Vaccination against the most common and dangerous diseases is one of the cornerstones of preventative pet health care, along with regular examinations, a good diet, proper nutrition, spaying and neutering, parasite control, and weight control. All of these elements working together make up an effective wellness care program, and cat and dog vaccination are one of the most essential to its success. We can ensure that your pet is up to date with all of the vaccinations they need during the course of their regular physical examination.
Cat and Dog Vaccination in Concord
Why Vaccinations Are Important
Specific vaccines have been developed for dogs and cats to protect them from the illnesses and diseases they are most likely to encounter during their lifetime. These diseases can cause serious physical harm along with suffering and disability, and they can even be fatal if left untreated. Some can be transmitted to people as well as other animals. It’s much better to prevent them from occurring in the first place with cat and dog vaccination than to treat them after the disease has been contracted and has developed. Vaccinations are safe and very affordable, and they’ve been proven over many years to be very effective. They are a small but important investment in the health and wellbeing of your pet.
Types Of Cat And Dog Vaccinations
Cats and dogs share the risk of some types of disease, but others are specific to their species. This means that some of the vaccines they need are the same but some are different. Core vaccines are the primary types that all cats or dogs are given, while others may be recommended for your individual pet depending on a number of factors. After an examination and assessment, your vet will determine if your pet should have a recommended vaccine administered based on their breed, age, medical history, lifestyle, and home environment.
Core Vaccinations for Dogs
- Rabies
- Parvovirus
- Distemper
- Leptospirosis
Recommended Vaccinations
- Bordetella
- Canine Influenza
Core Vaccinations for Cats
- Rabies
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
- Calicivirus
- Panleukopenia (FVRCP)
Recommended Vaccinations
- Feline leukemia
The Vaccine Schedule
The vaccination schedule takes place in stages over time. It begins with an initial vaccination and then proceeds with a series of booster injections as needed until they are fully vaccinated. Dogs and cats will both receive their initial shots when they are about six to eight weeks of age, then you’ll bring them back to the office for their booster shots every few weeks afterward. Your veterinarian in Concord may recommend that they get a booster each year depending on their level of risk and lifestyle.
Rabies vaccination is legally required in all states in the U.S. for both cats and dogs. The first shots are usually administered when they are about 14 to 16 weeks of age and then they’ll need a booster shot in a year. They may require additional booster shots every few years after that.
Vaccine Titer Service
We can also provide what’s known as titer testing for older cats and dogs. Although vaccination is perfectly safe for senior pets, we can test a sample of their blood in our lab to determine what type and amount of antibodies are already present in their bodies. If the test determines that they are already protected against a disease, then they won’t require a vaccination, which saves you time and money.
Making sure your pet is fully vaccinated is one of the most important ways you can protect their health. To find out more about cat and dog vaccination, contact the Concord Veterinary Clinic to schedule an appointment.
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