There are many aspects of veterinary care for your pets, but among the most basic things you need to do as a pet owner is ensure that your pets receive their necessary vaccines. At All Care Animal Clinic in West Palm Beach, FL, we work hard to make sure you understand the importance of vaccinating your cat or dog according to schedule in order to keep your pet protected and prevent other animals from getting sick as well.
Purpose of Vaccines for Your Pet
There are several reasons to get your pets vaccinated. Paramount among these reasons is that certain vaccines are mandated by law, such as the rabies vaccine. Other vaccines are suggested based on your lifestyle and how you and your vet assess their risk factors for disease. The diseases prevented by vaccines are often highly contagious, and are a devastating experience for both you and your pet.
Vaccines are generally categorized as either core vaccinations, which are needed by most pets, or non-core which are recommended depending on your pet’s lifestyle. Rabies vaccinations are core for both cats and dogs. Other core vaccinations for cats include:
- feline panleukopenia
- feline viral rhinotracheitis
- feline calicivirus infection
Core vaccines for dogs include:
- canine distemper
- canine parvovirus infection
- canine hepatitis
Starting on a Vaccination Schedule
Whether your pet is a puppy, a kitten, or an older dog or cat it is important to get them going on a vaccination schedule as soon as possible. When you bring your pet into All Care Animal Clinic, we will look at your pet's veterinary records in order to determine what needs to be done. Younger pets will need more frequent shots until they are over one year old. Once the initial round of vaccinations has been administered to your pet, booster shots will be needed once every year or three years, depending on the vaccine.
Are Vaccines Safe?
It is natural for pet owners to be concerned about the safety of anything they give their pets, and the main purpose of vaccinating is to keep your pet, and others, safe. However, side effects are possible, including:
- temporary appetite changes
- slight pain near the injection site
- fatigue
In rare cases, more severe side effects may occur. You should monitor you pet and bring them back to the vet if they experience symptoms such as breathing difficulty or persistent vomiting.
Whether your pet needs to get caught up on vaccinations, needs a wellness visit, spay or neuter services, or has an emergency, we at All Care Animal Clinic are committed to your pet's total health. To schedule an appointment contact All Care Animal Clinic in West Palm Beach, FL at (561) 688-1154.