Pet Vaccination at Blue Cross Animal Hospital in Royal Oak, MI
Why Are Pet Vaccinations Important?
Vaccinations work by stimulating your pet’s immune system to develop resistance against certain diseases. This protection is crucial because it prevents the spread of contagious illnesses and helps your pet build immunity. Young pets, in particular, benefit from early vaccinations, as their immune systems are still developing and more susceptible to infections.
Key Benefits of Pet Vaccinations:
- Disease Prevention: Protect against common and serious illnesses, such as rabies, parvovirus, and distemper.
- Improved Health: Regular vaccinations support long-term health by preventing illness-related complications.
- Community Protection: Vaccinating your pet helps reduce the risk of disease transmission to other animals.
Dog Vaccinations: Protecting Your Canine Companion
Ensuring your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations is one of the best ways to keep them safe. At Blue Cross Animal Hospital, we offer core and non-core vaccines tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
Core Dog Vaccinations:
- Rabies: Protects against a fatal viral disease that can spread to humans and animals.
- Distemper: Prevents a contagious disease affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
- Parvovirus: Protects against a highly contagious virus that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness.
- Adenovirus (Hepatitis): Guards against infectious canine hepatitis, which can lead to liver and kidney damage.
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough): For dogs that attend daycare, grooming, or boarding facilities.
- Leptospirosis: For dogs that spend time outdoors or in areas with standing water.
Non-Core Dog Vaccinations:
Depending on your dog’s lifestyle and risk factors, our veterinarians may recommend additional vaccines, such as:
- Canine Influenza: Protects against respiratory illness caused by the canine flu virus.
- Lyme Disease: Recommended for dogs that spend time in wooded or tick-prone areas.
Puppy Vaccinations: Building Early Immunity
Puppies should start receiving vaccinations at 6-8 weeks of age. This early immunization helps protect them during their first few months when they are most vulnerable to disease.
A typical vaccination schedule includes:
- 8 Weeks: Initial vaccinations for distemper and parvovirus.
- 12 Weeks: Booster shots and optional Bordetella or leptospirosis vaccines.
- 16 Weeks: Final boosters and rabies vaccination.
Cat Vaccinations: Keeping Your Feline Healthy
Cats also need regular vaccinations to protect against potentially life-threatening diseases. Our vaccination services include core and non-core vaccines based on your cat’s health and environment.
Core Cat Vaccinations
- Rabies: Protects against a deadly virus that can affect both cats and humans.
- Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia): Prevents a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease.
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus: Protects against common upper respiratory infections.
Non-Core Cat Vaccinations
For cats with higher exposure risks, our veterinarians may suggest:
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): Recommended for cats that go outdoors or have contact with other cats.
Kitten Vaccinations: Starting Strong
Kittens require a series of vaccinations starting at 6-8 weeks of age. Our team will establish a vaccination schedule to ensure they receive the proper shots at the right intervals.
A typical vaccination schedule includes:
- 8 Weeks: Initial vaccinations for feline distemper and respiratory diseases.
- 12 Weeks: Booster shots and FeLV are recommended.
- 16 Weeks: Final boosters and rabies vaccination.
Key Benefits of Choosing Blue Cross Animal Hospital for Pet Vaccinations
We consider your pet’s lifestyle, age, and health history when creating their vaccination plan.
Our team has extensive experience in administering vaccinations and providing post-vaccine care.
We offer flexible scheduling to help you keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date.
Keeping your pet’s vaccinations up-to-date is an important part of their overall healthcare plan. If you have questions about vaccinations or would like to schedule an appointment, contact Blue Cross Animal Hospital in Royal Oak, MI, today.