It's National Immunization Month: Are Your Pet's Vaccines Up to Date?

August is National Immunization Month, and our veterinarians at Bramalea Animal Hospital like to use the opportunity to remind pet owners about the importance of vaccinating new pets and keeping their current pet’s vaccines up to date.
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How to Stay Up to Date on Your Pet's Vaccines

Know When to Vaccinate Your Pets

Puppies and kittens begin their vaccine schedules at around six to eight weeks of age. During the first year of life, young animals need frequent booster shots. They will receive a second booster at ten to twelve weeks of age. Their final vaccine will be at 14 -16 weeks of age. After they reach maturity, most pets require boosters annually, depending on the type of vaccines they receive.

Know Which Vaccines Your Pets Need

Pet vaccines fall into two categories: core and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines include those that are required by law or recommended for all pets. Non-core vaccines are optional treatments that are recommended for pets on a case-by-case basis based on the pet’s environment, lifestyle, and likely exposure risk.

Don't Delay or Miss Wellness and Preventive Care Appointments

Most vaccines are only effective for about a year, and pets need booster shots annually to ensure their ongoing protection from dangerous, contagious diseases. Missing or delaying these booster shot appointments could put your pet at risk of contracting a serious illness.

When in Doubt, Ask a Veterinarian

If you aren’t sure about your pet’s vaccines or vaccine schedule, we recommend talking with a veterinarian about the best way to protect your pet.
If you are uncertain about the vaccines your pet has already had or when they last had them, we can perform titer tests (a type of blood test) to determine whether your pet has received certain vaccines or whether they are in need of boosters. If your pet’s vaccine records are on file with our office, we can let you know when their next booster shot appointment should be.

Wellness and Preventative Pet Care in Brampton

Our veterinarians at Bramalea Animal Hospital place a strong emphasis on wellness and preventative care for pets. Taking steps to protect your pets from preventable illnesses not only protects their health and safety but also yours. Plus, prevention is always simpler and less expensive than treating a contagious disease (if the disease can even be treated). To learn more about vaccines for pets or to schedule an appointment for your dog or cat, we welcome you to contact us today.
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