Vaccinations

Why Vaccinating Your Pet is Essential

Vaccinations are one of the best ways to ensure your pet lives a long, healthy life. Just like children, young pets need special care to stay safe from illness. Vaccinating your pet provides crucial protection against a variety of potentially life-threatening diseases, many of which can be passed from wildlife or even humans. Early vaccination is especially important for puppies and kittens since their immune systems are still developing, leaving them more vulnerable to infections.

At Cactus Creek Animal Hospital, we recommend vaccinations not just for young pets, but for adult and senior pets as well. Even if your pet is primarily indoors, diseases can still be introduced through you or other pets.

Core and Non-Core Vaccines for Pets

We classify vaccines into two categories: Core vaccines, which are essential for all pets, and Non-Core vaccines, which are recommended based on your pet’s lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown:

Core Vaccines for Dogs:

• Rabies (Required by law)
• DAP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus)
• Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
• Leptospirosis

Core Vaccines for Cats:

• Rabies (Required by law)
• FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)

Non-Core Vaccines for Dogs:

• Canine Influenza (Highly recommended if your dog visits dog parks, boarding facilities, or socializes with other dogs)

Non-Core Vaccines for Cats:

• FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus – recommended for cats with outdoor exposure)

Vaccine Safety and Benefits

While all medical treatments carry some level of risk, vaccinations are incredibly safe. Serious side effects are rare and typically mild, such as a brief fever or slight lethargy. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh these rare reactions, offering peace of mind that your pet is protected against serious and potentially fatal diseases.

How Often Should My Pet Be Vaccinated?

The timing and frequency of vaccinations will depend on your pet’s age, health status, and lifestyle. Your Cactus Creek Animal Hospital veterinarian will guide you in creating a vaccination schedule tailored to your pet’s needs.

To schedule an appointment, contact Cactus Creek Animal Hospital at (702) 675-3800 or make an appointment online.