Vaccinations are one of the most important ways that pet owners can protect their four-legged friends from serious illness. Our veterinary team at Magnolia Animal Hospital in Ocala, FL, follows the American Animal Hospital Association guidelines when it comes to vaccinations. Our team will recommend the right vaccination schedule based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and environment.
Why Pet Vaccinations are Important
Vaccinating your cat or dog is the best way to support the health and happiness of your pet throughout his or her life. Both dogs and cats need regular vaccinations to prevent them from diseases that can be deadly, such as rabies or parvovirus. While there are treatment options available for pets who develop these conditions, treatment is not guaranteed, and prevention is the best way to protect your animal.
It’s important to note that our veterinarian will recommend vaccinations and a schedule for these vaccines based on your pet’s lifestyle. For instance, a dog that spends most of his or her time inside will need different immunizations than a dog that is often outside in wooded areas and near wildlife.
Dog Vaccinations
There are a few core vaccines our veterinarian recommends to every dog to maintain his or her health and prevent the spread of disease, which includes:
- Rabies
- Parvovirus
- Distemper
- Canine hepatitis
- Bordetella
Young puppies do not have fully developed immune systems, so they are more susceptible to illness and disease. While puppies are protected from certain illnesses when nursing, they are at greater risk after they are weaned off of their mother's milk. Our vet recommends a series of vaccines that are scheduled three to four weeks apart with a final round of immunizations scheduled at four months of age.
Cat Vaccinations
Our vet recommends the following core vaccinations to protect your cat against deadly diseases, and to support his or her overall health:
- Rabies
- Feline distemper and upper respiratory viruses
- Feline leukemia
Like puppies, young kittens also have a different vaccination schedule that is tailored to their needs. Their series of vaccines is scheduled three to four weeks apart with final immunization shots given when kittens reach four months of age.
Make an Appointment with Our Veterinarian in Ocala for Pet Vaccination
Is your pet up-to-date on his or her vaccinations? It may be time to make an appointment with your veterinarian in Ocala. Our veterinary specialists at Magnolia Animal Hospital offer a full range of vaccinations for cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens. To find out what vaccines your animal needs or to update his or her immunization shots, request an appointment online, or call 352-622-7143.