If you're a pet owner, you've likely heard about the importance of pet vaccinations. At, St. Francis Hospital for Animals in Oakdale, NY, we offer comprehensive vaccine services to protect your cat or dog against a variety of diseases. Here's what you need to know about vaccinations and how they can benefit your pet:
When to Vaccinate Your Pet
Pets need vaccinations, just like humans. Your pets can typically start receiving vaccines between 6 and 8 weeks old. Maintaining a vaccination schedule is the best way to ensure your pet is well protected against deadly diseases. Vaccines are typically divided into to categories: core and non-core, which you can learn about below:
• Core Vaccines: This set of vaccines is recommended for all pets, regardless of breed or lifestyle. The list of core vaccines for dogs includes rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus. For cats, core vaccines include rabies, feline distemper, feline herpesvirus, and calicivirus.
• Non-Core Vaccines: This set of vaccines is recommended for certain pets based on their lifestyle or pre-existing conditions. Consulting with our veterinarians is important for determining what vaccines your furry companion should receive.
Vaccines Aren't Just for Puppies and Kittens
Did you know that all pets need vaccines, not just puppies and kittens? Animals of all ages can benefit from vaccinations. Adult pets receive boosters because the vaccine's effectiveness is reduced over time. More importantly, vaccines are part of overall health care, which also includes making appointments for wellness exams and routine check-ups.
Pet Vaccines Are Safe and Effective
Vaccines are safe for animals. They go through the same rigorous testing as human vaccines and are closely regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Vaccines work to stimulate your cat or dog’s immune system so that he or she can develop immunity against a specific disease. The goal is for your pet to be able to fight off the disease if it's ever exposed to it. Side effects from the vaccines are rare. With pet vaccines, most side effects, such as tenderness or redness, are mild and resolve on their own within a few days.
Contact Us for an Appointment Today
To learn more about vaccinations or to schedule your visit, contact St. Francis Hospital for Animals in Oakdale, NY, at (631) 567-1359 today. We are happy to provide you with additional details and set you up with an appointment. You can also browse our website to learn about our services or visit us in person. When you’re looking for a veterinarian near me, our team is ready to assist you!
