Vaccinations
Pets can live longer, healthier lives than ever before, thanks to preventive vaccines that protect them from deadly infectious diseases. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) states that the increased use of vaccinations in pets over the last century has prevented the sickness and death of millions of animals.
At Muir Oaks Veterinary Hospital, we will tailor a vaccination schedule and an ongoing booster routine taking into account your pet's lifestyle, overall health, and the risk for exposure to infectious diseases.
Not every pet needs every vaccine available. Some are considered "core vaccines" and need to be administered to all pets, whereas "non-core vaccines” are optional and may be recommended based on different factors.
Core Vaccinations
Certain vaccinations must be administered to your furry friends. For dogs, these include rabies and DHPP vaccines. The DHPP vaccine helps protect against distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. We also recommend lifelong heartworm prevention administered every month. When it comes to cats, the core vaccines include the feline distemper vaccine, which protects against feline herpes, calici, and panleukopenia. Just like dogs, your cats are required to receive a rabies vaccination.
Non-Core Vaccinations
The non-core vaccinations your pets will require will depend on various factors. Dogs who are socialized or those who are boarded may require the canine influenza vaccine, along with the Bordetella vaccine, which protects against kennel cough. Cats, on the other hand, will need the feline leukemia vaccine if they go outside the home. We may also recommend the Bordetella vaccine depending on your cat’s needs. Many pet parents are not aware that cats are also susceptible to kennel cough.