Veterinarian giving a cat a vaccine.

Vaccinations

Young animals are like kids–it’s a never-ending job to keep them safe and happy. Pet vaccines are relatively inexpensive but very important way to protect his or her health. In addition to preventing many life-threatening illnesses, vaccinations can prevent diseases prevalent in wildlife and those that can be passed to humans. It’s important to administer vaccinations when pets are puppies and kittens because their young immune systems are still developing and need protection to stay healthy.

Benefits Of Vaccinations For Pets

While any medical treatment involves some degree of risk, in the case of vaccinations, the benefits far outweigh any potential side effects. Adverse reactions are rare and usually mild and short-term when they do occur.

Core Vaccinations

Which vaccines should your pet have? “Core” vaccines are those recommended—and possibly mandated by law—for most pets. Core vaccines include:

  • Rabies (dogs and cats)
  • DA2PPV – Distemper, Hepatitis, Adenovirus 2, Parvo and Parainfluenza (dogs)
  • FVRCP – Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (cats)

Recommended Vaccinations

Other non-core, but highly recommended vaccinations for cats include FeLV to protect against feline leukemia. Dog vaccines include Lyme and Leptospirosis vaccines.  We also recommend bordetella and/or canine influenza if your dog frequents dog parks, boarding kennels, grooming facilities or any place where they’re socializing with other canines.

Pet Vaccinations In New Brighton, PA

It’s also important to note that even pets who live primarily indoors should be vaccinated, as they can still be exposed to a disease. Your Big Rock Veterinary Hospital veterinarian can advise you which vaccinations are required or recommended for your pet based on age, health, and lifestyle. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at 724-624-7114.