Vaccinations for Pets
Importance of Pet Vaccines
Young animals are like kids–it’s a never-ending job to keep them safe and happy. Vaccinating your puppy or kitten is a relatively inexpensive but very important way to protect his or her health. In addition to preventing many life-threatening illnesses, vaccinations can prevent diseases prevalent in wildlife and those that can be passed to humans. It’s important to administer vaccinations when pets are puppies and kittens because their young immune systems are still developing and need protection to stay healthy.
While any medical treatment involves some degree of risk, in the case of vaccinations, the benefits far outweigh any potential side effects. Adverse reactions are rare and usually mild and short-term when they do occur.
Core Pet Vaccinations
Which vaccines should your pet have? “Core” vaccines are those recommended—and possibly mandated by law—for most pets.
Core Vaccines for Cats
- Rabies
- FVRCP – Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia
Core Vaccines for Dogs
- Rabies
- DA2PPV – Distemper, Hepatitis, Adenovirus 2, Parvo and Parainfluenza
- Lyme
- Leptospirosis
Core Vaccines for Other Pets
- Rabies (ferrets)
- Distemper (ferrets)
- RHDV-2 – Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (rabbits)
Other non-core, but highly suggested vaccinations for cats include FIV for feline immunodeficiency virus and FeLV to protect against feline leukemia. For dogs, bordetella and canine influenza shots are recommended if they frequent dog parks, boarding kennels, or any place where they’re socializing with other canines.
We also recommend vaccines for ferrets (rabies and distemper) and rabbits (RHDV-2). Please ask us for more information when you schedule your appointment.
Pet Vaccines in Bethel Park, PA
It’s also important to note that even pets who live primarily indoors should be vaccinated, as they can still be exposed to a disease. Your Bethel Park Animal Clinic veterinarian can advise you which vaccinations are required or recommended for your pet based on age, health, and lifestyle. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at 412-595-7843.
