Vaccinations
Getting to Know You
Vaccinating your pet is a relatively inexpensive but very important way to protect his or her health. In addition to preventing many life-threatening illnesses, vaccinations can prevent diseases prevalent in wildlife and those that can be passed to humans. It’s important to administer vaccinations when pets are puppies and kittens because their young immune systems are still developing and need protection to stay healthy.
While any medical treatment involves some degree of risk, in the case of vaccinations, the benefits far outweigh any potential side effects. Adverse reactions are rare and usually mild and short-term when they do occur.
Need to make an appointment for pet vaccinations in Mt. Olive ? Contact us online or call 973-691-9333.
Recommended Pet Vaccines
Which vaccines should your pet have? “Core” vaccines are those recommended—and possibly mandated by law—for most pets.
Core vaccines include:
- Rabies (dogs and cats)
- DA2PPV – Distemper, Hepatitis, Adenovirus 2, Parvo and Parainfluenza (dogs)
- FVRCP – Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (cats)
Non-Core Vaccines
Other non-core, but highly suggested vaccinations for cats include FIV for feline immunodeficiency virus and FeLV to protect against feline leukemia. For dogs, bordetella and canine influenza shots are recommended if they frequent dog parks, boarding kennels, groomers, or any place where they’re socializing with other canines. Lyme and leptospirosis are other non-core vaccinations that are worth a discussion with our knowledgeable staff based on your pets risk for exposure.
It’s also important to note that even pets that live primarily indoors should be vaccinated, as they can still be exposed to disease. Your Mt. Olive veterinarians and staff can advise you which vaccinations are required or recommended for your pet based on age, health, and lifestyle. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at 973-691-9333.
Additional Information
Puppies and kittens usually start their vaccine series between 6 to 8 weeks of age. The specific schedule for pet vaccinations will depend on the type of vaccine and our veterinarian’s recommendations.
The frequency of vaccines will depend on a number of factors, including the type of pet you have. For example, you should make sure that your dog completes the initial series of core vaccines administered at the puppy stage, as well as booster shots at one year of age. Following the one-year boosters, it’s recommended that the distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus core vaccines be administered once every three years.
Additionally, some vaccination schedules are regulated by local and state law. States and municipalities govern how often rabies boosters are administered.
Non-core vaccines should be administered whenever the risk of disease is significant. For example, the kennel cough vaccine should be administered once every year or once every six months. If your pet boards a lot or goes to doggie daycare, you may consider vaccinating for kennel cough every six months.
Vaccinations play a crucial role in safeguarding your pet’s health by stimulating their immune system to fight off potential infections. By administering routine vaccinations, we can prevent serious and potentially life-threatening diseases such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and more. Not only do vaccinations protect your pet, but they also contribute to the overall health and well-being of the entire community by preventing the spread of contagious diseases.
At Mt. Olive Veterinary Hospital, we take a personalized approach to animal vaccinations, tailoring our recommendations to meet the unique needs and lifestyle of each pet. Our team of experienced veterinarians will work closely with you to develop a vaccination schedule that aligns with your pet’s age, breed, health status, and risk factors. We prioritize the safety and comfort of your pet throughout the vaccination process, ensuring a stress-free experience for both you and your furry companion.
Vaccinations can be administered during routine wellness exams. Vaccine reactions are generally nonexistent. However, if your pet does have a reaction which may include swelling or local pain, call your veterinarian immediately. Most reactions will occur soon after the vaccination.
Although some of your pet’s vaccines are administered every three years, this does not mean you should skip your pet’s yearly wellness exam. Routine wellness exams provide the opportunity for your veterinarian to detect and prevent problems at an early stage.
To schedule a routine wellness exam for your pet, or to make an appointment for pet vaccinations in Mt. Olive, contact us at 973-691-9333.