Protect Your Furry Friend with Cat and Dog Vaccinations in Nanuet, NY

You already know that being fully vaccinated is vitally important for the health of you and your family. Nanuet Animal Hospital wants to remind you that cat and dog vaccinations are just as important for your pets.

Vaccination against the most common and dangerous diseases is one of the cornerstones of preventative pet health care, along with regular examinations, a good diet and proper nutrition, spaying and neutering, parasite control, and weight control.

All of these preventive measures working together make up an effective wellness care program, and cat and dog vaccinations are one of the most essential elements of its success. We can ensure that your pet is up to date with all of the vaccinations they need during the course of their regular physical examination.

a dog is about to get a vaccination

Why Vaccinations Are Important

Specific vaccines have been developed for dogs and cats to protect them from the illnesses and diseases they are most likely to encounter during their lifetime. These diseases can cause serious physical harm along with suffering and disability, and they can even be fatal if left untreated.

Some can be transmitted to people as well as other animals. It’s much better to prevent them from occurring in the first place with cat and dog vaccinations than to treat them after the disease has been contracted and has developed. Vaccinations are safe and very affordable, and they’ve been proven over many years to be very effective. They are a small but important investment in the health and well-being of your pet.

Types Of Cat And Dog Vaccinations

Cats and dogs share the risk of some types of disease, but others are specific to their species. This means that some of the vaccines they need are the same but some are different. Core vaccines are the primary types that all cats or dogs are given, while others may be recommended for your individual pet depending on a number of factors. After an examination and assessment, your vet will determine if your pet should have a recommended vaccine administered based on their breed, age, medical history, lifestyle, and home environment.

Dog Vaccinations

Core Vaccinations for Dogs
Rabies
Parvovirus
Distemper
Leptospirosis
Recommended Vaccinations
Bordetella
Canine Influenza

Cat Vaccinations

Core Vaccinations for Cats
Rabies
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
Calicivirus
Panleukopenia (FVRCP)
Recommended Vaccinations
Feline leukemia

The Vaccine Schedule

Cat and dog vaccinations take place in stages over time. It begins with an initial vaccination and then proceeds with a series of booster injections as needed until they are fully vaccinated. Dogs and cats will both receive their initial shots when they are about six to eight weeks of age, then you’ll bring them back to the office for their booster shots every few weeks afterward. Your veterinarian in Nanuet may recommend that they get a booster each year depending on their level of risk and lifestyle.

Rabies vaccination is legally required in all states in the U.S. for both cats and dogs. The first shots are usually administered when they are about 14 to 16 weeks of age and then they’ll need a booster shot in a year. They may require additional booster shots every few years after that.

Vaccine Titer Service

We can also provide what’s known as titer testing for older cats and dogs. Although vaccination is perfectly safe for senior pets, we can test a sample of their blood in our lab to determine what type and amount of antibodies are already present in their bodies. If the test determines that they are already protected against a disease, then they won’t require a vaccination, which saves you time and money.

Other Pet Care Services

Initial or booster vaccinations for cats and dogs can be quickly performed while your pet is in our office for their annual physical check-up. While you’re here, ask your vet about our other pet wellness program measures like spaying and neutering, diagnostic testing, a dental exam and teeth cleaning, and parasite control and prevention.

a dog and a cat lying in a furry carpet

Our office is committed to providing quality health care for pets that are young, old, and in between, and pet wellness is intended to keep your pet happy, healthy, and vigorous at every stage of their lives.

We can provide dietary counseling, assessing your pet’s individual needs, and recommending the best foods and supplements for their age, breed, size, and health condition. We can also help if your pet is exhibiting unwanted behavior, such as excessive barking, chewing and scratching on furniture and other items, spraying in the house, digging in the yard, or aggressive behavior.

We can offer advice on correcting the behavior, and if necessary, we can arrange for an animal trainer to come to your home to provide personal correctional training. Just ask, we can probably give you good advice on any questions about pets.

Making sure your pet is fully vaccinated is one of the most important ways you can protect their health. To find out more about cat and dog vaccination, or to schedule an appointment, contact the Nanuet Animal Hospital by giving us a call at (845) 623-4469.