Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Vaccinations
You may accept the fact that pet vaccinations are important for safeguarding your pet’s health — but what is this procedure is all about, why is it so critical and how are you supposed to schedule it? It’s only natural to feel puzzled or even concerned about the prospect of your beloved friend getting all those shots. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about pet vaccinations from our Los Angeles vet team at Hancock Park Veterinary Clinic.
What is a vaccine, and how does it work?
A vaccine is a form of the disease organism we wish to protect your pet against, deactivated so it can no longer spread infection but still treated as a potential threat by the immune system. when the immune responds to this assumed danger by manufacturing antibodies against it, your pet becomes immune to the real-life disease.
Is vaccination a safe procedure?
For most animals, vaccination is a very safe procedure. Side effects may occur in some pets, but the level of risk is both extremely low (and eminently acceptable compared to the dangers your pet would face without those vaccinations).
Do I need to schedule my pet’s first vaccinations around the age of 2 months?
Why so young? Newborn puppies and kittens have only that immunity passed on to them through their mother’s body — and immunity that disappears within several weeks’ time. Your baby then becomes completely vulnerable to killer diseases, meaning that our Los Angeles vet team needs to provide protection as early as possible.
Which vaccinations do I need to schedule for my pet?
Cats and dogs each receive a set of core vaccinations; these are the pet vaccinations always administered against particularly worrying diseases. Cat core vaccinations protect against rabies, calicivirus, panleukopenia and feline herpesvirus type 1. Dog core vaccinations protect against rabies, distemper, parvovirus and canine hepatitis.
Which vaccinations are optional?
Occasionally it may make sense to vaccinate your pet against seasonal or lifestyle-specific threats. For instance, pets who are regularly threatened by ticks might receive a Lyme disease vaccination, while pets who are going to be boarded or placed in close company with other animals should be vaccinated against the highly contagious “kennel cough” (Bordetella).
Why does my pet need to keep coming back for more shots?
Puppies and kittens typically receive a combination of core vaccinations and booster shots throughout their first year of life to build up strong disease protection. Adult dogs then receive booster shots as needed to make up for the fact that vaccines lose their potency over time.
Schedule Pet Vaccinations or Booster Shots Today
Now that you have a clearer idea of how, why and when your pet needs to be vaccinated, turn to the experts at Hancock Park Veterinary Clinic to make sure it gets done. Call (323) 936-6952 today to schedule pet vaccinations or booster shots from our skilled Los Angeles vet team!