Vaccinating your pet is a very important way to protect his or her health. In addition to preventing life-threatening illnesses, vaccinations can prevent diseases prevalent in wildlife and those that can be transmitted to humans. It’s important to start administering vaccinations when our pets are puppies and kittens because their young immune systems are still developing and need protection to stay healthy.
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.
Which vaccines should your pet have? There can be a lot of confusion surrounding which vaccines are best for your pet. Your Prytania Veterinary Hospital veterinarian can advise you about which vaccinations are required or recommended for your pet based on age, health, and lifestyle as well as local law.
It’s also important to note that even pets that live primarily indoors should be vaccinated, as they can still be exposed to a disease.
Canine vaccines include:
- Rabies
- DA2PPV – Distemper, Hepatitis, Adenovirus 2, Parvo and Parainfluenza (dogs)
- Leptospirosis
- Bordetella
- Lyme vaccine – is recommended for pets that travel to high-risk areas.
- Canine influenza – has not been a problem in our area, however, it is required by some doggy daycare facilities. Please ask us about this vaccine if your pet goes to daycare.
Feline vaccines include:
- Rabies
- FVRCP – Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (cats)
- FeLV – Feline Leukemia Virus – the use of this vaccine depends on your cats indoor/outdoor lifestyle.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at 504-899-2828.