Vaccinations

A cat receiving a vaccination in Houston, TX

Young animals are like kids–it’s a never-ending job to keep them safe and happy. Vaccinating your pet is a relatively inexpensive but very important way to protect his or her health. In addition to preventing many life-threatening illnesses, vaccinations can prevent diseases prevalent in wildlife and those that can be passed to humans. It’s important to administer vaccinations when pets are puppies and kittens because their young immune systems are still developing and need protection to stay healthy.

While any medical treatment involves some degree of risk, in the case of vaccinations, the benefits far outweigh any potential side effects. Adverse reactions are rare and usually mild and short-term when they do occur. Getting your new pet their puppy shots or kitten shots is an important way to maintain their health.

Core Dog & Cat Vaccines

Which vaccines should your pet have? “Core” vaccines are those recommended—and possibly mandated by law—for most pets.

Core pet vaccines include:

  • Rabies (dog and cat vaccines)
  • DA2PPV – Distemper, Hepatitis, Adenovirus 2, Parvo and Parainfluenza (dog vaccine)
  • FVRCP – Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (cat vaccine)

Highly Recommended Pet Vaccines

Other non-core, but highly suggested vaccinations for cats include FIV for feline immunodeficiency virus and FeLV to protect against feline leukemia. For dogs, bordetella and canine influenza shots are recommended if they frequent dog parks, boarding kennels, or any place where they’re socializing with other canines.

It’s also important to note that even pets who live primarily indoors should be vaccinated, as they can still be exposed to a disease.

Schedule Dog & Cat Vaccines in Houston, TX

Your Jersey Village Animal Hospital veterinarian can advise you which vaccinations are required or recommended for your pet based on age, health, and lifestyle. For more information about pet vaccinations or to schedule vaccinations for your dog or cat, call us at 713-466-8542.