If you have a new pet or a mature furry friend, you can entrust its health in our compassionate team at Stave Lake Veterinary Hospital in Mission and Maple Ridge, BC. Whether your cat or dog needs comprehensive vet care or vaccinations, we are happy to help. Below is some information about the importance of initially and regularly vaccinating your pets.
Understanding Vaccinations
As with humans, vaccines are created to provide specific immunities against organisms that invade an animal’s body. The active aspect of any vaccination provides antigens that mildly stimulate the body’s immune system. That provides protection when and if the pet is exposed to the real disease.
Due to the prevalence of large numbers of unvaccinated stray cats and dogs, your pets require both initial and long-term treatment with specific vaccines. Your veterinary staff will explain the specific vaccinations your pet needs based on their risk of exposure, the severity of the disease, and the likelihood of transmission to humans.
You will find that your pet will need vaccinations:
- At six to eight weeks for initial shots, with various follow up vaccinations during the first year
- Annually for certain vaccines and boosters
- Every three years for other vaccines
Which Vaccines Are Necessary for My Pet?
Our veterinarian will explain that there are both core vaccines that are vital to your pet based on its exposure risk. Additionally, the non-core vaccinations may be required based on your pet’s breed, local laws, or other factors. Typical core vaccines include:
For Dogs:
- Canine parvovirus
- Distemper
- Canine hepatitis
- Rabies
For Cats:
- Panleukopenia (feline distemper)
- Feline calicivirus
- Feline herpesvirus type I (rhinotracheitis)
- Rabies
Non-core vaccinations for dogs may include Borrelia burgdorferi and Bordetella bronchiseptica. For cats, there is Chlamydophila felis and Bordetella.
Contact us for an Appointment Today!
Call Stave Lake Veterinary Hospital in Mission and Maple Ridge, BC, at (604) 286-0160 or come in today to discuss the vaccinations that your pet should be receiving. Our professional staff will help you determine the types of shots and the schedules for all the necessary vaccines. We can then help you keep track of future vaccinations and remind you when they are needed. When you need a veterinarian near me, our team can assist you!