Cat & Dog Vaccinations in Oxford, MS
At Bottletree Animal Hospital, we know how important your pet is to you. That’s why we work hard to keep them in the best health possible so you can enjoy many more happy years together. We place a strong emphasis on preventative medicine, including cat and dog vaccinations. Call us at (662) 234-4336 today.
Why Should I Have My Pet Vaccinated?
Just like human vaccines, pet vaccines provide additional protection against many serious illnesses. The key to this protection is something called an antigen. The antigens in the vaccine are built similar to disease-causing organisms, but they don’t cause sickness. Instead, the antigens prompt just a minor immune system response. If your pet comes into contact with the full disease later, their body will be better equipped to fight it.
Some pet owners mistakenly believe their dog or cat doesn’t need vaccines because they stay indoors all the time. However, many contagious illnesses are airborne and can spread quite easily. That means your pet could even be exposed by simply sitting near an open window.
Your pet’s risk of exposure to disease does increase if they spend time outside of the home. If your pet regularly visits places such as boarding kennels, pet parks, grooming salons, or daycare facilities, they’ll require additional protection. Our vets can let you know which vaccinations your pet will need.
Canine Influenza
Since early spring, the canine influenza virus (CIV) has been spreading throughout the U.S. This outbreak has led to a few pet fatalities, and the virus itself is very contagious. Some carriers of the virus do not show any outward signs. Common symptoms of CIV include coughing, nasal and ocular discharge, fever, and lethargy.
To protect canines from CIV, we offer the bivalent canine flu vaccine, which provides immunization for both the H3N2 and H3N8 strains. Following the first injection, a second booster is required within 3 weeks. Pets that will be boarding, going to the groomer, or socializing with other dogs in any other setting must be vaccinated. If you’re uncertain whether your pet needs this vaccine, please let us know.
Personalized Pet Vaccinations
We provide our patients with personalized pet vaccination schedules. Some vaccines essential (core), and we give them to every pet. Some core vaccines include rabies, DHPP (dogs), and FVRCP (cats).
We also offer several non-core pet vaccinations. Your vet may or may not recommend these, depending on your pet’s lifestyle and exposure risks. For example, dogs who visit the groomer or dog daycare regularly will need the Bordetella vaccine to protect against kennel cough, a highly-contagious respiratory illness.
During your pet’s wellness exam, we’ll talk to you about your pet’s lifestyle so we can create a vaccination schedule to meet their needs. If you have any questions about pet vaccinations, or if you’d like to make an appointment, you can contact our team at Bottletree Animal Hospital in Oxford at (662) 234-4336.
