Pet Health

Importance of Vaccinating Your Pets

By March 6, 2020March 31st, 2021No Comments
Vaccinations of Dogs in Pflugerville, TX

Local, state, and federal laws mandate certain vaccines for specific animals. But, setting up a vaccination schedule is more about giving your pet a long, healthy life. To help the general public in and around Pflugerville understand the importance of vaccinating pets is the goal of our veterinary team at Central Texas Animal Hospital.

Why Vaccines Matter

Vaccines trigger immune system responses to prepare and fight future disease-causing agents. They stimulate the production of antibodies to eliminate invading organisms. However, it is important to note that not all vaccinations stop diseases, but they do decrease the severity of whatever diseases the vaccine targets. Similar to a human flu vaccine, you may catch the flu, but your body fights it hard enough to avoid the most severe symptoms.

The Top Reasons to Vaccinate Your Pet

Vaccinating a pet saves you overall healthcare costs for the cat or dog
Local, state, and federal law mandates specific vaccines for household pets
Pets are safe from wildlife diseases like rabies and distemper when vaccinated
Vaccines help protect pets and owners from transmitting the disease from animal to animal and pet to humans

Two Types of Vaccines

The two types of vaccines, core and non-core, are part of a recommended vaccination schedule by any veterinarian. Lifestyle, geographical location, and whether the animal is an indoor or outdoor pet factor in what non-core vaccinations are best for it.

Core Vaccines:

  • Parvovirus
  • Distemper
  • Canine hepatitis
  • Rabies
  • Panleukopenia (feline distemper)
  • Feline calicivirus
  • Feline herpesvirus type I (rhinotracheitis)

Non-Core Vaccines:

  • Bordetella bronchiseptica
  • Borrelia burgdorferi
  • Leptospira bacteria
  • Feline immunodeficiency virus

Pet vaccines are vital for a healthy pet. But, to ensure that it remains healthy at all times, a vet will need to set up a vaccination schedule for the pet. The reason for making a vaccination plan is that some vaccines do not last a year, while others last longer.

Contact Our Veterinary Team to Schedule Your Pet’s Vaccinations

Serving the Pflugerville area, at Central Texas Animal Hospital we provide the best pet care available. Contact us today to schedule a pet wellness visit and to establish a vaccination schedule to keep your pet happy and healthy for years to come. Our phone number is 512-251-BARK.