Anchor Animal Hospital in Dartmouth: MA Vaccination Schedule
Vaccinations against widespread, potentially fatal diseases should be a standard part of veterinary care for all cats and dogs. Vaccinations for cats and dogs are required in the state of Massachusetts at different ages, beginning with the very young. Visiting your trusted veterinarian is the best way to learn about the vaccination requirements in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or your own state. Anchor Animal Hospital is a full service veterinary clinic in Dartmouth, offering a comprehensive selection of vaccinations and other preventative care services to ensure the health and wellbeing of your pets and family.
Vet Care for Cats and Dogs
A rabies vaccination, given between three and six months of age and again periodically thereafter to maintain immunity, is the primary vaccine required for pets in Massachusetts. Feline distemper, calicivirus, and rhinotracheitis vaccines are essential. The widespread nature of the virus and the consequential danger it poses to your cat’s life make these absolutely crucial. A single vaccine, known collectively as FVRCP, can prevent all three diseases. Another fatal virus that is easily spreadable in Massachusetts is Feline Leukemia (FeLV). Pet owners should have their cats tested for this disease and then vaccinated against it.
Canine distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus are core vaccinations given in addition to the required rabies shot. The primary vaccine protects against not only these three illnesses, but also parainfluenza. Anchor Animal Hospital also offers vaccinations against serious diseases that can be transmitted to humans, such as adenovirus, Lyme disease, canine influenza, Bordatella, and Leptospirosis. Worm, heartworm, flea, and tick testing and preventative treatment are also strongly suggested for both cats and dogs. Find out when your pet’s vaccinations are due and if they comply with Massachusetts law by contacting a veterinary clinic in Dartmouth.
Vaccination Schedule for Pets
Some vaccinations are mandatory for the health of your pet, while others may be administered only under certain conditions. How often you take your pet out of Massachusetts, where you live, and the weather all play a role. Other factors include your pet’s age, health, and the surrounding environment. Some of the aforementioned vaccines fall into this category; examples include Leptospirosis vaccines for dogs living in areas with a high concentration of wildlife and Bortadella vaccinations for dogs and cats that are frequently exposed to unsanitary conditions at boarding facilities, dog parks, and grooming salons. Particularly for cats who spend a lot of time outside, additional vaccinations may be necessary. Consult your vet about the best ways to care for your pet cats and dogs.
Vaccines, like any other medical intervention, can have unwanted side effects. There may be some temporary changes in your pet’s behavior, such as soreness at the injection site or lethargy after receiving an injection. However, it is crucial for pet owners to learn how to recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction. The reactions may be more severe if your pet has an immune-related disease or if there is swelling at the injection site. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you have any concerns about your pet’s behavior, the appearance or structure of the injection site, or anything else. When it comes to veterinary care for cats and dogs, it’s better to err on the side of caution. They can’t tell us how they feel, so we have to watch for changes in behavior or other indications of illness.
Quality Veterinary Care in Massachusetts
Call us at 508-996-3731 if your pet is overdue for an examination or if you want to double-check that he or she has received all of the necessary pet vaccinations as required by Massachusetts law. Anchor Animal Hospital, located in Dartmouth, MA, serves as a top-notch veterinary facility for the entire South Coast area, which includes all of Rhode Island and the rest of southeastern Massachusetts. If you have a cat or a dog and need veterinary care, give us a call today to set up an appointment or speak with a member of our staff.