Cat and Dog Vaccinations
Vaccinations are crucial to preventative pet care for dogs and cats. Vaccines expose your pet to a weakened or inactive virus to help your pet’s immune system fight off disease. Not vaccinating your pet could lead to significant health complications or even death. Fortunately, your “veterinarian near you” at Flowery Branch Pet Wellness Center in Flowery Branch, GA, offers core and non-core vaccines to protect your pet’s health and well-being. Learn more about dog and cat vaccinations and when to schedule them below.
Core and Non-Core Vaccinations
The two main categories for pet vaccinations are core and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines are essential for all pets, while core vaccines may only be necessary based on your pet’s environment and lifestyle. Core vaccines protect against severe and potentially fatal diseases that are widespread. We recommend the following core vaccines for dogs and cats:
• Dogs: Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Rabies
• Cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, and Rabies
We may recommend non-core vaccines based on your pet’s risk factors, including age, lifestyle, and environment. For example, we often suggest the Lyme disease vaccine for pets who live in wooded areas where ticks are more likely. Most boarding and daycare facilities require the Bordetella vaccine to protect other pets. Other non-core vaccines we may recommend include leptospirosis, canine influenza, and feline leukemia virus.
Schedule for Vaccination
Our veterinarians recommend puppies and kittens begin their vaccination schedule at six to eight weeks old. They will continue to receive booster shots every few weeks until they are around 16-20 weeks old. Depending on the vaccine, adult dogs and cats will get booster vaccinations every one to three years. Our veterinarians will develop a personalized vaccination plan for your pet that considers its age, breed, lifestyle, and potential risk factors for exposure to specific diseases.
The Importance of Following a Vaccination Schedule
Following our recommended vaccination schedule is vital for your pet’s lifelong health and well-being. Vaccinations are most effective when given at the appropriate times, and they help ensure your pet has the best possible chance of fighting off significant and deadly illnesses.
Vaccinate Your Pet Today at Flowery Branch Pet Wellness Center
Vaccinating your pet is one of the most responsible decisions you can make as a pet owner, so contact your “veterinarian near you” at Flowery Branch Pet Wellness Center in Flowery Branch, GA, to vaccinate your pet today. We can help ensure your pet lives a long, healthy life with recommended core and non-core vaccines, so call us and schedule an appointment at (678) 960-3060 to protect your pet’s health and well-being.