At Cheyenne Veterinary Wellness and Surgical Center, we advise families that the best way to keep their pets healthy is by preventing accidents and illnesses before they happen. Furry patients and their families in Brentwood and Pittsburgh can come to our office for wellness exams or any other concerns and talk about proactive pet care.
As loving pet parents, we try hard to keep our furry little ones safe and healthy, but we can’t always be there to monitor their playtime. Even in their own yards, pets risk exposure to dangerous diseases through contact with wildlife or germs left behind by other animals. Even fully indoor pets can contract deadly viruses if you bring in germs from outdoors on your shoes and clothing or if your pets play with other pets. Purchasing an inoculation package for your pets offers a simple and safe way to prevent diseases which can otherwise threaten your pets’ lives.
How Vaccines Work
The shots your pets receive at your vet clinic are injected into a muscle, usually in the leg, and cause a small momentary pinch which pets quickly forget. Vaccines stimulate the immune system, teaching it how to build a defense against specific diseases. This way, if your pets ever come in contact with the disease, their immune systems will be able to fight it off.
Why Some Shots Should Be Repeated
Not all vaccines retain their potency for life. Some shots need to be refreshed with repeat doses to keep an animal’s immune system programmed to recognize and fight that germ. Some vaccines need to be repeated yearly, and others every few years.
Which Shots Should My Dog or Cat Receive?
There are vaccines considered core vaccines for dogs and cats which are the most important. In fact, the rabies vaccination is required by law for pets in many states. Core vaccines recommended by veterinarians for dogs include distemper, leptospirosis, and parvovirus, as well as rabies. Cats should receive core vaccines for distemper, panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, and rabies. Pet parents should also consider adding shots for calicivirus for cats and Bordetella for dogs.
Heartworm Shots
In recent years, a heartworm vaccine has been developed to protect dogs from these dangerous parasites. Transmitted through bites from infected mosquitoes, heartworms cause damage to the heart and lungs, and eventually even death. This shot would be a wise addition as heartworm infestation occurs in all 50 states and mosquitoes often get indoors.
Cheyenne Veterinary Wellness and Surgical Center serves patients in Brentwood, Pittsburgh, and the surrounding areas. Call our vet clinic for an appointment today!
