Essential pet vaccinations
Pet vaccinations are an essential part of keeping your furry friend healthy and happy. Vaccinations protect your pet from infectious diseases that can be potentially fatal or cause chronic health problems. As a pet owner, it's important to understand which vaccines your pet needs and when they should receive them.
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Core Vaccines
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Core vaccines are those that are recommended for all pets, regardless of breed or lifestyle. They protect against diseases that are widespread, contagious, and often fatal. The core vaccines for dogs include:
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1. Distemper: Distemper is a highly contagious virus that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs.
2. Parvovirus: Parvo is a highly contagious and serious viral disease that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of dogs, leading to severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and even death.
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3. Hepatitis: Canine hepatitis is a viral infection of the liver that can lead to liver damage or failure if left untreated.
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Core vaccines for cats include:
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1. Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus: These viruses cause upper respiratory infections in cats, also known as “cat flu.”
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2. Panleukopenia: Also known as feline distemper, this virus is highly contagious and attacks the digestive system, leading to severe vomiting and diarrhea.
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Non-Core Vaccines
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Non-core vaccines are recommended based on the individual pet's lifestyle, environment, and risk of exposure. These vaccines protect against diseases that are less common or region-specific. Some examples of non-core vaccines for dogs include:
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1. Bordetella: This vaccine helps prevent kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection that's commonly spread in places where dogs congregate.
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2. Leptospirosis: This bacterial infection can be spread through contact with the urine of infected animals and can cause severe kidney and liver damage. You can read more about this infection here.
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3. Canine influenza: Similar to human flu, canine influenza is highly contagious and can lead to severe respiratory symptoms.
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Non-core vaccines for cats include:
1. Feline leukemia: This virus is spread between cats through bodily fluids and can lead to serious immune system problems, anemia, and cancer.
2. Feline immunodeficiency virus: FIV is similar to HIV in humans and can weaken a cat's immune system, making them more susceptible to other infections.
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3. Chlamydia: This bacterial infection can lead to severe conjunctivitis in cats.
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Vaccination Schedule
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The vaccination schedule for pets can vary depending on their age, health status, and lifestyle. Puppies and kittens generally require a series of vaccine boosters every few weeks until they're around 16 weeks old. Adult pets then receive annual or triennial booster shots to maintain their immunity.
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Ask us today about determining the best vaccination schedule for your pet. We can also advise you on which non-core vaccines your pet may need based on their specific circumstances.
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Ensuring your pet is up-to-date on their vaccinations is crucial for their overall health and wellbeing. Vaccines protect your pet from potentially deadly diseases and can also help prevent the transmission of certain illnesses between pets and humans. Always consult with your veterinarian to ensure your pet is receiving the appropriate vaccinations for their age, breed, and lifestyle.
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