Importance of Pet Vaccinations

Importance of Pet Vaccinations

It’s important to know when and what vaccinations are necessary to protect your pets from preventable illnesses. El Paso Veterinarians Dr. Vicki Dashley and Dr. Alfredo Lara, TLC Animal Hospital, want you to have the answers to make the best decisions for your pet.

Why Vaccinate?

Vaccination against common pet diseases can save your pet from devastating and costly illness, and possibly death. Vaccines teach the body to recognize specific disease-causing organisms, and how to build antibodies to defeat them. When your pet is exposed to a disease it has been vaccinated against, the body remembers what to do, and builds antibodies quickly to fight the disease.

When to Vaccinate?

Puppies and kittens get short-lived immunity from their mother’s milk. That immunity starts to fade by 6 to 8 weeks of age. Your pet’s immune system is then ready to start building long-lasting immunity, but that will take time because its immune system is immature. Our veterinarians at TLC Animal Hospital will advise you when to start a series of vaccinations to ensure your pet is protected. Vaccinations are usually given every 3-4 weeks until your pet is about 4-5 months old, and has a fully functioning immune system. Revaccination to boost immunity is recommended at different intervals for different diseases.

What Vaccinations are Necessary/Recommended?

Dog Vaccination: The common vaccine-preventable diseases dogs are vaccinated against in El Paso include rabies, distemper, bordatella, parainfluenza, parvovirus, and hepatitis.

Cat Vaccination: Cats in El Paso are usually vaccinated against rabies, herpes virus, panleukopenia, calicivirus, and feline leukemia.

Rabies is a serious threat. It can spread to humans, and is nearly always fatal, so rabies vaccination is required by law. There are several other diseases for which vaccines exist, including some that can be spread to humans.

Get In Touch With Our Local Veterinarians in El Paso Today!

If you’re looking for an El Paso veterinarian to guide you in protecting your pet throughout its life, Doctors Dashley and Lara can help. Our veterinarians at TLC Animal Hospital can advise you on all aspects of pet parenting, including vaccination. Call us at 915-592-6200 for information, or to schedule an appointment.