General Information
Many diseases that were once considered fatal to dogs and
cats are now under control due to the use of modern vaccines.
Vaccinating your pets is a simple procedure that is routinely done by all
veterinarians. Vaccinations are safe, effective and very important for
your pet's health. When administered into the body, vaccinations stimulate the immune
system. This allows it to
quickly respond with the production of antibodies to neutralize the virus
when the pet is exposed later in life.
Young pets are usually given their first set of vaccinations around six to eight weeks of age. Booster vaccinations are given every three to four weeks until the pet is fully immunized. Thereafter, vaccinations are typically boostered each one to three years depending on the type of vaccine. The yearly vaccination visit provides a good opportunity for a complete physical exam for the pet. This medical examination is important for assessing general health and detecting emerging medical problems
A few pets will have reactions the vaccinations. These reactions are usually very mild and last for a short period. Muscle aches, slight fever, lethargy and lack of appetite are the most common side effects. It is rare for a pet to have a more severe reaction, and if it does, the most common signs are vomiting, swelling of the face, and hives. If a a reaction to the vaccination occurs, a veterinarian should be contacted.
