Keeping your pets vaccinated is crucial for their health and happiness. At Sydney Animal Hospitals, we provide preventive care to protect your furry friends against common and serious infections. Regular vaccinations make pets more likely to lead longer, healthier lives.
All pets, from energetic puppies to wise old cats, need timely vaccinations. Our experienced team is ready to support you every step of the way, providing custom advice to suit your pet’s specific health needs.
Why Vaccinate Your Pets?
Vaccinations are essential for your pets’ health, shielding them from serious illnesses. They also keep human family members safe by preventing the spread of diseases from pets to people. Here’s why staying up-to-date with vaccinations matters:
- Disease Prevention: Vaccines prevent illnesses that severely affect your pet’s health. Some illnesses are fatal.
- Cost Savings: Avoiding these illnesses means fewer vet visits for disease treatment, which can be costly.
- Community Health: Vaccinating your pets protects the wider community, as some pet diseases can be passed to humans.
Ensuring your pets are vaccinated according to schedule is one of the simplest ways to prevent serious health issues. Prevention is better than a cure.
Special Vaccination Program: LifeVac
At Sydney Animal Hospitals, we offer the LifeVac program, a comprehensive vaccination package designed to provide lifelong protection for your pets. This program is tailored to puppies and kittens, ensuring they receive all essential vaccinations and health checks as they grow. LifeVac is exclusive to Sydney Animal Hospitals.
Benefits of LifeVac:
- Comprehensive coverage from early stages through to adult life.
- Tailored health checks to ensure optimal development.
- Peace of mind knowing your pet has full protection.
For more details about our LifeVac program and how it can benefit your pet, visit our LifeVac page.
Core vs. Non-Core Pet Vaccinations
Understanding the distinction between core and non-core vaccinations is vital for ensuring your pets receive the appropriate preventive care. Here’s a closer look at each type:
Core Pet Vaccinations
Core vaccinations are crucial for all pets, regardless of their lifestyle. These vaccines are recommended to protect pets from highly contagious, severe, and potentially fatal diseases. They are essential because they cover diseases that pets are most likely exposed to or pose significant health risks.
Examples include:
- Dogs: Canine distemper, canine parvovirus and hepatitis
- Cats: Feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus type I, and feline panleukopenia.
These vaccines are administered to all pets to ensure they have the foundational immunity to protect them against widespread diseases.
Non-Core Pet Vaccinations
Non-core vaccinations are selectively administered based on a pet’s specific risk factors. These factors include geographic location, lifestyle, and the prevalence of certain diseases in the area. Non-core vaccines are tailored to individual pets to protect them from diseases they risk encountering based on their unique circumstances.
Examples include:
- Dogs: Bordetella bronchiseptica for kennel cough, leptospirosis
- Cats: Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and Feline Infectious Virus (FIV)
The decision to administer these vaccines is made in consultation with your veterinarian, who will assess factors such as your pet’s exposure to other animals, outdoor access, and travel habits.
Learn More About Dog & Cat Vaccinations
Please visit our dedicated pages for detailed information on vaccinations specific to dogs and cats. These resources are designed to help you understand what your pet needs to stay healthy and safe:
Dog Vaccinations: Discover the necessary vaccinations for your dog based on their age and health needs.
Cat Vaccinations: Learn about the essential vaccinations your cat requires and how they can keep them from common feline diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Vaccinations
Here are some of the most common questions we receive about pet vaccinations, answered to help you make informed decisions about your pet’s health care.
Why are vaccinations necessary for pets?
Vaccinations are crucial in protecting your pets from various infectious diseases, some of which can be severe or even fatal. Vaccinating your pets ensures their health and reduces the spread of certain diseases to other animals and humans.
What is the best age to start vaccinations for puppies and kittens?
Puppies and kittens should start their vaccination courses from about 8 weeks of age. This early protection helps to shield them from common diseases as their immune system develops.
How often should my pet be vaccinated?
After the initial vaccinations, your pet typically needs annual boosters to maintain their immunity. However, the frequency can vary depending on the type of vaccine and your pet’s overall health, lifestyle, and risk factors. Consult your vet for a vaccination schedule tailored to your pet’s needs.
Are there any side effects of vaccinations?
While most pets handle vaccinations well, some may experience mild side effects such as temporary lethargy or soreness at the injection site. Serious side effects are rare, but you must contact your vet if you notice any unusual symptoms after a vaccination.
What should I do if my pet reacts to a vaccine?
If you suspect your pet is reacting to a vaccine, such as prolonged lethargy, swelling at the injection site, or difficulty breathing, contact your veterinarian immediately. Prompt attention can ensure your pet’s safety and well-being.