Pet Vaccinations & Parasite Prevention

Pet Vaccinations & Reproductive Surgery Schedule

Having your pet spayed or neutered not only prevents the birth of unwanted litters; it also reduces the risk of cancer for your dog or cat. Reproductive surgery may prevent unwanted behaviors such as howling, scooting, roaming, and animal aggression. When you pair this with the fact vaccinations are essential for protecting dogs and cats from a range of contagious, often serious, diseases, the need for a well-planned schedule of preventative treatments is clear.

Cat Vaccinations

In their first year of life, kittens need the following shots to protect them from serious diseases. 

• 6 to 8 weeks
  • Rhinotracheitis, Calcivirus, Panleukopenia, Chlamydia
• 10 to 12 weeks
  • Booster: Rhinotracheitis, Calcivirus, Panleukopenia, Chlamydia
  • Feline Leukemia
• 14 to 16 Weeks
  • Booster: Rhinotracheitis, Calcivirus, Panleukopenia, Chlamydia
  • Feline Leukemia 2
• 5 to 6 months

  While the following are not kitten vaccinations, spaying, neutering, and microchipping help protect your cat from a number of health issues, and therefore fall under the preventive health care umbrella. 

  • Spay (females) - Spaying your female cat prevents the birth of unwanted litters of kittens, protects your cat against serious illnesses, and can help to prevent behaviors such as howling and scooting that accompany heat cycles.
  • Neuter (males) - Neutering your male cat prevents your pet from fathering unwanted kittens, protects your cat against various illnesses, and can help to prevent territory marking (spraying), roaming, howling, and cat aggression. 
  • Microchipping - A microchip is a permanent form of identification that is about the size of a grain of rice and placed under your pet’s skin. Pets that are microchipped have a better chance of being reunited with their owners if they are lost.

Dog Vaccinations

In their first year, puppies need these shots to protect them from dangerous diseases. 

• 6 to 8 weeks
  • DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
• 10 to 12 Weeks
  • Booster: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
  • Bordetella (Optional)
  • Leptospirosis (Optional)
• 14 to 16 Weeks
  • Booster: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
  • Rabies
  • Booster: Bordetella (Optional)
  • Booster: Leptospirosis (Optional)

  Although the following are not puppy vaccinations, spaying, neutering, and microchipping help protect your dog from a number of health issues, and therefore fall under the preventive health care umbrella. 

  • Spay (female) - Dog spaying will prevent your female dog from mothering puppies, but it can also help to prevent certain cancers and regular heat cycles which can attract roaming males to your property.
  • Neuter (male) - Dog neutering can help to prevent your male dog from fathering unwanted puppies, as well as protecting your dog from a number of serious cancers, and helping to reduce the risk of roaming and dog aggression.
  • Microchipping - A microchip is a permanent form of identification that is about the size of a grain of rice and placed under your pet’s skin. Pets that are microchipped have a better chance of being reunited with their owners if they are lost.
• 12 to 16 Months
  • Final Booster: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
  • Rabies
  • Final Booster: Bordetella (Optional)
  • Final Booster: Leptospirosis (Optional)

The Benefits of Cat & Dog Vaccinations

Vaccinations are an important part of your pet's routine care. They can help to protect your pet against preventable illnesses that have the potential to harm your furry friend.

There are a number of benefits when it comes to dog or cat vaccinations in Mandeville. Once vaccinated, your pet will not only be protected themselves, but the risk of transmission to other animals will also decrease significantly. In fact, your pet may not be able to attend boarding facilities unless vaccinated as diseases are likely to spread in social settings.

Routine puppy and kitten vaccinations in Mandeville will give your companion a healthy start to life while protecting your family. You can also relax knowing that you are following local laws.

Pet vaccinations are also a simple way to help to reduce the costs of expensive treatment down the road and prevent your pet from experiencing serious pain or discomfort.

Speak with your vet at Riverside Veterinary Hospital today if you would like to learn more about which dog or cat vaccinations are recommended in the Mandeville area.

The Potential Side Effects of Dog & Cat Vaccinations

The risks associated with pet vaccinations in Mandeville are low, however, your pet may experience some form of adverse reaction. The most commonly seen reactions are:

• Lethargy & Slight Fever

  Lethargy, a slight fever, and some mild discomfort are the most common side effects that vets see after pet vaccinations in Mandeville. While this only lasts a day or two you should contact your vet if you have any concerns.

• Localized Swelling

  Lumps and bumps are common side effects in both cats and dogs as a result of the needle piercing the skin after puppy or kitten vaccinations. If the lump shows signs of infection or hasn't gone away after a week has passed you should contact your veterinarian.

• Sneezing & Cold-Like Symptoms

  Some pet vaccinations are administered by drops or sprays in the nose or eyes. This can cause side effects that look like a cold and include symptoms such as a runny nose, coughing, and sneezing. This should pass in a day or two, but if it doesn't or your pet develops more severe symptoms then you should contact your vet.

Serious Vaccine Reactions

Side effects of cat and dog vaccinations in Mandeville are typically mild, but there is slight a risk of more severe reactions such as:

• Anaphylaxis

  This severe allergic reaction can involve facial swelling, diarrhea, itchiness, hives, vomiting, and breathing difficulties. This severe reaction will usually occur very soon after your pet receives the injection but can happen up to 48 hours after the vaccine is given.

• Shock

  The symptoms of shock following vaccines can include a slow heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and generalized weakness. You may also see a gray tongue and pale mucous membranes.

If your dog displays signs of anaphylaxis or shock, call your vet immediately or contact the nearest emergency veterinary clinic!

Parasite Prevention

Left untreated, parasites can threaten the life of your cat or dog, and in some cases can even be transmitted to other people or pets living in your household. Our team at Riverside Veterinary Hospital are experts at preventing infection from parasites local to the Mandeville area. All of the following common parasites are addressed as part of our preventative wellness plans.