Pets are an important part of our families, and it is important that pet owners do all they can to keep them healthy, one of the main responsibilities pet owners have is to make sure that they take their pets to a San Antonio Veterinary clinic to get their pet vaccinations. At Oaks North Animal Hospital in San Antonio, TX, we consider ourselves partners in pet care. We are here to track all the necessary vaccinations your pet needs.
Getting Started With Pet Vaccinations
When people think of vaccinations for their pet, many think primarily of a rabies vaccine, which is required for both dogs and cats. But pet vaccinations go much further than that, and if you have a new puppy or kitten, they will need to visit the animal hospital a bit more often during the first year of their lives. Besides rabies, which is required every one or three years there are many other vaccinations that pet owners need to stay on top of.
Vaccination Protections for Dogs and Puppies
For dogs and puppies staying current on vaccinations can help prevent diseases including
- Parvovirus - a potentially fatal disease that destroys white blood cells and causes vomiting and diarrhea
- Distemper - Also life-threatening and signified by diarrhea, vomiting, pneumonia, and seizures
- Adenovirus - An illness that leads to hepatitis
- Leptospirosis - causes failure of liver and kidneys and is also contagious to humans.
- Bordetella and Parainfluenza - not life-threatening, but highly contagious and can lead to life threatening pneumonia if left untreated. Both produce cold-like symptoms, such as a cough and runny nose.
Vaccination Protection for Cats and Kittens
With the right vaccinations, cats and kittens are protected against diseases such as
- Feline Distemper (panleukopenia) - a life-threatening disease that lowers white blood cell counts. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration
- Feline Leukemia Virus - Suppresses immune system and may lead to cancer
- Herpesvirus and Calicivirus - a highly contagious disease that causes general discomfort, runny nose and eyes, and fever.
Vaccination Concerns
There are many people who are concerned about vaccinations for their pets and are confused about which shots are necessary. At Oaks North Animal Hospital in San Antonio, TX, we understand that information about vaccines can be a lot to take in, but overall they have been shown to prevent these highly uncomfortable and sometimes fatal diseases in our pets with minimal side effects. Still, there are a few things to watch for, and together we can help your pet get through temporary discomfort that may come with being vaccinated. After a vaccination, you should watch for symptoms such as lethargy, loss of weight , appetite, or energy, or pain near the injection site. In most cases these types of side effects are limited, and your pet will be acting like himself within a couple of days.
Whether you are just getting started with the vaccination process, or are getting caught up, we at Oaks North Animal Hospital in San Antonio, TX is here to get your pet on track. To learn more, or schedule an appointment, contact us at (210) 697-9585.