We rely on our pets for unconditional love and companionship. They also count on us to take care of them. Getting your pet vaccinated is an important part of protecting and caring for your pet. At Ina Road Animal Hospital in Tucson, AZ, our vet provides pet vaccinations to keep your animals healthy.
Importance of Pet Vaccinations
Vaccines protect your pet from diseases and illnesses. Vaccines help your pet develop antibodies against different health conditions, including rabies. Your pet will be protected against rabies after a vaccination, thanks to the presence of antibodies in your pet's body.
When your pet is vaccinated, the people in your life are also protected. Pets that are vaccinated cannot spread diseases to people or animals, which helps eradicate the disease entirely. Plus, vaccines are safe and have extremely rare adverse reactions. Our vet can provide you with more information about the health and safety of vaccines.
Core Cat Vaccines
Cats need a series of vaccines early in life, and then they benefit from annual and/or triennial vaccines later. Cats should get their first Rabies vaccine between 13 and 16 weeks of age, followed by a booster vaccine one year later. FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia.) vaccines are given to your kitten starting at 8 weeks of age and given every 28 days until they are 16 weeks old. A booster vaccine is also given one year later. After the one year booster vaccine, both Rabies and FVRCP are given every 3 years, reducing the risks of over vaccination of our feline patients. Both of these vaccines protect against infectious diseases that are dangerous to cats.
Our vet recommends the FeLV vaccine as well for young kittens or those cats that have never received one. Though it is not a core vaccine, it is still an important one. FeLV, also known as feline leukemia virus, can be spread easily through bodily fluids and can be deadly.
Core Dog Vaccines
Core vaccines for dogs include vaccines for parvovirus, canine hepatitis, and distemper. The rabies vaccine is also a core vaccine, and it is one that pets need to have regularly and is required by state ordinance.
Dogs need a series of vaccines early in life, and then they benefit from annual and/or triennial vaccines later. Dogs should get their first Rabies vaccine between 13 and 16 weeks of age, followed by a booster vaccine one year later. DAPP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvo, Parainfluenza.) vaccines are given to your puppy starting at 8 weeks of age and given every 28 days until they are 20 weeks old. A booster vaccine is also given one year later. After the one year booster vaccine, both Rabies and DAP are given every 3 years, reducing the risks of over vaccination of our Canine patients. Both of these vaccines protect against infectious diseases that are dangerous to dogs.
A variety of other vaccines are recommended but not required. These vaccines include those against Bordetella (kennel cough), leptospirosis, influenza, and Lyme disease. You can talk to our vet about your vaccine options to get a full scope of your pet's needs.
Visit Our Veterinarian in Tucson, AZ for Pet Vaccinations
Vaccines are vital in keeping your pet healthy. At Ina Road Animal Hospital in Tucson, AZ, our team will create a vaccine schedule for your pet. If it has been over a year since your pet's last set of vaccines, your pet should undergo a routine exam and immunizations. We are happy to answer any questions you have. Call our vet office today to make an appointment.