Pet Vaccinations​​​​​​​

When it comes to the health of your pet, prevention of illness is always a far better option than trying to treat a problem that may have already caused pain, suffering and irreversible damage to his health. One of the best ways to keep your pet safe is to subscribe to a preventative care program with your veterinarian. One of the key elements of any preventative care program is vaccinations.

Why does my pet need vaccinations?

Vaccinations have saved the lives of countless people over the years that they have been used, and they have found to be just as effective at protecting our pets from infectious diseases that could have serious or deadly consequences for our furry family members.

Vaccinations for pets work in exactly the same way as they do in humans. Each helps to prepare your pet’s body for fighting off the infectious disease that is it designed to protect against by masquerading as the disease itself – but it has been modified so that it doesn’t cause him any harm. Your pet’s immune system will then recognize key characteristics of the real infectious disease and will fight against it before you or your pet even realize that he has been exposed. The result is fewer or no symptoms at all and no long-lasting effects from coming into contact with the disease.

How long are vaccinations effective for?

The exact effectiveness of each vaccination can vary, but our veterinarians will create a personalized vaccination schedule that is designed specifically for your pet so ensure that he remains properly protected at all time. The frequency with which vaccinations will be given will also be based on the age of your furbaby. Infant animals are given smaller doses of each vaccination more frequently to build up their immunity, while adults typically have a booster every 12-36 months depending on their needs.

What vaccinations does my pet need?

There are many different types of vaccination available. Fortunately, you do not have to decipher which your pet needs alone. Our experienced veterinary team will be able to advise you exactly which vaccinations your pet needs based on his species, age, and location. These are usually divided into two groups – core vaccinations, which are given to all pets of a certain species irrespective of age, health, etc, and non-core vaccinations which are only recommended if our veterinary team feel that they are beneficial based on the needs of your pet.

Typically, the vaccinations you can expect to be recommended for your pet are as follows:

For dogs…

Core: Parvovirus, Distemper, Canine Hepatitis, and Rabies

Non-Core: Leptospirosis, Lyme Disease, Kennel Cough, Canine Herpesvirus

For cats…

Core: Feline Distemper, Feline Calicivirus, Rhinotracheitis and Rabies

Non-Core: Feline Leukemia Virus, Bordetella, Chlamydophilia Felis and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

For rabbits…

All rabbits are recommended to have a combination vaccine that protects bunnies from the most serious infectious diseases that can affect them – myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD).

If you would like more information on which vaccinations your pet needs to stay healthy, or if you would like to arrange an appointment with our experienced and friendly veterinary team, contact our offices in West Bend, WI today.