Understanding the Importance of Vaccines With Our Spokane Veterinarians

At West Plains Animal Hospital, we feel that all pet owners must understand how important vaccines are for their pets. Our animal hospital in Spokane is committed to giving your pet the veterinary care it needs. Let's take a look at why getting vaccinations should be a priority for your pet’s health.

The Purpose of Vaccines

Vaccines are a critical component in keeping your pet healthy. They stimulate your pet's immune system to help your pet be better prepared to fight off infectious diseases. Not only are they a preventative measure for your pet, but they protect other pets and humans as well.

Vaccination Schedules

Pets can start receiving vaccines as early as six weeks of age, with about three to four weeks apart in between. You should expect your dog or cat to get a vaccine in the early stages of life up to around four months of age. As your pet gets older, it will then receive boosters every one to three years afterward, depending on the type of vaccination. Vaccinating your dog or cat early in life is vital while the immune system is still weak. As they age, pets require vaccinations to remain healthy as they are more susceptible to sicknesses.

Vaccinations We Offer At Our Veterinary Practice

We have core and non-core vaccines to help your pet maintain its overall health and wellness. The core vaccines for dogs are rabies, canine distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Core vaccines for cats can include rabies, herpesvirus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. Non-core vaccines are dependent on your pet's lifestyle or certain pre-existing medical conditions.

Let Our Veterinarians in Spokane Help Your Pet

Our team at West Plains Animal Hospital in Spokane, WA, always treats your pet’s health as our priority. Our veterinary care experts know which vaccines your pets should have and when they should receive them. If you have a new puppy or kitten or have a pet that needs to get vaccinated, we are here for you. Call our animal hospital today at (509) 624-3474 to schedule an appointment.