Pet Vaccinations in San Antonio, TX

We’ve learned a lot about how viruses spread and the effect they can have on a population if left unchecked. It’s just as crucial that pets receive vaccines to keep them free of disease and illness. Scheduling an appointment for pet vaccines with a San Antonio veterinarian is one of your responsibilities as a pet owner. You can help ensure they don’t end up sick from a preventable illness. Pet vaccinations have gone a long way toward reducing the spread of common pet diseases.

Why are Pet Vaccinations Important?

Pet vaccinations give your dog or cat’s immune system a boost. They trigger an immune response that helps your system fight off infections. Your pet’s body starts producing antibodies that get rid of organisms known to cause disease.

Animals can pass illnesses between themselves and even to humans. Pet vaccinations keep you from paying for costly treatments if your pet gets sick from a preventable disease. You may also be required to vaccinate your dog or cat because of local laws around household pets.

What are Some Common Pet Vaccines?

Vets typically recommend that dogs and cats receive certain core vaccines to protect them from common diseases. They may also recommend additional immunizations based on your pet’s unique needs. The potency of vaccines varies, with some needing a boost every year while others last longer. It would be best if you asked your San Antonio veterinarian about the benefits of any vaccine they recommend for your pet.

Below are the vaccines commonly recommended for dogs.

• Rabies — Offers protection to dogs that get bitten by animals infected with rabies. Without the vaccine, the disease is 100% fatal to dogs.
• Bordetella — Bordetella bronchiseptica leads to inflammation in a dog’s upper respiratory system. Older dogs with immune disorders often develop bronchitis. If they don’t receive immediate treatment, the disease causes bronchopneumonia in puppies.
• Distemper — Distemper spreads through the air and can cause brain damage.
• Parvovirus — Parvovirus causes dogs to develop symptoms like severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea. In extreme cases, dogs can end up dying without treatment.
• Leptospirosis — Leptospirosis spreads through the urine of other dogs. This vaccine is essential for dogs that frequent spaces visited by other dogs. by contacting urine from other infected animals.

Vets usually recommend that cats receive the following vaccinations, along with the one for rabies.

• Feline Leukemia — Many vets consider this an essential vaccine for cats. Outside of the trauma caused by accidents, Feline leukemia is the second-biggest cause of cat fatalities.
• FVRCP — The triple vaccine protects cats from rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia, airborne diseases that can end up being fatal to cats.

When Should Pets Receive Vaccines?

Puppies and kittens usually get some antibody protection from drinking their mother’s milk. Both kittens and puppies should start their vaccination series at around six to eight weeks. They’re typically given by a vet in three to four-week intervals, with the final dose at sixteen weeks. Cats should be looked at for new vaccinations periodically. Some adult dogs might need to receive annual vaccines.

Do Pet Vaccines Have Side Effects?

The stimulation caused by vaccines can produce some minor symptoms like:

• Soreness at the vaccine injection site
• Fever
• Allergic reaction

It would be best if you asked your veterinarian about the potential side effects of individual vaccines. Keep in mind that pet vaccines have saved the lives of countless cats and dogs. The risks of not getting pet vaccinations are much higher than receiving them.

Make sure you contact your vet about any of the following symptoms if they appear soon after your dog or cat receives a vaccine:

• Sluggishness
• Fever
• Problems breathing
• Lack of appetite
• Facial swelling
• Hives
• Diarrhea
• Seizures
• Hair loss
• Vomiting
• Limping

Try to schedule pet vaccinations for a time when you are available to monitor the health of your dog or cat. That way, you can react quickly if you notice any adverse effects.

Get Your Pet Vaccinated Today

Ensure your pet family members get the protection they need to keep them safe. Call Ellison Drive Animal Hospital at 210-941-3957 to schedule an appointment.