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Pet Vaccination FAQ

Learn more about what vaccines are available for your pet and when/how often pets should be vaccinated:

Q: What is a vaccine?

A: Vaccines are shots that trigger an immune response in your pet in order to help them fight future infections and disease. They can also lessen the severity of certain diseases and infection.

Q: Is vaccinating my pet important?

A: For certain things, yes. Experts agree that widespread vaccination in pets has prevented disease and death in millions of animals in the last hundred years. Your pet should even be vaccinated for diseases that are now uncommon.

Q: What vaccinations should my pet receive?

A: There are “core vaccines” that are recommended for most pets, including rabies, feline panleukopenia, feline calicivirus infection, canine distemper, canine hepatitis, etc.), but others will be determined by your veterinarian based on your pet’s lifestyle and risk for disease.

Q: How often should my pet receive vaccines?

A: Certain vaccines should be given annually, while some can be given less or more frequently. Again, this depends on your pet’s individual needs. Your vet will customize a plan that is best suited for your pet’s health.

Q: Are there any risks associated with vaccination?

A: While vaccinations protect your animal from a wide variety of illnesses and infectious diseases, as with all medical procedures, they do come with some risk. Serious adverse responses are very rare, however. Your veterinarian carefully selects the specific vaccines, as well as the injection site, based on your pet’s health and needs in order to minimize any risk.

Q: What can I expect following my pet’s vaccination?

A: There may be some short-term side effects following a vaccination; these depend on what the specific vaccination is, so speak with your vet to know exactly what to expect once you bring your pet home. If you notice the following, seek emergency veterinary treatment right away:

  • Persistent vomiting and diarrhea
  • Itchy, bumpy skin
  • Swelling around the face, neck or eyes
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Collapse

If you have any additional questions about vaccinations for your pet, or if you would like to get started with a customized vaccination plan, contact Metropolitan Veterinary Center today at 312.583.1921.

 

Courtesy of the American Veterinary Medical Association

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