Vaccinating your pet is the best way to protect him from infectious diseases. If you’re not sure what kind of vaccinations your pet needs, these FAQs from Westside Animal Hospital, Augusta, GA, provide the answers you need to make wise decisions concerning your pet’s health.  

Why is it so important that I vaccinate my pet?

All pets are at risk of contracting contagious diseases, some of which have no cure and can lead to death. Vaccinating your pet protects him from these diseases so he can live a longer, healthier life. Pet vaccinations also prevent the spread of diseases to you, your family, and other pets. It’s a preventative care measure that’s effective in safeguarding your pet’s health and that of your immediate family.  

How are pets exposed to disease?

While walking or playing outdoors, your pet may be exposed to diseases through contact with animals in the wild. It doesn’t take much contact for diseases like rabies or distemper to be transmitted to your pet. Infectious diseases can also be transmitted through puddles of water, food, or bacteria on the ground as well as by fleas and ticks from wooded areas or fields where your pet plays.

What vaccines should my pet receive?

Our veterinarian recommends core vaccinations for all pets. These vaccines protect your pet against deadly diseases like rabies, canine distemper, canine hepatitis, canine parvovirus, feline panleukopenia, feline viral rhinotracheitis, and feline calicivirus. With the help of our Augusta, GA, vet, you can determine what non-core vaccines to give your pet, taking into consideration his health, breed, and lifestyle. By working with a veterinary specialist, you can ensure your pet has the protection he needs to maintain good health.

How often should I vaccinate my pet?

For optimal protection against disease, our vet will customize a vaccination schedule for your pet conducive to his healthcare needs. Quality veterinary care is key to a healthy, happy pet. In addition to pet vaccinations, your vet provides such preventative care measures as flea and tick prevention, heartworm treatment, wellness exams, pet dental care, and other pet care services that will protect and preserve your pet’s health.

Where can I vaccinate my pet?

If you live in Augusta, GA, or the surrounding communities, bring your pet to Westside Animal Hospital for the vaccinations he needs to maintain good health. Our quality pet care services range from heartworm and flea and tick prevention to pet vaccinations to surgical procedures and everything in between to keep your pet in optimal health. Contact us today at (706) 738-4589 for all your pet care needs. At Westside Animal Hospital, you can have full confidence that your pet is in the best of hands.