Vaccines FAQs Answered By Our Houston, TX Veterinary Specialist
At Best Care Animal Hospital, we not only take care of pets when they're sick or suffer from an injury, but we also provide preventative care to avert illness in the future. One preventative measure we supply is vaccines. Here are some frequently asked questions about vaccines.
What Are Vaccines For?
Vaccines are a type of medicine given to your pet to prevent certain health conditions from occurring. In some instances, the issues they prevent can become deadly for your pet or cause serious, long-term health complications.
A majority of the time your pet receives an inactive virus that stimulates your his or her immune system to recognize that particular virus or bacteria. However, in some cases, your pet may receive a modified-live vaccine, which means the vaccine consists of a live bacteria or virus that underwent modification in order to prevent your pet from becoming sick with that particular bacteria or virus.
Some of the vaccines for dogs include the following:
- Canine parvovirus
- Canine influenza
- Distemper
- Canine hepatitis
- Rabies
- Bordetella bronchiseptica
- Borrelia burgdorferi
- Leptospira bacteria
Possible cat vaccinations include:
- Herpes
- Calici
- Panleukopenia
- Feline leukemia
- Rabies
- Feline AIDS
- Feline infectious peritonitis
- Chlamydophia felis
- Bordetella bronchiseptica
When Should You Vaccinate Your Pet?
You can start getting your cat or dog vaccinated as early as six weeks. In some cases, we urge our families to start a bit later like if your pet is smaller or has any health issues. After the first round of vaccines, you must bring your pet in every two to four weeks for additional vaccines. Usually, your pet should have all of his or her first shots by the age of 14 to 16 weeks. Boosters are typically given every year or three years.
Why It's Important to Vaccinate Your Cat or Dog at Different Life Stages?
Throughout your pet's entire life, he or she is at risk for certain diseases, and they're preventable. By staying up-to-date regarding when your pet needs certain vaccinations, you can possibly extend your pet's life and ensure he or she lives a healthy one.
How Can Our Veterinarian Help Guide You in Choosing Vaccines?
Our veterinarian educates you on the recommended vaccinations for your species of pet. These vaccinations are known as core vaccines and are recommended for all pets of that species. Additionally, we evaluate your pet's risk for certain diseases. For instance, only pets who go outdoors are at risk for certain conditions, so they need vaccines that a strictly indoor pet wouldn't need.
Contact Best Care Animal Hospital For Quality Vaccinations
To get your pet vaccinated with our team, contact Best Care Animal Hospital, serving Houston, Spring, & Tomball, Texas, at (281) 251-0893 for an appointment.