If Only They Could Live Forever
Anyone who’s lost a pet knows the sadness and emptiness that follows. Our pets, fur babies, or whatever other fond nickname you have for them fill a spot in our lives that no one else can. They’re our source of comic relief, occasional frustration, and, perhaps, the only true unconditional love we have. If only they could live forever!
Only The Best
We delight in all our pet’s antics because they hold such a unique place in our hearts. It gives us joy to give them a new toy, share a long walk, or, simply, to be together. Obviously, we want only the best for the pets who add meaning to our days. The best includes lots of love, healthy food, a few well-chosen treats, and good veterinary care. After all – our babies deserve to receive all the good they give.
Good Pet Healthcare
Choosing a vet can be as personal as choosing your own doctor. Your vet wants the same thing you do – for your pet to live a long, healthy, happy life. Of course, your pet’s vet can provide sick care, but they can also provide preventive care to ensure that your pet doesn’t get sick.
Part of good wellness and preventive care for your pet is vaccination. Immunizing your pet against disease safeguards them from illness and helps to ensure that they’ll be part of your life for as long as possible.
As part of their regular wellness routine, your veterinarian can administer some vaccines that are necessary and others that are highly recommended based on your pet’s lifestyle. August is National Immunization Awareness Month, making it a great time to determine which vaccines will help protect your pet.
Immunizations
There are two different kinds of vaccines available for pets: core and recommended. Core vaccines protect your pet (and sometimes you and your family) from diseases that are most severe or those that are easily contracted. Recommended vaccines are for diseases your pet may encounter based on whether they spend a lot of time indoors or outdoors, what other animals they come in contact with, and where you live in the US. There are differing recommendations for dogs and cats.
Core vaccines for dogs include:
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Hepatitis
- Adenovirus
- Parainfluenza
While core vaccines for cats include:
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Rhinotracheitis
Recommended vaccines can be based on your geographical location. In some areas, immunization against diseases like Bordetella (parvovirus) are considered core vaccines while in other geographical regions they’re not. Vaccines like those against leptospirosis are technically considered recommended vaccines, but are strongly encouraged because of the prevalence of the disease locally. Other recommended canine vaccines are immunizations against:
- Lyme disease
- Kennel cough
Recommended feline immunizations can help protect your cat from:
- Feline leukemia
- Chlamydophila (similar to pink eye in humans)
- Bordetella
- FIP (feline infectious peritonitis)
South Hyland Pet Hospital
For those in the Bloomington, MN area, South Hyland Pet Hospital provides wellness and preventative care tailored to your pet’s unique needs. We’re here to help protect your pet, whom we look after as though they were our own. Contact us today for an appointment to ensure your pet’s wellness.
