Does Your Dog or Cat Need a Vaccination?
Regular vaccinations are an important step to keeping your pet healthy and protected from deadly diseases. These vaccines may also protect your other pets and even yourself, as some diseases can be passed along from animals to humans. Read on to learn more about this vital service that we offer at Coral Gables Animal Hospital in Coral Gables, FL.
What Pet Vaccines Are Available?
There are a number of different kinds of dog and cat vaccines available. Some are CORE vaccines and others are NON-CORE vaccines.
Why might your veterinarian suggest these additional NON-CORE vaccines? This may be due to a number of factors, including:
- your pet’s age and overall health
- lifestyle
- where you live
- other pets in the household
- other factors
For instance, an inside-only cat that lives alone may not need an extensive panel of vaccines.
All cats, regardless of their lifestyle or exposure risk, should be vaccinated for these CORE vaccines:
- Rabies
- Feline viral rhinotracheitis (herpes type 1 virus)
- Calicivirus
- Feline panleukopaenia (Feline distemper/parvo)
Depending on their health, lifestyle, and risk factors, some cats may also be vaccinated for these NON-CORE vaccines:
- Feline Chlamydiosis
- Feline leukemia
Dogs should be vaccinated for these CORE vaccines:
- Rabies
- Canine distemper
- Canine hepatitis
- Parvovirus
- Parainfluenza
Dogs may also, due to risk factors, be vaccinated for these NON-CORE vaccines:
- Influenza
- Leptospirosis
- Bordetella
- Corona
- Lyme
How Often Should Your Pets be Vaccinated?
Your pets will initially be vaccinated in 1 or 2 doses spread several weeks apart. After that, dogs and cats will need boosters to keep the vaccine effective. Some boosters are administered every six months to every year. Others are given every three years. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you more.
What Can You Expect from Pet Vaccinations?
You’ll start by bringing your pets in for an appointment where your veterinarian will examine your dogs or cats. You may be asked about your pets' health, lifestyle, how often they're boarded in a kennel, etc. This is a great time to bring up any concerns you have about your pets' health. Next, vaccines will be administered with a quick injection.
These vaccines are safe. Side effects are rare and typically mild. Some of the most common side effects include irritation at the injection site, sneezing, and lethargy. Your vet will explain what to look out for and when you’ll need to bring the pet in for boosters.
Pet Vaccines in Coral Gables, FL
At Coral Gables Animal Hospital, our veterinarian will come up with a personalized vaccination plan for your dog or cat. This schedule of shots can help your pet to live a long, healthy, active life. Contact us today at (305) 667-5821 to book an appointment.
