New Bedford Pet Owners: The Essential Vaccinations for Pets
Protecting your pet from contagious diseases should be one of your top priorities as New Bedford pet owners. Whether you have a cat or a dog, it is important to work with local veterinary care in Massachusetts to create a vaccination schedule designed to keep your pet healthy and strong. Vaccinations for pets are often required by local governments to prevent the spread of disease among the population. Other services, such as spay and neuter, can also be required or encouraged with pet ownership to reduce the number of unwanted kittens and puppies in local shelters. Even if your pet is kept indoors, a visit to your local animal hospital in Dartmouth can provide you with information and regional statistics regarding the most essential vaccinations for pets in your area.
Top Vaccinations for Dogs
Rabies shots are encouraged for both indoor and outdoor pets. The rabies virus is fatal and all mammals, including humans and their pets, are susceptible to infection. Many states have rabies vaccine laws for dogs that require updated vaccinations. Dogs, cats, rabbits, and other domesticated animals should be regularly vaccinated according to the recommended schedule through professional veterinary care in Massachusetts.
The DHPP vaccination, which includes distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus is also highly recommended for dogs. New Bedford pet owners who provide this vaccine can protect their dog from these four diseases, all of which can be life-threatening. Additional vaccinations, including adenovirus, which can be included in the DHPP shot as DHPPA, can also be administered. Bordatella or kennel cough, Lyme disease, canine influenza, leptospirosis and corona virus are some of the more widely provided vaccination options.
Top Vaccinations for Cats
Similar to the shots provided for dogs, rabies tops the list when it comes to cat vaccinations. This includes both indoor and outdoor cats. The primary vaccination for cats after rabies is the FVRCP, which provides protection against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. Frequently called the “feline distemper shot,” this vaccine protects against the aforementioned diseases and is very common at veterinary clinics, hospitals, and even shelters.
Additional vaccines for cats can include chlamydia, which can be included in with the FVRCP shot and is known as the FVRCP-C shot, as well as other common diseases and illnesses can be provided through quality veterinary care in Massachusetts. Feline Leukemia (FeLV), which is a viral infection, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and Feline Infectious Peritonitis, which is a virus that is commonly seen in feral colonies and catteries. Bordetella can also be provided to cats to prevent upper respiratory infections.
Parasite Prevention
Both internal and external parasite prevention is another essential aspect of pet ownership in the northeastern region. Many pets are prone to issues with ticks, fleas, and internal parasites. Schedule an appointment to have your pet’s stool examined. The fecal examination provided at Anchor Animal Hospital includes testing for Giardia, worm eggs, and coccidia. Internal parasites can be transmitted to children and adults, as well as be seriously dangerous to puppies, kittens, and older pets. Make sure you do everything in your power to prevent parasites from harming your furry friend or any other human or animal family members.
What Does My Pet Need?
You can browse our website for an overview of the recommended vaccinations for dogs and cats, as well as detailed information about prevention and treatment of known parasites. Advice for new kitten and puppy owners, along with information for senior pets, is provided on our website. However, the best way to find out the vaccinations and preventive treatments that your pet needs at his or her current stage of life is to visit our animal hospital in Dartmouth. All of the most well-intentioned advice in the world is no substitute for quality veterinary care in Massachusetts. Schedule a visit with our staff to determine any needed vaccinations for pets. New Bedford pet owners can also make appointments for regular veterinary check-ups, schedule spay and neuter services, dental care, microchipping, and other essential services. Give us a call at 508-996-3731 to speak with a representative at Anchor Animal Hospital in Dartmouth.