Pet Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations are essential for protecting your pet from serious and preventable diseases. At Leo’s Pet Care, our team is here to help you navigate your pet’s vaccination schedule, ensuring they stay safe and healthy at every stage of life.

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How Do Pet Vaccines Work?

Vaccines are like a training program for your pet's immune system, teaching it to recognize and fight off specific diseases. When we administer a vaccine, this prompts their immune system to create specialized defender cells and antibodies, which act like a memory bank of how to combat these invaders. If your dog or cat ever encounters a real disease in the future, their immune system is prepared to quickly mobilize its defenses, either preventing the illness entirely or significantly reducing its severity. This remarkable process not only protects your individual pet but also contributes to the overall health of our local community by reducing the spread of contagious diseases.

Essential Vaccines Recommended for Puppies and Dogs

Why is it Important for My Pet to be Vaccinated?

Vaccinating your pets is crucial for protecting them against potentially life-threatening diseases that can cause severe illness and distress. Many diseases are highly contagious and can spread quickly among unvaccinated pets, making vaccination an essential part of responsible pet ownership. By keeping your dog or cat up-to-date on their vaccines, you're not only safeguarding their individual health but also contributing to the overall well-being of the community in Carmel. Moreover, some vaccines, like rabies, are required by law, ensuring both pet and public safety.

Essential Vaccines Recommended for Puppies and Dogs

Core Vaccines for Dogs

Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) Vaccine: Protects against a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease affecting multiple body systems. Vaccination is the best defense.
Canine Parvovirus (CPV) Vaccine: Guards against a severe, often fatal gastrointestinal disease, particularly dangerous for puppies.
Canine Adenovirus-2 (CAV-2) Vaccine: Provides protection against infectious canine hepatitis and contributes to preventing respiratory disease.
Rabies Virus Vaccine: This crucial vaccine fights against a fatal nervous system disease transmissible to humans and is required by law in most areas.
Canine Parainfluenza Virus Vaccine: This vaccine protects against a respiratory virus contributing to kennel cough. It is often included in combination vaccines.

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Non-Core Vaccines for Dogs

Although these are not considered core vaccines, they are equally as important for your pup’s health, especially for dogs in certain geographical areas or with potential health risk factors.

Bordetella Bronchiseptica Vaccine: This vaccine is advisable if your dog frequents boarding facilities and dog parks or socializes frequently with other dogs. It prevents a common cause of kennel cough.
Leptospirosis Vaccine: This vaccine protects against a bacterial disease that causes kidney and liver damage. It is recommended for dogs with potential wildlife exposure.
Lyme Disease Vaccine: Guards against a tick-borne disease causing joint pain and kidney problems, advised for dogs in high-risk areas.

Are Dog Vaccinations Required by Law?

The only vaccination that’s required by Indiana state law is the rabies vaccination. However, we still highly recommend that you get the core vaccinations for your dog, including Bordetella, leptospirosis, and distemper.

Why is it Important to Avoid Missing Dog Vaccines?

Just like with humans, viruses are always changing. So when we have our flu shot, we have to get our flu shot every year because the influenza virus changes every year. Dog viruses like Bordetella also change every year, and it’s important to have those updated yearly.

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Essential Vaccines Recommended for Kittens and Cats

Core Vaccines for Cats

Rabies: A fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system and can spread to humans; required by law in most areas.
Feline Panleukopenia (FPV) (Feline Distemper): A highly contagious and often deadly virus that causes severe gastrointestinal, immune system, and neurological issues.
Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) & Feline
Calicivirus (FCV): Both cause upper respiratory infections, leading to sneezing, eye discharge, ulcers, and breathing difficulties. These viruses are common and easily spread among cats.

Non-Core Vaccines for Cats

These vaccines are not required for every cat but are recommended based on their environment and lifestyle:

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): Recommended for kittens and outdoor cats, as this virus weakens the immune system and can lead to cancer.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): Sometimes recommended for high-risk cats, such as outdoor or stray cats, as it affects the immune system and increases vulnerability to infections.
Bordetella: Protects against a bacterial infection that causes respiratory illness, often recommended for cats in shelters or multi-cat households.
Chlamydia felis: Helps prevent a bacterial infection that leads to conjunctivitis and respiratory issues, typically recommended for cats in high-risk environments.

Our veterinarians can help determine which vaccines are best for your cat based on their lifestyle, age, and overall health.

The Importance of Consistent Vaccine Schedules

Maintaining a consistent vaccination schedule is crucial for ensuring your pet's ongoing protection against serious diseases. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to create antibodies, but this protection can wane over time, making regular boosters essential to maintain immunity. It's important to follow the specific schedule recommended by your veterinarian, as vaccination needs can vary based on factors such as your pet's age, health status, lifestyle, and local disease risks.

Schedule a Vaccination Appointment Today!

Give your pet the protection they deserve with expert care at Leo’s Pet Care. Schedule their vaccination appointment today and help ensure a lifetime of health and wellness!

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