When we adopt our pets, we promise to provide for their needs and give them the best care possible. Health problems can be painful, scary, and of course, expensive. Prevention is the most beneficial route, which is why a vaccine package is a must for your pets. Dr. Hilla at Callahan Drive Animal Hospital in Knoxville wants to help keep you informed with the most up-to-date facts about protecting your pets through vaccinations. Let’s look at some of the questions that we run into regarding pet vaccinations.
Are vaccines dangerous for my pet?
Vaccines prepare your pet’s immune system to fight off germs by introducing a small, safe amount of them into the body. The immune system begins building up a defense against the disease so that it can quickly identify, isolate, and destroy the germs before they can make your pet ill. Vaccines are safe and provide the best method of protecting your pet from diseases that can make them severely ill.
Should I wait until my pet is older to vaccinate it?
The safest thing to do for your pet is to get the vaccines recommended by your veterinary clinic as soon as possible. In most cases, this means when kittens and puppies reach 6 to 8 weeks of age. This is especially important because some dangerous diseases, like distemper, occur somewhat more frequently in young animals than in adults.
Which vaccines are recommended?
Our veterinarian will suggest a group of inoculations known as core vaccines, which every pet should have. For dogs, core vaccines include rabies, parvovirus, distemper, kennel cough, and hepatitis. For cats, core vaccines include rabies, calicivirus, distemper, and herpes. Beyond these, you should give our veterinarian information about where your pet spends time and what the habitat is like. Your pet might benefit from additional shots if it runs the risk of encountering other viruses.
Does my pet need vaccines even if it spends most or all of the time indoors?
We can carry outdoor germs inside when we go in and out, even if our pets stay indoors. People also come in contact with other pets and even wildlife which could lead to passing along a disease to your pets. Since many diseases can be fatal, every pet needs to get the core vaccines even if the risks for these diseases seem low.
Get Your Pet Vaccinated in Knoxville, TN
Dr. Hilla and our team at Callahan Drive Animal Hospital are here to help you protect your pets so you can enjoy a long and healthy life together. Call our team today at (865) 938-0243 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.