The Best Time to Get Your Pet Vaccinated

Pet vaccinations are important in the first year of life. There is a recommended schedule for vaccinations, but it is also necessary to discuss with your veterinarian or animal hospital in Laguna Niguel to make sure it works for your animal. Pet vaccinations are necessary to prepare your dog’s immune system to defend against disease-causing organisms. If your pet then becomes exposed to the real disease, the immune system will recognize it and help reduce some of the effects.

A puppy should get its first vaccinations at six to eight weeks of age. You should get medical records for a newly adopted puppy so your vet can see when the next vaccinations are due. Most vaccines will be given every two to four weeks until protection is achieved. This will usually happen around four months of age. If a puppy’s mom has a healthy immune system, the puppy is receiving antibodies in the mother’s milk while nursing so after the puppy has been weaned off the milk, the vaccinations can begin.

Core Versus Non-Core Vaccinations

Core vaccinations are given to all pets. Non-core vaccines are then given based on lifestyle and where you travel and live. Core shots include rabies and DHP. Rabies shots are required by law and owners will need to periodically have their pet vaccinated against rabies within a specific time frame. Other non-core vaccines are important but may not be needed. These include canine influenza, Lyme vaccine, and Bordetella. Some factors that determine if your pet needs non-core vaccines include age, medical history, travel habits, lifestyle, and environment.

Call South Coast Veterinary Hospital Today

If your pet is already over 16 weeks old and still has not been fully vaccinated or you are not sure of the vaccination history of your pet, it’s necessary to contact your vet in Laguna Niguel. You may be advised to start the process again in order to protect your pet since it is better to be safe than sorry. Your animal hospital can also then discuss risk factors and let you know which immunizations are best to have for your specific situation. Contact South Coast Veterinary Hospital.