A pet receiving a core vaccination in Westland, MI

Vaccinations

Young animals are like kids–it’s a never-ending job to keep them safe and happy. Vaccinating your dog or cat is a relatively inexpensive but very important way to protect his or her health. In addition to preventing many life-threatening illnesses, vaccinations can prevent diseases prevalent in wildlife and those that can be passed to humans. It’s important to administer pet vaccinations when pets are puppies and kittens because their young immune systems are still developing and need protection to stay healthy.

While any medical treatment involves some degree of risk, in the case of vaccinations, the benefits far outweigh any potential side effects. Adverse reactions are rare and usually mild and short-term when they do occur.

Core Dog & Cat Vaccinations

Which vaccines should your pet have? “Core” vaccines are those recommended—and possibly mandated by law—for most pets.

Core vaccines include:

  • Rabies (dogs and cats)
  • DA2PPV – Distemper, Hepatitis, Adenovirus 2, Parvo and Parainfluenza (dog vaccines)
  • FVRCP – Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (cat vaccines)

Highly Suggested Vaccinations for Your Dog & Cat

Other non-core, but highly suggested vaccinations for cats include FeLV to protect against feline leukemia. For dogs, bordetella and canine influenza shots are recommended if they frequent dog parks, or any place where they’re socializing with other canines.

Schedule Pet Vaccinations in Westland, MI

It’s also important to note that even pets who live primarily indoors should be vaccinated, as they can still be exposed to a disease. Your Westland Veterinary Hospital veterinarian can advise you which vaccinations are required or recommended for your pet based on age, health, and lifestyle. For more information about pet vaccinations or to schedule an appointment to get your dog or cat vaccinated, call us at 734-261-5900 or Make An Appointment online.

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