Vaccinations

It is vital for vaccinations to be given when pets are puppies and kittens because their young immune systems are still developing and need protection to stay healthy. Vaccinating your pet is a relatively inexpensive but very important way to protect their health. In addition to preventing many life-threatening illnesses, vaccinations can also prevent diseases that are prevalent in wildlife and even those that can be passed to humans.

While any medical treatment involves some degree of risk, in the case of vaccinations, the benefits far outweigh any potential side effects. Adverse reactions to vaccines are rare, and usually mild and short-term when they do occur. If your pet has experienced a mild vaccine reaction in the past, or you are concerned about this, we can always give your pet medication to help prevent these reactions.

Which vaccines should your pet have?

“Core” vaccines are those recommended—and possibly mandated by law—for most pets. Core vaccines include:

• Rabies (for both dogs and cats)

• DA2PPV – Distemper, Hepatitis, Adenovirus 2, Parvo, and Parainfluenza (for dogs)

• FVRCP – Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (for cats)

Other non-core, but highly suggested vaccinations for cats include the FeLV vaccine to protect against feline leukemia (especially for outdoor cats). For dogs, Bordetella and canine influenza vaccines are recommended if they frequent dog parks, boarding kennels, groomers, or any place where they are socializing with other canines.

It is also important to note that even pets who live primarily indoors should be vaccinated, as they can still be exposed to a disease. Your Sugar Land Veterinary Clinic veterinarian can advise you of which vaccinations are required or recommended for your pet based on age, health, and lifestyle. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call us at 281-800-9003

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