Vaccinations for your pets are a critical part of your pet’s health. Vaccinations can help prevent a variety of potentially deadly illnesses for your beloved pet. There are several critical vaccinations you should get for your pet.
Vaccines help save lives and protect your dog from illnesses such as Parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis, and rabies. According to the ASPCA, these are considered “core” vaccinations—essential for pet health. Vaccinations for other illnesses are dependent on your dog’s risk of exposure. These include vaccines for kennel cough, Lyme disease, and leptospirosis, a flu-like illness. Vaccinations for dogs are required for puppies starting around six to eight weeks of age and will likely be spread out over a period of time up to 16 weeks.
Cats need vaccinations for feline distemper, feline calicivirus (a respiratory virus that also infects the nose, throat, and eyes). Feline herpes which can cause eye ulcers and other issues is also considered a core vaccine for cats. Rabies vaccinations are, of course, also required. Non-core vaccinations for cats include those for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), kennel cough, Chlamydophila felis which causes conjunctivitis and respiratory issues. In addition, vaccinations for feline leukemia virus is also non-core, but important. Kittens can receive vaccinations at ages six to eight weeks, and in intervals up to 16 weeks.
In Sedgwick County, all cats and dogs are required to have an annual or 3-year rabies vaccination from a veterinarian. While rabies is the only required vaccination, the team at Cimarron Animal Hospital recommends all core vaccines for pets to help protect against preventable and often fatal illnesses.
Cimarron Animal Hospital is dedicated to wellness and preventative care. Our team is ready to serve you and your pet as soon as they become part of your family. Contact our office to schedule an appointment for vaccinations as well as annual checkups for your beloved pet.
