Pet Vaccinations = Pet Wellness
Bringing your pet in for a comprehensive wellness exam every year is a great way to be proactive about health problems, but vaccinations are equally important. Vaccines help protect pets from potentially serious and even fatal viruses and diseases, some of which can be transmitted to humans. That’s why we recommend that pet vaccinations be included with all of our canine and feline patients’ preventive wellness regimens. At Warrick Veterinary Clinic located in Boonville and Newburgh, we want your four-legged friend to be happy and healthy for as long as possible, just as much as you do!
Types of Pet Vaccines
When it comes to dogs and cats, there are two types of vaccines available to meet their needs: core vaccines and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines are those that are typically recommended universally for all dogs and cats. They protect against serious and even potentially fatal illnesses, such as rabies. Non-core vaccines, on the other hand, aren’t necessary for every pet; they’re only recommended if a pet’s risk of being exposed to a certain illness is high. The Lyme disease (tick-borne) vaccine is an example of a non-core vaccine. It’s typically recommended in the warmer months for dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors and/or near bushes, where ticks can live.
Core Pet Vaccines We Offer
The following are some of the most common core vaccines that we recommend for our patients here at Warrick Veterinary Clinic:
- Canine hepatitis
- Canine distemper
- Canine parvovirus
- Canine parainfluenza
- Canine influenza*
- Feline distemper
- Feline calicivirus
- Feline herpes virus type I
* Canine influenza is on the rampage here in the U.S., but it doesn’t have to be a threat for your dog. We’re pleased to carry the bivalent influenza vaccine, which immunizes pets to both the H3N2 and H3N8 flu strains. Symptoms of canine influenza include coughing, sneezing, fever, lethargy, and nasal and ocular discharge.
This virus is airborne and extremely contagious, and can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours. Pets that board, go to a groomer, go to daycare, or visit the dog park are at a much higher risk of becoming infected, and should be vaccinated. Your pet will need a booster shot within 3 weeks of their first flu injection.
Customizing Your Pet’s Vaccination Schedule
Vaccines need to be updated every 1-3 years to remain effective, since the antibodies that they generate fade over time. Ideally, vaccinating should begin when a pet is a puppy and kitten. Once they become adults, most vaccines are updated annually. We’ll be glad to examine your pet and assess their lifestyle to customize a vaccination schedule specifically for them at their next wellness exam. If you need to schedule an exam, or if you have any questions about the benefits of pet vaccinations, give us a call!