we are, we’ll undoubtedly create time for you and your furry pal.
When Is the Best Time to Vaccinate Your Pet?
It would be misleading to say that there’s a specific time when you should vaccinate your cat or dog. You can’t know by looking at your pet, but you can consider a few things. For starters, the pet’s age matters. Puppies and kittens need regular vaccinations because their immune systems are still developing. Consult one of our friendly veterinarians to know when the vaccinations should be administered.
If there’s an outbreak of a disease that specifically affects cats or dogs, you cannot afford to risk your furry best friend’s life. Therefore, make sure to visit us for vaccination as soon as possible.
Your cat or dog’s lifestyle might also affect their vaccination needs. All the same, we’ll create the best vaccination plan for your pet, depending on its needs. We strive to ensure that your furry family member is safe at all times.
Vaccinations for Puppies and Kittens
The vaccines doses that your mature dog or cat requires are different from those that puppies and kittens need. The immune systems of younger pets are yet to develop, meaning that they are more susceptible to certain infections. Therefore, they need more vaccines to protect them against the latter.
Don’t forget that puppies and kittens still have maternal antibodies that could affect how a particular vaccine works. Even though the antibodies’ effects diminish over time, it’s different for each pet. Therefore, talk to our veterinarian about how and when to vaccinate your puppy or kitten and ensure that it works as planned.
Most pet owners are concerned about any side effects of vaccines. As with all types of medications, vaccinations for cats and dogs have their risks, but most of them are manageable and short-lived. For instance, your pet might feel dizzy, tired, or experience mild fevers after being vaccinated. These side effects are bound to disappear after a while, but if you’re worried about anything, kindly contact us.
Vaccines for Cats and Dogs
There are two categories of vaccines for pets: “core” and “non-core”. Core vaccines are those that all cats and dogs of a particular species must receive, but there could be some exceptions. Non-core vaccines are not mandatory for your pet. Your furry pal will only require the vaccinations if their lifestyle, age, or environment puts them at risk of contracting a specific illness.
Core Vaccines for Dogs
- Rabies: Compulsory for all pets
- DHPP: The vaccine prevents Distemper, Canine Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus
- Leptospirosis: Prevents a bacterium that attacks the dog’s kidneys and liver and is transmittable to people
- Bordetella: The vaccine protects your dog against a hacking cough
Non-Core Vaccines for Dogs
- Lyme disease (in Florida)
- Just like humans, dogs can catch Lyme disease from a tick bite.
- Canine influenza
- This is your dog’s version of the flu, with similar symptoms. Dogs who board, travel, or get groomed are at a higher risk.
- Corona
Examples of Core Vaccine for Cats
- Rabies
- Required by law for all pets.
FVRCP, also called a “combo” or “feline distemper” vaccine
- This vaccine prevents three different diseases:
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Herpesvirus) – A highly contagious respiratory infection that affects the eyes, nose, and throat.
- Calicivirus – a respiratory infection with some similarities to feline viral rhinotracheitis, but also tends to leave ulcers on the tongue.
- Panleukopenia – similar to parvovirus in puppies, this dangerous virus causes vomiting, diarrhea, and immune suppression.
Examples of Non-Core Vaccines for Cats
- Feline leukemia virus (FELV) depending on lifestyle
- This virus is deadly to cats due to its destructive effects on the immune system. Outdoor cats are at a higher risk.
Everything Your pet needs in one place
To make your first visit as easy as possible, please proceed to request an appointment.