Hooray! You’re the proud new owner of an adorable life-long companion. Your new pet will require quality care, beginning with vaccinations. Vaccines protect your pet from diseases that can result in organ damage and a shortened lifespan. To give our patients the best quality of life, we provide all the vaccines they need.
When should my puppy or dog be vaccinated?
In general, puppies are vaccinated in three doses when they are 8, 12, and 16-weeks-old. It’s important that your puppy begins to build up their immunity since maternal antibodies aren’t sufficient. If your puppy’s vaccines are delayed, or they miss a dose, it can put their health at risk. As an adult, your dog will need boosters every 1 to 3 years. Your puppy or dog should be vaccinated against Rabies and DHP (Canine Distemper, Canine Hepatitis, and Canine Parvovirus).
We encourage pet owners to discuss their pet’s vaccine schedule with one of our veterinarians at 289-278-6001.
What other vaccines would my pet need?
Non-core vaccines are pet-specific. A veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s risks and then decide if your pet needs them. Some non-core vaccines for dogs are:
● Bordetella: Protects pets from kennel cough, which causes breathing problems, lung infection, and runny nose.
● Leptospirosis: This disease will result in kidney and liver damage. It is contracted through contaminated water or infected urine or tissue from other animals.
● Lyme disease: This is spread by ticks. Your pet will have joint pain, kidney damage, and inflammation.
Why would my pet need additional vaccines?
Here at Cavan Hills, we treat our patients individually by deciding which vaccines they need for ultimate protection. The following situations may cause your pet to need additional vaccines:
1. Where your pet lives or visits frequently. Dogs who hunt in heavily forested areas with wild animals will need additional vaccines.
2. Your pet travels to other countries or provinces. Some diseases or parasites are more prevalent in certain areas, and your pet must be protected if they travel there.
3. If your pet goes to doggy daycare or boarding, they are exposed to diseases from other pets.
4. Where your pet comes from determines the vaccines they’ll need. Strays, animals from breeders, shelters, or pet stores will have different vaccination needs.