For most pet owners, keeping pets healthy and safe is a top priority. In addition to providing a healthy diet, exercise, and plenty of love and attention, your pet also needs to stay up to date on his vaccinations. At Connolly Animal Clinic in Florence, AL, our veterinarian can help you keep track of both core and non-core vaccinations in order to help you give your pet the best chance at a fulfilling and healthy life.
Core Vaccines for Dogs and Cats
Core vaccines are vaccines that are important for all animals to have. The most notable is the Canine Rabies vaccine for dogs and the Feline Rabies Vaccine for Cats. In addition, dogs must receive vaccines for parvovirus, distemper, and canine hepatitis. Core vaccinations for cats include feline distemper, feline calicivirus, and feline herpes type I, also known as feline rhinotracheitis.
Non-Core Vaccines May Be Important Too
Although non-core vaccinations are not universally required for your dog and cat, it is still a good idea to talk to your pet's veterinarian about which of these your pet may benefit from. Depending on where you live, or the places you plan to travel to with your pet, there may be different recommendations for non-core vaccines. For example, if you spend a lot of time hiking in wooded areas, there is a good chance a Lyme disease vaccination will be recommended. If your pet has an active social life visiting dog parks, boarding facilities, or needs to see a professional groomer on a regular basis, Bordetella vaccines are likely to be recommended. Other common non-core vaccines for dogs include Borrelia burgdorferi and Leptospira. Common recommendations for cats include feline leukemia, chlamydophila felis, and feline immunodeficiency.
How Often Does My Pet Need Vaccinations?
When pets are very young, they need to build their immune system and need to be given more frequent doses of necessary vaccines. Once adulthood is reached, most vaccines can be administered once per year or once every three years, depending on your pet's specific needs. At Connolly Animal Clinic, we keep a close eye on your pet's vaccination history in order to assure that your pet makes it back to our animal hospital whenever a booster is needed.
In addition, we can take care of your pet's wellness visits, handle various illnesses your pet may encounter, and help with procedures such as spay or neuter surgery or microchipping your pet for safety. To learn more, or to schedule a visit with our veterinarian, contact us at Connolly Animal Clinic in Florence, AL at (256) 757-5376 for an appointment.
