When having furry friends, it's important to make sure that you vaccinate your pets, but you may have a lot of questions about immunizations. Our veterinarians at Skeet Club Veterinary Hospital in High Point, NC, hope to answer your general questions regarding pet vaccines here.

When Should I Vaccinate My Pet?

Both dogs and cats typically receive their first vaccinations at 6 weeks old but will need to receive boosters and shots throughout the rest of their lives.

What Vaccinations Should My Pet Receive?

Pet vaccines are often identified by two categories referred to as core and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines are available to any pet, regardless of their age, history, breed, or way of life. Non-core vaccines consider the previously mentioned aspects, for example, if your cat or dog spends a lot of time around other animals, they may be exposed to harmful bacteria that can lead to numerous diseases. It's best to protect your pets against any potential harm that can affect you and them greatly.

How Do I Know If My Pet Needs Any Boosters or Non-Core Vaccinations?

At Skeet Club Veterinary Hospital in High Point, NC, we understand that it may feel overwhelming to understand which pet vaccines are the best for protecting your furry companions.

Here are some general vaccine guidelines for your pet's health to keep in mind:

• Boosters are not typically required every year, however, immunizations for distemper and rabies should be administered every 3 years.
• Depending on your pet, your veterinarian will determine the need for certain vaccines.
• If you know that your pet will often be in environments with other animals (e.g. daycare or boarded), it's important to remember that they are more susceptible to illnesses or diseases. Living in a densely forested area increases the likelihood of your pet acquiring ticks, so, a pet vaccine for Lyme disease would be encouraged.

Your Responsibility As A Pet Owner

As humans, we know the fundamental core of being a healthy individual is having a strong immune system—a process that begins from birth to protect us against harmful bacteria. To protect and keep your pet healthy, it's important to adhere to that same notion.

Ensure that your pet receives their initial round of vaccines when they are 6 weeks old and continue to uphold your pet vaccine schedule, in addition to those yearly check-ups.

For further questions regarding pet vaccines, our team of veterinarians at Skeet Club Veterinary Hospital in High Point, NC, recommends giving our office a call at (336) 886-2315 to schedule a visit.