Pet vaccinations are an essential part of every pet parent’s life. Vaccines help your furry friend stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible. They give you peace of mind that your best buddy is protected against some of the incurable illnesses that can shorten the time they spend with you and your family. And in some cases, they protect you from expensive medical bills or legal fees.
Some vaccines are reserved for a certain pet lifestyle, while others are always advisable. Here are the pet vaccinations every Middleton, ID pet parent should consider.
Core Pet Vaccines
Cat Vaccines
- Rabies
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia)
Dog Vaccines
- Rabies
- Parvovirus
- Distemper
- Parvovirus
- Leptospirosis/Bordetella
Other Pet Vaccinations to Consider
Your cat may also need a feline leukemia vaccine if they are at high risk. A cat that lives at least part-time outdoors or is an “escape artist” from time to time may need this vaccine, especially if you have seen strays in the area or your cat is not spayed/neutered.
Feline leukemia is an incurable disease that can significantly shorten a cat’s life and quality of life.
We may also recommend Canine Influenza vaccinations for dogs. This vaccine can protect against virus H3N8/H3N2, if they are at high risk for infection. A high-risk lifestyle may include being outside your household around other dogs (dog park, play dates, groomer, doggy daycare).
Like people flu, when dogs are older or have a compromised immune system, they may be at increased risk of serious complications or death.
Benefits of Keeping Pet Vaccinations Up-to-Date
Keeping vaccines up-to-date can prevent life-threatening and incurable infections. Because of the severity of some of these diseases and the risk to humans with diseases like rabies, even indoor cats and dogs should stay current on core vaccines. Plus those who spend time outdoors will be especially vulnerable to infection if vaccine effectiveness lapses, making sticking with that annual vaccine schedule critical.
Some groomers, dog parks, doggy daycare, etc., may not permit your dog on the premises if they’re not up-to-date, and it may be against the law or local ordinances to do so. For example, the state of Idaho requires dogs and cats moving to the state to receive a rabies vaccine and recommends that dogs, cats, and ferrets get vaccinated every 12 months.
It’s important to note that vaccinated animals can still carry some viruses and expose other pets in the household. If one pet is outdoors and another is indoor only, both may need current non-core vaccines.
We’re Excited to Get to Know You!
We can’t wait to meet you and your animal companion. We’re passionate about helping your friend have the longest, highest-quality life possible. Pet vaccines are a critical part of any pet parents plan to care for their fur baby. We look forward to hearing from you.