Vaccinating your furry friend is one of the best ways to protect their health. Dog vaccinations have been proven highly effective in safeguarding pets from contagious diseases that can jeopardize their well-being. At Our Pet Vets, we offer both core and non-core dog vaccines to our pet patients in the San Diego and La Mesa areas. Vaccinations play a crucial role in our dog care program as they promote long-term health and wellness for your four-legged companion.
How Vaccines Work
Vaccinations are designed to stimulate your pet’s immune system to fight against infectious diseases. If your pet encounters a disease they’ve been vaccinated against, their body will immediately respond by producing antibodies to combat it. Some vaccines provide protection against getting a disease, while others reduce the severity of the disease’s symptoms, allowing your pet to recover more quickly. Either way, vaccines are instrumental in safeguarding your pet’s health. In addition to protecting your canine companion, vaccinations also shield you from contracting a disease from your dog. They also prevent the spread of disease to other animals your pup may come in contact with.
Core and Non-Core Dog Vaccinations
Dog vaccines are typically divided into two categories: core and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines are considered essential by veterinarians as they protect your pup from serious diseases that can be life-threatening.
Core vaccines for puppies and dogs include:
- Rabies vaccine
- Canine distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza vaccine (commonly referred to as DHPP)
Non-core vaccines are generally administered based on your vet's discretion, considering your pet's location and lifestyle. These may include:
- Bordetella (kennel cough), if you board your pet or take them to doggy daycare
- Lyme vaccine
- Canine influenza
- Rattlesnake vaccine
If your pup is at risk of these diseases, adding these vaccines to their dog care vaccination program can help maintain optimal health. For your convenience, we can administer these vaccines during a routine dog exam or pet check-up to ensure their vaccinations stay up-to-
Puppy Vaccinations
Puppy vaccinations differ from adult dog vaccinations in that they’re administered as a series of shots at a younger age. After a pet check-up, your veterinarian can schedule vaccinations for your new puppy. Puppies can start vaccinations at around 6–8 weeks of age. Every 3–4 weeks, we'll provide booster shots until your puppy reaches 16–18 weeks of age. Afterward, we can establish a vaccination schedule tailored to your pup's age, breed, general health, and lifestyle to ensure their long-term protection.
Get Your Puppy or Dog Vaccinated at Our Pet Vets
Are you looking for a veterinarian near me? To schedule a dog exam for vaccinations for your furry friend, contact Bayside Veterinary Hospital, serving pet owners in San Diego at 619-225-8000, or University Pet Hospital, serving La Mesa residents at 619-463-9861 today.
