Pet Vaccinations FAQs
Vaccinations are a crucial step to keep your pet healthy and protected from serious diseases. At Big Bend Veterinary Clinic in St. Louis, MO, we often receive questions about pet vaccinations. To help you better understand their importance and make informed decision about your pet’s care, we have answered some of the most common questions below.
1. Why Are Vaccinations Important for My Pet?
Vaccinations protect your pet from potentially life-threatening diseases, such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and some kinds of cancer. Vaccines also help prevent the spread of these diseases to other animals and, in some cases, humans. By keeping your pet up to date on its vaccines, you are safeguarding the health of your pet and community.
2. What Vaccines Does My Pet Need?
Vaccines are typically divided into two categories:
• Core Vaccines: These are essential for all pets. For dogs, core vaccines include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus. For cats, they include rabies, feline distemper, and feline herpesvirus.
• Non-Core Vaccines: These vaccines are recommended based on your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors. This may include the Bordetella vaccine for dogs who frequent boarding facilities and the feline leukemia vaccine for cats who spend time outdoors.
Our veterinarian will create a vaccination plan tailored to your pet’s specific needs.
3. When Should I get My Pet Vaccinated?
Puppies and kittens typically begin their immunizations at 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters every few weeks until they are about 16 weeks old. Adult pets require regular booster shots to maintain immunity. Our veterinarian will provide you a schedule to ensure your pet stays protected throughout its life.
4. Are Vaccines Safe for My Pet?
Yes, just like human vaccines, pet vaccines are thoroughly tested to ensure safety and effectiveness. While mild side effects like soreness or lethargy can occur, serious reactions are extremely rare. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh any possible risk, as they protect your pet from potentially-fatal diseases.
Call Our Chiropractor near You for Pet’s Vaccinations in St. Louis, MO
At Big Bend Veterinary Clinic, our team is committed to keeping your pet healthy and happy. Our veterinarian provides personalized vaccination plans to ensure your furry friend gets the protection it needs. Call us today at (314)-781-6121 to schedule your pet’s vaccinations or to learn more about our services.