Pet Vaccinations

Along with flea and tick prevention and heartworm prevention medication, vaccines are one of the best ways to make sure your pet lives a long and healthy life. Since there are many misconceptions about pet vaccines, Westside Animal Hospital of Augusta, GA, lists the facts about vaccinations.

Types of Pet Vaccinations

The main type of vaccination is done with a sterile hypodermic needle. Another type is the intranasal vaccine, which may be needed for very young pets or pets that can’t have needles. There are also core vaccines and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines are the most recommended because they protect against the most common diseases. Non-core vaccines are only recommended based on how often the pet will be in contact with other pets or if there has been a recent outbreak of a disease like canine flu in the area.

The Rabies Shot Is Legally Required

In the state of Georgia, all dogs and cats over four months old must have the rabies vaccine. The cost of the vaccine is much lower than fines and court costs. Rabies is legally required because it can pass from pets to people. Rabies is 100% fatal in pets. It is incurable in both people and pets.

Pet Vaccinations Protect Pets in Your Community

Veterinary vaccines are a great way to protect your pet and protect all of the other pets that your pet will come in contact with. Some pets can get infected with leptospirosis and not show symptoms. However, they can still pass on the disease to other pets and to people.

Vaccine Schedules

Many vaccines need to be given more than one time to protect your pet. The shots are usually given three to four weeks after the first dose. They would then need boosters every one to three years, depending on which shot it is. One popular pet care misconception is that older pets can’t get shots because they are too old. Your pets are never too old to begin vaccinations.

Vaccine Side Effects

The vast majority of pets suffer few to no side effects from getting vaccines. The most commonly reported side effects were the pet being more tired than usual for the day, minor bleeding or swelling at the injection site, and mild fever. Pets that have an intranasal vaccine may sneeze, cough, or have mucus come out of the nose for up to five days.

If your pet is getting vaccines for the first time, stay in the waiting room for 20-30 minutes to see if there are any bad reactions. If there are, your pet can get treated by your vet right away.

Still Have Questions?

If you have further questions about the benefits of vaccinations and other preventative care for your pets and live in the Augusta, GA, area, contact Westside Animal Hospital at (706) 738-4589 to make an appointment today. We also sell flea and tick prevention and heartworm prevention medication.