At Our Pet Vets, our San Diego and La Mesa locations offer full-service pet care, from dental check-ups to surgical procedures. One area we like to promote, especially to new pet parents, is the need for dog vaccinations and cat vaccinations, regardless of their pet's age. These vaccines are important in building and maintaining your pet's health. 

Good Health Begins with Ongoing Pet Care

Annual examinations and vaccinations are essential whether your pet is just starting or has been out for a while. When your pet has vaccinations, it can defend against diseases and illnesses. However, even if your pet remains indoors, a renegade flea or tick may attach to your furry friend. If you avoid potential problems, ensure an ongoing healthcare plan throughout your pet's life.

Dog Vaccinations and Cat Vaccinations

There are two types of vaccines, core, and non-core. Core vaccines are necessary, whereas non-core vaccines are applied if the veterinarian feels they are needed.

Core vaccines are given for canines to protect your pet against canine distemper, canine hepatitis, rabies, and canine parvovirus.

Vaccinations for cats are to protect kitties against rabies, feline calicivirus, feline panleukopenia, and feline rhinotracheitis.

Our Vaccination Services

After thoroughly examining your pet, your pet's veterinarian will administer the necessary vaccinations. The vaccination takes only a few minutes to complete.

Once vaccinated, your pet is ready to go home. Most pets do not react to the shots, but some may have an allergic reaction to the vaccine.

Some pets will be completely immune to a virus or bacteria, while others may be partially immune. In addition, there may be no immunity if your pet does not see the vet yearly for follow-up vaccinations.

How Do Vaccinations Work?

The vaccination does not provide immediate protection, as the pet's immune system must have time to manufacture antibodies that fight and prevent disease.

The antibodies stay with your pet and are ready to fight if or when your pet encounters negative pathogens. Therefore, following up each year with booster shots is important to ensure your pet continues to have pathogen-fighting antibodies in its system.

Contact Our Pet Vets

If your pet needs initial vaccinations or booster shots, there is no time like the present to schedule an appointment in La Mesa or San Diego at Our Pet Vets. Avoid potential healthcare problems by calling Bayside (619) 225-8000 or University (619) 463-9861.