Everything You Need To Know About Pet Vaccinations

As part of caring for your pet, you need to ensure that they live a healthy life. One of the ways you can do so is by taking them to see a veterinarian for routine vaccination shots. Pets can be exposed to a variety of diseases, some of which can be fatal for animals. This is one of the many reasons why pets need to keep up to date with their immunization shots. Below is everything you need to know about vaccines and how they help your pet in the long-run.

Why Do Pets Need To Have Vaccine Shots?

When puppies and kittens are still feeding from their mothers, the milk provides them with the antibodies needed to protect them from various common and fatal diseases. Over time, the protection from the mother's antibodies fades and has to be replaced with a series of vaccines. The vaccines provided by a veterinarian will give pets the protection needed in the immune system to identify and fight off harmful diseases. Vaccines are the difference in lessening or preventing a disease or having to pay for expensive treatment to try to minimize the effects of a disease. In short, vaccines improve the health and quality of life of pets.

What Vaccinations Do a Pet Needs?

Our veterinarians can tell you what vaccines your pet will need to stay healthy and protected. Generally, we vaccinate dogs against the following diseases:

• Distemper
• Canine hepatitis
• Parvovirus
• Leptospirosis
• Rabies
• Bordetella
• Influenza

For cats, the following illnesses:

• Panleukopenia
• Feline calicivirus
• Feline herpesvirus
• Rabies

At What Age Do I Need To Bring My Pet To The Vet For Vaccinations?

If you have a puppy or kitten, we recommend bringing them in for their first round of shots between the ages of 6 to 8 weeks. Your pet will then need various booster shots through its first year. After the first year, they will need additional boosters annually.

If your pet is older, our veterinary staff highly suggests you schedule an appointment as soon as possible to get them started on their vaccines.

Don’t Delay Your Pet’s Immunization Shoots

If you need to schedule a time to bring your pet in for his shots, please reach out to Creekside Animal Hospital & Wellness Center today at 765-742-0140 to make your appointment. Our veterinary staff proudly serves the areas of Lafayette and West Lafayette.