National Immunization Awareness - Learn More about Vaccinating Your Pet
National Immunization Awareness Month is held each August to increase awareness about the importance of immunizing pets. Some core vaccines are recommended by veterinarians for all pets, beginning at an early age. The vet might also recommend some types of non-core vaccines depending on your pet’s lifestyle. At Hamilton Road Animal Hospital in Columbus, we offer a range of immunizations for cats and dogs as part of our veterinary care services.
Vaccinations Are an Important Part of Preventive Veterinary Care
Most pet owners know the importance of immunizing their cats or dogs against rabies. While the deadly rabies virus has declined in this country, several cases still occur every year. Pets get rabies when they are bitten by an infected animal like raccoons, bats, or other wildlife.
It isn’t just dogs and cats who get infected. Animals like ferrets, horses, goats, and sheep that stay outdoors are also vulnerable. Ask our Columbus veterinarian about having any pet vaccinated against rabies. Even though the risk of getting rabies is low, the disease is fatal once the animal is infected.
Core and Non-Core Vaccinations at Your Columbus Veterinarian
Rabies is the first thing that comes to mind when we think about pet immunizations, but there are other vaccines that can help protect your pet. For example, feline vaccines are given to protect cats from viruses that cause upper respiratory infections and parvovirus which is often fatal in kittens.
In dogs, our Columbus veterinarian provides core immunizations that protect against parvovirus, distemper, and hepatitis. Parvo is potentially fatal in dogs as it is in cats. There is no treatment for distemper, and it is fatal in some cases. Canine hepatitis affects a dog’s liver and often occurs in very young dogs.
Contact Hamilton Road Animal Hospital
Don’t wait until the next National Immunization Awareness Month to ask your veterinarian about making these important vaccines part of your pet’s regular veterinary care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.