Vaccinations
Cat and dog vaccinations should be a staple in your pet’s wellness plan. Why? First, vaccinating your pet increases their immunity to harmful diseases. Second, this immunity helps to prevent infection or greatly lessen a disease’s effects. In short, cat and dog vaccinations work like human vaccinations but should be given regularly to maintain immunity and keep your pet healthy throughout their life. Most vaccines require annual boosters while other can offer immunity for up to three years. Our animal hospital in Round Lake offers core vaccines that are essential to your pet’s safety in addition to vaccines recommended based on lifestyle risks.
HOW CAT AND DOG VACCINES PROTECT PETS IN ROUND LAKE, IL
Cat and dog vaccines have a simple but important job: to keep your pet immune to harmful viruses. Vaccines contain antigens derived from these viruses. Once in the body, they prompt the immune system to produce antibodies to combat the antigens. Therefore, your pet does not have to be exposed to a disease’s symptoms in order to resist it. Over time, the vaccine’s effects will decrease, which is why routine vaccinations are necessary.
RECOMMENDED CAT AND DOG VACCINES
Both dogs and cats are vulnerable to disease, so they should both be vaccinated as needed. Cat and dog vaccinations we commonly recommend include:
DOGS
- Rabies
- Distemper (DHPP)
- Bordetella (kennel cough)
- Canine influenza (H3N2 & H3N8 strains)
- Leptospirosis
- Lyme
CATS
- Rabies
- Feline Distemper (FVRCP)
- Leukemia
Rabies and distemper (including FVRCP) are core vaccines. This means we highly recommend them for keeping your pet healthy. The rabies and distemper viruses are usually fatal following a diagnosis, so prevention is essential. We also highly recommend Leptospirosis due to its severity.
WHY CATS AND DOGS NEED TO BE VACCINATED RIGHT AWAY
Generally, cats and dogs should start their vaccinations by 8 weeks old. This is because young puppies and kittens have weaker immune systems and are poorly-equipped to fight disease. Nonetheless, choosing when to vaccinate depends on your pet’s current health; fever or some other illness may require postponing their vaccinations. Additionally, your veterinarian will give you the necessary information to help you decide which vaccines are best suited to your pet’s lifestyle. Your pet’s risk of exposure to diseases such as Bordetella or Lyme will determine whether or not they need those vaccinations.
Schedule Your Pet’s Vaccines Today
We look forward to answering your questions and clearing up any confusion you may have about your pet’s needs! For more information about cat and dog vaccinations we offer and how they protect pets, please call (847) 270-0880 or Make An Appointment online.
