Pet Vaccinations in Leland, NC

Vaccinations for Dogs & Cats

Advances in modern veterinary medicine allow dogs, cats, and other pets to live longer, healthier, happier lives due to the prevalence of safe, effective vaccines. These vaccines protect pets from harmful and sometimes deadly infectious diseases, such as distemper, rabies, and other illnesses.

At Brunswick Forest Veterinary Hospital, we offer a full range of pet vaccinations in Leland, NC. Our veterinarians and vet techs can help you create a customized vaccination schedule for your dog or cat, ensuring that they get the proper preventative care they need. To learn more or to schedule an appointment for your pet, reach out to our friendly team today.

You can reach us online or by phone at (910) 335-8560. We look forward to hearing from you!

The Benefits of Vaccinating Your Pet Against Common Illnesses

Vaccinating your pet against common illnesses is one of the best steps you can take to keep them healthy, safe, and happy. Pet vaccinations have been directly linked to a lowered risk of illness, less severe symptoms, and longer lifespans in dogs and cats.

Some of the many benefits of pet vaccinations include:

• Protecting your pet from common and less common illnesses, including fatal diseases
• Helping your pet establish a strong immune system from an early age
• Preventing the spread of certain illnesses (such as rabies) to humans
• Complying with local and/or state pet vaccination laws
• Avoiding having to treat preventable illnesses/pay for costly treatment
• Improving your pet’s overall health, comfort, and safety

Failing to vaccinate your pet can lead to a heightened risk of illness and, in some cases, death. Without the proper vaccines, your dog or cat is vulnerable to serious diseases, such as rabies, feline or canine distemper, Lyme disease, kennel cough, hepatitis, canine influenza, canine parvovirus, feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and heartworm disease. While some pets react poorly to vaccines, this is rare. In general, the benefits far outweigh the risks when it comes to vaccinating your pet.

What Types of Vaccines Are Recommended for Dogs & Cats?

All pets should receive “core” vaccines, which are specific vaccines that are widely considered to be necessary for all dogs and cats. They should also receive boosters on a regular basis to ensure that their vaccines are up to date. Pet owners can also choose to vaccinate their dogs and cats against less common illnesses; these are known as elective vaccines.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the core vaccines for dogs include:

• Canine hepatitis
• Canine parvovirus
• Distemper
• Rabies

The ASPCA also recommends the following core vaccines for cats:

• Feline calicivirus
• Feline herpesvirus type I (rhinotracheitis)
• Panleukopenia
• Rabies

Recommended non-core vaccines for dogs include:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica
• Borrelia burgdorferi
• Leptospira bacteria

Additionally, recommended non-core vaccines for cats include:

• Bordetella
• Chlamydophila felis
• Feline immunodeficiency virus
• Feline leukemia virus

At Brunswick Forest Veterinary Hospital, we can recommend which vaccines are best for your pet depending on various factors, including age, lifestyle, overall health, exposure risk, and more. Schedule an appointment with our team today to learn more about our pet vaccinations in Leland, NC.

How Often to Schedule Pet Vaccines

Your pet’s exact vaccine schedule — including both the types of vaccines they should receive and how frequently they should receive them — depends on their age, medical history, lifestyle, environment, and other unique factors.

Generally speaking, however, puppies should begin receiving core vaccines when they are between six and eight weeks old. A veterinarian should administer these vaccines every three to four weeks, with the final dose administered when the puppy is 16 weeks old. Kittens should also begin receiving core vaccines between six and eight weeks old, at three- to four-week intervals, with the final dose at 16 weeks. Adult dogs and cats should receive boosters or be revaccinated for certain diseases every year or every three years, depending on various factors.

Schedule a Vaccination for Your Pet with Brunswick Forest Veterinary Hospital Today

If you would like to schedule pet vaccinations in Leland, NC, get in touch with Brunswick Forest Veterinary Hospital today. We can help you determine the right vaccine schedule for your dog or cat to ensure their optimal health. We want to help your pet live their happiest, healthiest, and longest life possible — get in touch with us today to learn more!

Call our office at (910) 335-8560 or contact us online to speak to one of our friendly and professional team members.