Vaccinations are an important part of preventative pet care. If you need to get your pet vaccinated in Williamsburg, choose Middle Plantation Animal Hospital.
Vaccine Basics
Vaccines can prevent many diseases that can harm your pet. Some pet diseases can also be passed on to humans, so pet wellness is important for your family as well. Which vaccines your pet needs will depend on his lifestyle, age, and previous vaccination history. Your veterinarian will let you know which vaccines your pet needs and when they should be administered.
Core Vaccines
Core vaccines are vaccines that are imperative for your pet to have. These are essential for pet wellness, but also help protect other animals and people. The rabies vaccine is required by law in Virginia for both dogs and cats. Other core vaccines may be required before your dog can visit the groomer or an animal boarding facility.
Core Vaccines for Dogs
Core vaccines for dogs are parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis, and rabies.
Core Vaccines for Cats
Cats need vaccines for feline distemper, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus type I (rhinotracheitis), and rabies.
How Serious are the Diseases that Vaccines Prevent?
Understanding the diseases that vaccines protect against can help you understand their importance.
Parvovirus
Parvovirus is a highly transmissible virus. Unfortunately, 91% of dogs with parvovirus die without treatment.
Distemper
Distemper affects the respiratory, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems. It is often fatal. Pets who survive often have permanent damage to their nervous system.
Rabies
Rabies is a highly dangerous disease. It's often fatal in mammals, including dogs, cats, and humans. It causes weakness, difficulty breathing, and potential paralysis. It also triggers abnormal behavior, which can cause animals to become aggressive. This is particularly problematic because they can transmit the disease through bites.
Canine Hepatitis
Canine hepatitis attacks vital organs, including the kidneys, lungs, and liver. Infections can be mild, causing fever or lethargy. However, severe infections are often fatal.
Feline Herpesvirus Type 1
Feline Herpesvirus is the most common cause of respiratory infection in cats. Once a cat is infected, they become a carrier, which means it can pass the disease to other cats.
Non-Core Vaccines
Your veterinarian may recommend certain non-core vaccines as well. We will consider your pet's lifestyle and determine if he needs these extra vaccines. For dogs, these vaccines include Bordetella bronchiseptica, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Leptospira bacteria. Cats may need vaccines for feline leukemia virus, Bordetella, Chlamydophila felis, and feline immunodeficiency virus. Non-core vaccines, like bordetella, are often required by kennels.
Get Pet Vaccinations at Middle Plantation Animal Hospital
Responsible pet ownership includes taking proper care of his health with vaccinations. At Middle Plantation Animal Hospital, we provide vaccinations for pets in and around Williamsburg, VA. If your pet needs to be vaccinated, call our team today at (757) 345-6566 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.
