If you are like many, you wonder if pet vaccinations in Durham are necessary and when they should be given. You want what’s best for your pet, but it can sometimes be confusing to figure out though your veterinarian can help you make those decisions. Knowing ahead of time can ensure that your pet stays healthy and safe throughout their lives.
Reasons To Vaccinate
A vaccine helps to stimulate your pet’s immune system, which can help produce protective responses if your pet comes in contact with that disease. It can help them fight the infection from the disease, as long as the vaccination schedule is completed, and yearly boosters are provided on time. Most of these diseases do not have a cure, so if your pet gets them, there isn’t much the veterinarian can do.
When To Do So
Cats and dogs are slightly different when it comes to vaccines. Of course, the diseases are different, but the vaccinations in Durham should be provided at different times, as well. A puppy can be vaccinated at six weeks, but then they have to wait until ten weeks of age to get the second part of the course. Because of the seriousness, your dog shouldn’t go outside until they have been vaccinated against Leptospirosis.
Kittens have to wait until eight weeks of age to get inoculated, and then must wait three to four weeks for their second injection, though your vet may recommend waiting up to 12 weeks after the initial injection.
Side Effects
Vaccines can cause minor side effects, which are still considered safe. Common problems include sleepiness, small lumps near the injection site, or a slightly sore neck. Those problems should go away within 24 to 48 hours, but if they start running a fever or if you notice anything unusual, call the vet again and ask what you should do. You can visit here to get more information.
Diseases Prevented
Diseases for dogs that can be prevented include Leptospirosis, flu, infectious hepatitis, distemper and Parvo Virus. Kennel cough and rabies can also be provided, under certain circumstances.
Diseases for cats that can be prevented include Viral cat flu, feline leukaemia and panleukopenia, as well as rabies and Chlamydophilafelis.
Boosters
Most vaccines only last one year, including everything for cats and kennel cough, flu and Leptospirosis for dogs. Therefore, you’ll need to get a booster shot each year for those diseases. Everything else can wait up to three years.
Vaccinations in Durham can save your pet’s life, so don’t delay. Visit Ashfield Veterinary Surgery today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.