Our Veterinary Answers Your Questions About Pet Vaccinations in Greensboro

Administering injections to a healthy pet might seem counterintuitive to you -- unless those injections contain pet vaccines. Periodic vaccinations in Greensboro could save your pet's health or even his life from some of the most pervasive disease threats in the animal world. Here are some frequently asked questions about vaccinations -- with answers from our caring duo of veterinarians at West Market Veterinary Hospital.

What are pet vaccines?

Pet vaccines are essentially "stand-ins" for the actual diseases we mean to protect your pet against. the vaccines themselves are non-infectious, but they contain microbial DNA that makes the pet's immune system think that a pathogen has entered the bloodstream. Large numbers of antibodies are then quickly manufactured to guard against that particular germ.

Why do pets need vaccinations?

Pets have functional immune systems, but those systems have experienced no actual disease exposure and thus have produced no antibodies against common killer diseases. Puppies and kittens borrow some protection from their mother's milk, but once they are weaned, they're on their own. Vaccinations help them create their own immunity without suffering actual disease exposure.

How early should my puppy or kitten start receiving Greensboro pet vaccinations?

Most puppies and kittens should receive their first DHPP injection (which contains several "core," or essential, pet vaccines) at the age of 6 weeks. Additional DHPP and rabies injections during a pet's first year will then reinforce that disease protection.

Why does my adult pet continue to need vaccinations?

Vaccines don't let for the life of your pet --and as their potency fades, so does your pet's immunity. Updates known as booster shots are therefore required at specific intervals (depending on the duration of the vaccine in question) so your pet never becomes vulnerable.

How will I know when it's time to update my pet's vaccinations?

We will give you a schedule to help you stay on top of those all-important booster shots. Our records can also tell us when it's time to include such shots as part of an annual wellness exam.

Which core vaccinations does every dog or cat need?

Dogs require core vaccinations against rabies, hepatitis, canine, distemper, and parvovirus. Cats require core vaccinations against rabies, feline distemper, feline herpesvirus type 1 and feline calicivirus.

Which non-core vaccinations do you recommend, and why?

Non-core vaccinations are recommended when your pet faces environment-specific disease risks. Examples include Lyme disease vaccination for dogs exposed to ticks, and canine influenza or feline Bordetella vaccinations for pets who will be in close quarters with other animals.

West Market Veterinary Hospital Is Your Source for Greensboro Pet Vaccinations

If your pet has never been vaccinated, is due for booster shots, or is now in a situation that calls for specific elective vaccinations, you'll find all the answers to your needs here at West Market Veterinary Hospital. Call (336) 292-4753 today to learn more and schedule Greensboro pet vaccinations!