Our veterinarians at Sand Creek Animal Hospital in Albany recommend that all pets start with a series of vaccinations when they are puppies or kittens. Vaccinations will help protect your pet throughout his life from deadly and painful diseases. As your pet ages, we will continue to recommend vaccinations based on risk factors unique to your pet's lifestyle. Let’s look at a few of the common questions that get asked by pet owners regarding pet vaccinations.
Why Are Vaccines Necessary For My Pet?
Vaccinations provide the protection your pet needs against highly contagious diseases. If your pet isn't vaccinated, he has a much higher risk of contracting these diseases. Even if your pet never goes outside, he can still be at risk if another animal who is not vaccinated comes into contact with him.
What Vaccines Does My Pet Need?
Vaccines are broken down into what we refer to as "core" and "non-core" vaccines. Core vaccines are recommended for all pets, regardless of lifestyle, while non-core vaccines are only recommended for pets with certain risk factors.
Core vaccines for dogs include:
- Rabies
- Canine parvovirus
- Canine distemper virus
- Adenovirus
Core vaccines for cats include:
- Rabies
- Panleukopenia (feline distemper)
- Calicivirus
- Herpesvirus
When Should I Start With Pet Vaccinations?
Pets start with a vaccination schedule early in life, around 6 to 8 weeks of age. We will then provide follow-up boosters at 4-week intervals until he is around 16 weeks old. After that, we will develop a custom vaccination schedule based on your pet's risk factors. Pets need to start early with vaccines because their immune system isn't fully developed, so they are more susceptible to diseases.
Are Vaccines Safe For My Pet?
The overwhelming majority of veterinarians agree that the benefits of vaccinating your pet far outweigh any potential risks. Certain vaccines are required by law for all dogs in most states, and there are very few reported adverse side effects from vaccinations. Preventative measures such as vaccinations also save pet owners money from having to pay for the treatment of diseases that could have been prevented.
Do I Need To Bring My Pet Every Year For Vaccinations?
We recommend that all pets come in at least once a year for a physical examination and vaccinations as needed. Pets age much faster than humans, so it's important to keep up with their health needs on a regular basis.
Contact Our Veterinarians in Albany, NY
We understand that there may be some concerns about pet vaccinations. Our goal is to provide the best possible care for your pet, and that includes making sure you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about your pet’s health. Call our team at Sand Creek Animal Hospital today at (518) 446-9171 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.