Pet Vaccines for a Healthier Life
At Oakland Park Animal Hospital, we know your much-loved dog or cat can thrive with a proper diet, exercise, and regular veterinary care at our Oakland Park, Florida office. A crucial part of that care is making sure your pet gets all the necessary vaccines.
How Do Vaccines Improve Your Pet’s Health?
Vaccinations stimulate your pet’s immune system to produce antibodies that fight off disease-causing infections. With this protection, your pet is less vulnerable to serious disease and even death.
Other benefits of vaccines:
- Avoiding expensive treatments for preventable diseases
- Complying with laws that mandate vaccinating your pet for diseases such as rabies
- Allowing your pet to join obedience classes and stay at daycare and kennels that require proof of vaccines
Types of Vaccinations Our Veterinarian Provides
Pet vaccines are categorized as either core or non-core. All pets should get core vaccines. For both dogs and cats, for example, rabies is a core vaccine. Puppies must receive a core series that protects against serious diseases such as distemper, canine hepatitis, and parvovirus. Kittens need core shots for feline distemper, herpesvirus, and other severe infections. Completing the whole series is important to ensure your pet is fully protected.
Non-core vaccines are chosen individually for each pet. Our veterinarian selects the safest, most effective schedule of shots for your dog or cat, based on the environments they’re exposed to, their overall health, and other factors. Non-core vaccines for dogs include Lyme disease and leptospirosis, and for cats, feline leukemia.
What to Expect When Your Pet is Vaccinated
Occasionally, a dog or cat may have side effects from the injection. Serious side effects are rare; symptoms are generally mild and temporary, such as local swelling. With every vaccine, our veterinarian discusses with you any symptoms to watch for.
Remember, regular vaccinations will help your furry family member to live a happy, healthy life!
Schedule Your Pet’s Vaccines Today with Our Oakland Park Veterinarian
At Oakland Park Animal Hospital, our dedicated staff provides expert, loving care to meet all your pet’s needs. If you are in the Oakland Park area, give us a call at 954-731-4228 to make your appointment.