No one wants their pet to be sick, and no one wants their pet to get other pets or people sick. Preventive care for pets is so important, and vaccinations are a big part of that. Parkside Animal Hospital is here to help you navigate dog and cat vaccines, and to provide the best preventive care for pets in our care. 

Why Vaccines for Pets

While we are better than ever in veterinary medicine at treating all sorts of diseases, injuries, and illnesses, it is best when we can prevent a problem before it even starts. 

Vaccinations are a pretty amazing tool that allow us to teach the body how to create an effective immune response to fight off a particular disease. By vaccinating a pet, we can feel better that they will be better able to defend themselves should they ever be exposed to that bacteria or virus. 

Sometimes vaccinations offer nearly complete protection. Even if they don’t, though, they are very effective in helping to decrease the risk of serious infection. 

Not all vaccines are needed by all pets, but they are an important part of your pet’s wellness care. In fact, since there are many zoonotic pet diseases that people can also contract, pet vaccines can help to keep your entire family safer. 

What Vaccines Are Right for My Pet?

Which vaccinations your pet might need depends on a lot of things. Age, species, lifestyle, and risk exposure all play into recommendations. Our team will help to assess each individual patient and make recommendations for preventive care for pets based on their unique situation. 

Vaccinations for pets fall into two categories: core (recommended for most or all pets) and non-core (recommended based on other factors). Examples include:

• Core vaccinations: For dogs and cats, rabies is a core vaccination due to its high fatality rate and potential for human exposure. Other core dog vaccines include the distemper (DHPP) combination vaccine that protects against serious viruses including canine distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Core cat vaccines, in addition to rabies, include a distemper (FVRCP) combination vaccine that protects against feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. 
• Non-core vaccinations: Recommended non-core vaccinations are based on risk exposure. For dogs, these might include leptospirosis or Lyme vaccination for dogs in high-risk areas. Social dogs who interact with other pets may benefit from vaccinations against kennel cough (Bordetella) or canine influenza. Non-core vaccines for cats include a vaccine against feline leukemia virus for those who mingle with other cats, usually outdoors. 

Pet vaccines are an important way to keep your animal (and human) family healthy and happy. Don’t worry, though, you don’t need to have all the answers. Our helpful staff is happy to answer your questions, and help you understand the recommendations for your pet. Don’t be scared to ask if you would like to learn more.