Vaccines for Pets

Help your pet live a long and healthy life by ensuring they are up to date on their vaccinations. Whether your furry friend receives a single vaccine for a specific illness or a combination of vaccines for maximum protection against contagious diseases, vaccination can aid in preventing many different illnesses.

At Belmont Animal Hospital, we understand that, like any medical procedure, pet vaccination offers benefits and risks that you must carefully consider. Our veterinary team is happy to discuss the vaccination process with you and create a vaccination schedule to provide your pet with the greatest protection.

Why Are Pet Vaccines Important?

Vaccines help your pet’s immune system fight off disease-causing organisms. Vaccines contain antigens that your pet’s immune system will mistake for specific contagious diseases but do not cause your pet to become sick. Receiving the vaccine stimulates their immune system and encourages it to create antibodies. If your pet is exposed to the disease, their immune system can recognize and fight off the illness quicker or prevent them from becoming sick.

Pet vaccination also plays a significant role in protecting yourself and other humans. For example, more than 59,000 people die from rabies each year. Only one or two of these deaths occur in the United States, which has strict laws regarding pet rabies vaccinations. Most global rabies deaths occur in areas without widespread vaccination programs.

Are Vaccines Safe?

As with any medical procedure, there are some risks with vaccinating your pet. However, most pets respond well to vaccines. The most common adverse reactions to vaccines are soreness at the injection site, fever and a mild allergic reaction. If your pet does experience any adverse reactions, they are typically short-term. However, if you have any concerns about your pet following vaccination, please let our team know.

When Should Your Pet Get Their First Vaccines?

Generally, it’s best to start your pet’s vaccination schedule when they are between six and eight weeks old. If the mother of your puppy or kitten has a healthy immune system, your pet will obtain antibodies through nursing. It’s best to begin vaccination after weaning your puppy or kitten off their mother’s milk so they remain protected.

Young puppies and kittens should not receive more than two vaccines at the same visit. Boosters ensure your pet can get the protection they need without overvaccination.

Core Vaccines for Pets in Nashville, TN

Our practice offers various core and non-core vaccines, enabling us to personalize your pet’s care. Core vaccines are vaccinations all pets should receive for maximum health benefits and compliance with state regulations. In contrast, non-core vaccines are voluntary and based on a pet’s unique medical history. 

Core dog vaccinations include:

  • Rabies
  • Parvovirus
  • Canine hepatitis
  • Canine distemper virus

Core cat vaccinations include:

  • Feline calicivirus
  • Feline rhinotracheitis
  • Rabies
  • Feline panleukopenia virus

Non-Core Vaccines for Dogs, Cats and Other Animals

Our veterinarian team may also recommend that your pet receive some non-core vaccines. If you plan on bringing your pup to day camp or boarding, they may need the Bordetella or parainfluenza vaccine to keep themselves and other dogs safe. Some non-core vaccines also serve as preventive measures, such as the FeLV vaccine for cats, which protects against feline leukemia. Our team is happy to discuss your vaccination options to help keep your pet as safe as possible.

Should My Indoor Pet Be Vaccinated?

It’s also important to note that even pets who live primarily indoors should be vaccinated, as they can still be exposed to a disease. Your Belmont Animal Hospital veterinarian can advise you which vaccinations are required or recommended for your pet based on age, health, and lifestyle.

Start Your Pet’s Vaccination Schedule With Belmont Animal Hospital Today

Protect your pet from contagious diseases with confidence when you schedule an appointment with Belmont Animal Hospital. Our expert team has been caring for pets in Nashville for years and has the knowledge and experience to ensure your pet is calm and comfortable throughout the process. Contact our team today at 615-383-1000 to schedule your pet’s vaccines!

What's Next

  • 1

    Call Us or Schedule an Appointment Online

  • 2

    Meet with a Doctor for an Initial Exam

  • 3

    Put a Plan Together for Your Pet

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