Pet vaccinations, just like those for humans, are one of the most essential elements of an effective and comprehensive preventive health care program for pets. Other important elements include regular physical and dental exams, good nutrition and weight management, diagnostic testing, grooming, and parasite control. Vaccinations against common diseases are just as important for your dog or cat as they are for you and your family. The Happy Pets Animal Hospital is here to make sure that your pet has all the vaccinations they need to keep them healthy, well, and protected.
Why Pet Vaccinations Are Important
Human medicine has long used vaccines developed to protect people against illness caused by the types of disease they are most likely to encounter in their lifetimes, and veterinary medicine has done the same for animals. Livestock and pet vaccinations have saved the lives of tens of millions of animals over the years. Although it’s not widely known, many of the diseases that are common in pets can also be transmitted to humans and to other animals, causing sickness, disability, suffering, and even death. Treating a disease once it has been contracted and has developed is much more painful and costly than preventing it with vaccinations. They are one of the safest and most affordable investments you can make in the health of your pet.
Core Vaccinations for Dogs
- Rabies
- Parvovirus
- Parainfluenza
- Distemper
- Hepatitis
- Leptospirosis
- Bordetella
Recommended
- Canine influenza (Available upon request)
Core Vaccinations For Cats
- Rabies
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP)
Recommended
- Feline leukemia
The Pet Vaccination Schedule
Vaccinations for pets are completed in stages over a period of time. The first shots are administered at around six to eight weeks of age for both dogs and cats. Then booster shots will be given every few weeks until they are fully vaccinated. They may also need an annual booster.
Rabies vaccination is required by law for both cats and dogs. They are administered when a pet is between 12 to 14 weeks of age with a booster shot in a year. Your vet may recommend they receive a rabies booster every three years after that.
Vaccination is one of the most important things you can do for the health of your pet. To schedule a visit to the Happy Pets Animal Hospital, please use our convenient online form and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.
