Vaccinating your pet is one of the best ways to protect him against infectious diseases. These FAQs from Amelia Pointe Animal Hospital & Daycare in Fernandina Beach explain how vaccines work and why they’re important to your pet’s health.
What are pet vaccines?
Pet vaccinations are health products that protect your pet against infectious diseases. Vaccines strengthen your pet’s immune system to help him fight off diseases that threaten his health and life. Even indoor pets can contract diseases by coming in contact with other pets in their neighborhood.
Why are pet vaccinations important?
Vaccinations can help extend the lifespan of your pet by keeping him safe from life threatening diseases. Many pet diseases, like rabies, have no cure. If your pet contracts one of these diseases, it could lead to his early demise. Vaccinating your pet protects him, other pets he comes in contact with, and your family against the spread of contagious diseases.
What are core and non-core vaccines?
Core vaccines are essential to your pet’s health. They provide protection against diseases that can lead to death. Core vaccines for dogs include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis. Core vaccines for cats include rabies, feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline distemper, and calicivirus.
Non-core vaccines can be given to pets according to their lifestyle and need. If you live in a geographical area where a pet disease is prevalent, you can vaccinate your pet against it as a preventative measure against contracting this disease. Our Fernandina Beach veterinarian can recommend non-core vaccines relevant to your pet.
What vaccines are needed for puppies and kittens?
Puppies and kittens receive a series of core vaccines to strengthen their immune systems against infectious diseases. This series can begin around 8-10 weeks of age. Your baby pet will receive booster shots every 3-4 weeks until he reaches 18-20 weeks of age. Once this series of vaccines has been completed, our veterinary specialist will put your pet on a vaccination schedule to help keep him healthy.
How often should I vaccinate my dog or cat?
At Amelia Pointe Animal Hospital & Daycare, we will customize your pet’s vaccination schedule to suit his health needs. This ensures your pet is getting adequate protection against disease. When creating a vaccination schedule for your pet, our veterinary specialist will take his age, breed, lifestyle, and location into consideration to provide accurate protection. By keeping your pet’s vaccinations up to date, you can help him live a healthier, happier life.
See Our Fernandina Beach Veterinarian for Pet Vaccinations
To schedule an appointment for vaccinating your pet, contact Amelia Pointe Animal Hospital & Daycare in Fernandina Beach at (904) 310-9990 today.