If you’re the proud owner of a pet, then it’s important that you maintain a pet vaccination schedule. A lot of people don’t realize that just like humans, pets, such as dogs and cats, require yearly vaccinations. To help spread awareness of this fact, August is National Pet Immunization Awareness Month.

What Vaccinations Should Your Pets Get?

There are two types of vaccines that your pets may require. The first type of vaccinations is called “core vaccinations.” These are absolutely necessary. For dogs, they include canine parvovirus, canine hepatitis, canine distemper, and rabies shots. For cats, they include rabies, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus type I, and feline distemper shots.

The second type of vaccination is called a non-core vaccination. These vaccinations depend on the lifestyle and specific risks of your pet. Some of these non-core vaccinations for dogs include Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and canine cough shots. For cats, they include feline leukemia virus and bacterial upper respiratory infection vaccinations.

The following are a few examples of lifestyle risks that may warrant a non-core vaccination:

• You board your pets regularly when going on vacation
• You take your pets to the groomer on a regular basis
• You take your dog to the dog park or other areas where other dogs are
• Your backyard is shared with wildlife (such as an area where deer, raccoons, and other wildlife venture)

Setting Up a Pet Vaccination Schedule

Initial vaccines against certain diseases common amongst dogs and cats can be given to your pets in California once they reach six weeks of age. Once these vaccines are administered, booster shots are often required to ensure that these vaccines remain effective. Boosters are usually required the first year following the initial vaccination and then every three years afterward.

Get Your Pets Vaccinated

It’s vital to the health of your pets that you get them vaccinated. To determine whether your pet needs non-core vaccinations, speak with your vet in Northern California. They can also help set up a vaccination schedule so that your pet will get the booster shots it needs. For more pet health advice, visit us at The Benefits Store today.