Animal vaccines contain molecules called antigens that force the immune system to react as though the antigens were actual, disease-causing pathogens. When your vet in Edmonton gives your pet a vaccination, the animal's immune system is stimulated just enough to cause the system to "remember" the pathogen. By provoking this mild response, pet vaccines effectively prepare the immune system to fight off infectious bacteria, if such bacteria ever infiltrate your pet's body. Vaccinations for dogs and cats are vital for preserving their health throughout all life stages. Puppies and kittens should begin receiving vaccinations when they are about 12 weeks old.
Core vaccines provide protection against common infectious diseases in dogs and cats. They are called "core" vaccinations because most pets are at risk for exposure to these diseases. Core vaccinations for dogs include rabies, distemper, parvovirus and canine hepatitis. Core vaccinations for cats include rabies, rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and distemper. Pets can receive these vaccines from your Edmonton vet in just one or two shots instead of multiple shots.
Non-core vaccines are recommended according to your pet's risk of being exposed to certain diseases. For example, if your pet is around other animals or boarded frequently, non-core vaccinations help prevent infections that sometimes spread in kennels or among groups of animals. Cat owners who allow their cats to roam outside should also consider having their cats vaccinated with non-core vaccines.
Non-core vaccines for dogs include leptospirosis, kennel cough, canine parainfluenza and Bordetella bronchiseptica. Non-core vaccines for cats include Bordetella, feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukemia virus and chlamydophila felis. Your veterinarian can help you decide which non-core vaccinations are applicable to your pet.
In addition to keeping your pet free of serious illnesses, vaccinations stop the transmission of some diseases between animals and humans, especially rabies. Ensuring your pet is up-to-date on their vaccine schedule facilitates traveling overseas with your pet as well. Also, a pet ill with distemper, hepatitis or other disease often requires lengthy treatment involving expenses such as prescription medications, trips to the veterinarian and possibly, hospitalization. Finally, you don't have to worry about your pet making other animals sick with infectious diseases that are sometimes asymptomatic in their early stages.
Call Hamptons Animal Hospital Today!
Vaccinating your pet is one of the many ways you can show how much you love your pet. Call Hamptons Animal Hospital in Edmonton today at (780) 489-3203 to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.