One of the best ways to protect your dog or cat from diseases is to have it vaccinated. Vaccines help train your pet's immune system to protect it against life-threatening diseases. These vaccine questions from Doggie Dude Ranch in Ames, IA, explain more about the role vaccinations play in protecting pets.
How is my dog or cat exposed to diseases?
Outdoor pets can be exposed to diseases from other animals they meet when walking or playing outdoors. Contagious diseases can be easily transmitted between animals or through viruses in a pet's environment. Indoor pets can get a disease from playing with a neighbor's pet or coming into contact with a sick pet at the vet's office.
Why is it important to vaccinate my pet?
Some diseases like rabies have no cure and can lead to death. However, these diseases can be prevented by having your pet vaccinated. Vaccinating your pet safeguards it from deadly diseases. Vaccination can curtail the spread of pet diseases to protect other animals and you as well, as some pet diseases can spread to people. Your pet can be safely vaccinated by our Ames veterinarian.
Which vaccines should my dog or cat get?
Our veterinarian recommends core vaccines for all pets. These vaccines protect pets against the most serious diseases that can lead to death. Core vaccines for dogs include canine distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, and rabies. Core vaccines for cats include rabies, feline panleukopenia, feline calicivirus, and feline viral rhinotracheitis. If your pet is at high risk of other diseases due to where you live or your pet's lifestyle, our Ames vet may recommend non-core vaccines as protection against these specific diseases.
How often does my pet need boosters?
Booster shots are required to keep your pet protected long-term. After evaluating your pet's health and lifestyle, our Ames vet will customize a vaccination schedule suited to its needs. As your dog or cat grows older, we may adjust its vaccine schedule to accommodate changes in its health or lifestyle.
Why do puppies and kittens need a series of vaccines?
Young pets need a series of vaccines to protect them from diseases after they're weaned and no longer receive antibodies from their mother's milk. Our Ames veterinarian can start vaccinating your pup or kit around eight weeks of age. We'll then administer booster shots every three weeks until your pet is around 16 weeks old. After that, we'll put your pet on a vaccination schedule conducive to its breed, health, and lifestyle.
Visit Us for Pet Vaccinations in Ames, IA
To schedule an appointment at Doggie Dude Ranch for pet vaccinations, contact our team at (515) 382-1444 today.
