How Do Vaccines Work?
Vaccines are injections that contain material designed to invoke a reaction from your pet’s immune system. They might contain weakened or dead viruses, as well as synthetic material. This means your pet’s immune system can build up its defenses against disease before it must interact with the full-strength virus. By getting vaccines, you’re protecting your pet against diseases that could injure or kill them.
What Vaccines Will My Pet Receive?
Your pet’s vaccine needs will depend on local regulations, as well as their species and lifestyle. The core vaccines for dogs are distemper, canine hepatitis, rabies, and canine parvovirus. Your pet may also receive others based on what the vet suggests. Meanwhile, the core vaccines for cats include feline include distemper, feline calicivirus, herpesvirus, and rabies. Others may be necessary as well.
The other types of vaccines your pet needs will be based on their exposure risks. For instance, outdoor cats will be exposed to more disease than their indoor counterparts. This means they’ll need more vaccines to protect them.
How Can I Get My Pet Vaccinated?
Vaccines are provided by the animal clinic as part of your pet’s annual veterinary exam. During the exam, a veterinarian on our team will inform you of what vaccines your pet needs to receive. This schedule is based on best practices, as well as your pet’s age. Some years your pet may need a shot, others they might not. If you’re getting your pet’s annual exams, scheduling vaccines will be easy and convenient. This will help you to stay on track.
If you miss a vaccine, make sure that you talk to your vet about scheduling it as soon as possible. If your pet misses a vaccine and then gets exposed to disease, they are at a higher risk of illness and death than their vaccinated counterparts.
Visit Us for More Information from Our Veterinary Team
At Berkley Pet Hospital for North Hollywood, CA, and Hollywood, CA, we are here to care for the pets of the San Fernando Valley, CA. This includes providing vaccinations when they need them. If your pet is due for vaccinations, or you’re looking for preventative care that includes them, call our office at (818) 763-6221 to make an appointment for your pet.