Pets love exploring the world around them, romping in the yard, greeting other pets and animals, smelling flowers and plants. Dogs and cats living in Florida enjoy a warmer climate and more year-round playtime, and Shewmaker Animal Hospital wants to remind pet owners in LaBelle, FL to keep their furry family members safe with pet vaccinations. Read on for important facts about vaccinations from our veterinarian.
Q: How are pets exposed to diseases?
A: If your pet plays outdoors or even goes out to the bathroom, the chances are high that they will cross paths with animals in the wild who have a much higher chance of carrying diseases. It takes very little contact with them to transmit diseases like rabies or distemper to your pets. These diseases can also be transmitted through bacteria and viruses on the ground, in water, or food sources.
Your daily excursions also invite the possibility of escape and exposure, however brief. Rabies, distemper, and other such diseases are difficult or impossible to treat and often fatal. Prevention via quick and easy pet vaccinations is a far safer option than leaving your pet unprotected.
Q: How do pet vaccinations work?
A: Our veterinarian uses a syringe or intranasal dispenser to give your pet the inoculation, either in the muscle or subcutaneously. Doses contain a small amount of the disease formulated to safely introduce it into your pet’s system. The great advantage of this comes in when the immune system is triggered to identify this new threat and build an arsenal against it. If your pet does come into contact with the disease, antibodies will already be prepared to attack it and keep the animal from getting ill.
Q: Which pet vaccinations will benefit my cat or dog the most?
A: Talk with our veterinarian to determine the most likely threats to your pet based on their breed, lifestyle, and location. Shewmaker Animal Hospital is happy to share their knowledge of common diseases in the LaBelle, FL region. all pets should at least receive the core vaccines recommended for them, which include distemper, calicivirus, rabies, and rhinotracheitis for cats. All dogs should be vaccinated for rabies, hepatitis, distemper, and parvovirus. Pet vaccinations against additional illnesses that pose a serious threat should be added after that. Our veterinarian will develop a schedule for shots which may include boosters to follow initial immunizations.
Veterinarian in LaBelle, FL
If you need pet vaccinations in LaBelle, FL, the veterinary professionals at Shewmaker Animal Hospital are ready to assist you. For more information or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian, call us at (863) 675-2441.