Don't Forget to Vaccinate Your Pets This Year

As a pet owner, ensuring the health and longevity of your furry friends is a top priority. Vaccinations play a crucial role in protecting pets from various diseases and conditions that can lead to serious health complications or even death. At Willow Glen Pet Hospital, we emphasize the importance of keeping your pet’s vaccinations up to date to help them lead a safe and healthy life.

How Vaccines Work

Vaccines prepare your pet’s immune system to fend off potential diseases. When your pet is vaccinated, their immune system produces antibodies targeted at specific viruses or bacteria. These antibodies are equipped to fight off infections, preventing your pet from falling ill. The benefits of vaccinating your pets include:

• Preventing Severe Illnesses: Vaccinations protect against life-threatening diseases such as rabies and distemper. Pets that are not vaccinated are at risk of contracting diseases that can lead to prolonged health issues or death.
• Access to Pet Services: Many pet services, such as boarding and grooming, require your pet to be vaccinated. This is also a requirement in many places for licensing.
• Controlling Disease Spread: Vaccinations help in controlling the spread of diseases among other animals and humans, particularly in diseases that have a latency period where symptoms aren’t immediately apparent.
• Protecting Vulnerable Pets: Young, elderly, or immunocompromised pets are particularly susceptible to diseases. Vaccinations are crucial in providing them the protection they need.
• Cost-Effectiveness: By preventing diseases, vaccinations save you the potential high costs of treating serious illnesses, which can be financially burdensome.

Importance of Adhering to Vaccination Schedules

Vaccinations are not a one-time procedure. Most vaccines require regular booster shots to maintain their effectiveness. The schedule for these boosters can vary based on the vaccine type and local regulations. For example, dogs and cats are typically required to receive rabies vaccinations every one to three years. Puppies and kittens undergo a series of vaccinations in their first year, which is crucial for their developing immune systems.

In addition to rabies and distemper, core vaccinations for pets might include:

• Canine Hepatitis (dogs)
• Parvovirus (dogs)
• Calicivirus (cats)
• Feline Herpesvirus (cats)

Depending on your pet’s lifestyle and the prevalent risks in your area, our doctors at Willow Glen Pet Hospital may also recommend non-core vaccinations such as:

• Lyme Disease (dogs)
• Leptospirosis (dogs)
• Parainfluenza (dogs)
• Feline leukemia (cats)
  – Bordetella (dogs and cats)

Schedule Your Pet’s Vaccination Today

Is your pet due for its vaccinations? Consult our doctors at Willow Glen Pet Hospital to ensure your pet stays healthy and protected throughout the year. Keeping up with your pet’s vaccination schedule is essential for their well-being and can prevent more serious health issues down the line.

For more information or to make an appointment, call us at Willow Glen Pet Hospital, (669) 342-7472. Visit us at 1033 Willow Street, San Jose, CA, 95125, US. Our hours are Monday – Saturday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. You can consult with Dr. Gillon or Dr. Shani or visit us online for more details.