Some diseases that pets get can cause serious illness or even be fatal. Fortunately, pet vaccines provide protection from these diseases and keeping your pets’ vaccinations up-to-date can be an important part of keeping them healthy. Give us a call at (814) 536-5105 to schedule an appointment.
Why Are Pet Vaccinations Important?
Vaccinations give pets protection from certain diseases that can lead to severe illness or death. They can also protect pets from diseases that are highly contagious. Vaccinations do this by teaching your pet’s immune system to identify specific pathogens and attack them and that way helps lower your pet’s risk of becoming dangerously ill.
What Vaccines Do Pets Need?
The vaccines your pet needs vary, depending on the type of pet, his age, his lifestyle, and other factors. Pets typically need core vaccines, such as rabies, canine distemper virus, canine hepatitis, and canine parvovirus for dogs. For cats, core vaccines may include rabies, feline panleukopenia, feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline leukemia virus for kittens, and feline caliciviruses.
Non-core vaccines are ones that your pet might not need based on certain factors. For example, pets who aren’t boarded or around other animals may not need certain vaccines.
A veterinarian on our team can let you know which core and non-core vaccines your dog or cat should get. We’ll also let you know how often these vaccines need to be updated.
Are Pet Vaccines Safe?
Pet vaccinations offer a mostly safe way to protect your pets from serious diseases. A vet on our team can discuss any concerns you have about vaccine side effects, if needed. One potential side effect is an allergic reaction.
When to Schedule Pet Vaccinations
Pet vaccines are usually updated during annual routine checkups. We keep records of your pets’ vaccinations, so we know when updates are needed. For puppies and kittens, a vet on our team can recommend bringing them in at a certain age for their first vaccines.
Get Pet Vaccines, Preventative Care, and Vet Care from a Veterinarian Near You
If your pets are due for vaccines or other preventative care, contact us at Johnstown Veterinary Associates at (814) 536-5105 for an appointment. We can update your pets’ vaccinations and provide other care to help him stay happy and healthy.