Pet vaccinations are an essential part of this healthcare plan.
It is important to discuss a wellness plan with our veterinarian to determine the best schedule for wellness visits and vaccinations that your pet may require. From wellness care to emergency care, Pond Mills Animal Hospital’s top priority is the well-being of your pet and your peace of mind knowing your pet has the best care possible.
Properly caring for your pets include making sure you schedule their annual vaccinations each year to protect them from dangerous and potentially deadly diseases. Getting regular pet vaccinations enable your pets to avoid infections and can lessen the severity of other types of diseases they may be susceptible to. Our veterinarian can recommend the appropriate vaccines your pet will need to maintain their health and protect them from potentially serious situations.
The types of vaccinations your pet requires depends on the type of pet you have, but most young dogs and cats require a series of pet vaccinations because they are very vulnerable and can easily catch diseases. For these young pets, a series of pet vaccinations are needed which typically begin when they are 6-8 weeks old and are scheduled every 4 weeks, with the final injections given when they are around 16 weeks old.
The vaccines your pet needs depend on a variety of factors including breed, location, and exposure to other pets that may carry disease. All of these situations can affect your pet’s risk for infection. There are “core” pet vaccinations that are required for every pet and there are “non-core” vaccines that are strictly based on lifestyle.
Core Vaccines
- Rabies – a fatal and incurable disease, which attacks the central nervous system of an infected animal.
- Canine Parvovirus – which is a highly contagious disease that can affect dogs in all stages of life. It can cause extreme vomiting and diarrhea which causes dehydration and in many cases death.
- Distemper Complex – protects against a number of viruses that attack multiple body systems including the respiratory and central nervous systems.
Non-Core Vaccines
- Bordetella – is commonly called kennel cough – it is caused by a bacteria that causes canine infectious tracheobronchitis. It is highly contagious and easily transmitted through direct contact and is a required vaccination for dogs who will be expose to other dogs or attending doggy daycare.
- Leptospirosis – is a growing concern for dog owners; is caused by bacteria and can be spread through the contaminated urine of rats, skunks, and raccoons. The bacteria can enter through cuts in the skin and also through mucous membranes such as the nose, mouth, and eyes. Drinking from wading pools, ponds and ditches which is contaminated water sources is the main source of transmission. This can cause kidney and liver disease in dogs and can also be passed to people.
- Lyme – Is an infectious tick-borne disease that can cause a myriad of different symptoms which include fever, lameness, loss of appetite and lethargy. Vaccination is recommended for dogs who live or travel to Lyme endemic areas and likely chances of tick bite.