Pet Vaccination from a Veterinarian Near You in San Jose, CA

When you have a pet, it becomes like a member of the family. One of your responsibilities as a pet owner will be to help keep your pet healthy. In order to do so, you may need to find a veterinarian near you for pet vaccination. If you are looking for a veterinarian in San Jose, CA, our team at Oak Grove Veterinary Hospital would like the privilege of helping you to care for your pets.

Making sure your pet is vaccinated is one of the best things you can do to keep your dog or cat as healthy as possible. Oak Grove Veterinary Hospital in San Jose can provide quality animal care for your pet, including vaccinations. The following are several important facts regarding vaccinations you should know.

Vaccines – Protecting Your Pets

One of the important ways we can help you keep your pet healthy is with vaccinations. Pet immunization is the law in many states because it significantly decreases the number of pets contracting serious diseases.

Prevention of Rabies in Pets

We recommend that your pet come to our office for its first wellness visit at about six weeks old, which is when they will receive their first vaccinations. There are core vaccines – like parvo, distemper, Bordetella, and hepatitis for dogs. Cats need vaccinations, too; their core vaccines include feline distemper, calicivirus, herpes, and feline leukemia. Both cats and dogs will also need to be vaccinated against rabies.

Why a Rabies Vaccination Is Important

Rabies is a dangerous virus that affects the nervous systems of mammals, such as dogs, cats, and humans. Vaccination is the best way to prevent rabies and is typically given when your dog or cat is twelve weeks old. Indoor pets will still need a rabies vaccine because the virus is carried by skunks, bats, and raccoons - in addition to other dogs.

Why Are Vaccinations Important?

Vaccinations for your pet will help significantly prevent the chance that your pet will suffer from a variety of diseases. Even if your animal does become ill, the chances are the illness will be much less severe after receiving a vaccination. There are several types of diseases that a cat or dog may be susceptible to that can cause severe illness or even death.

What Are Core Vaccinations?

There are several basic vaccinations for both cats and dogs that are highly recommended:

• For dogs: parvo, distemper, hepatitis, Bordetella, and rabies.
• For cats: calicivirus, rabies, herpes, feline distemper, and feline leukemia.

Note: Rabies vaccinations are legally required for both cats and dogs.

What Are Non-Core Vaccines?

Non-core vaccines aren't recommended for every animal. Whether or not your pet should have them depends on where you live and the lifestyle of your pet:

• Non-core vaccines for dogs: canine influenza, Lyme vaccine, leptospirosis vaccine, etc.
• Non-core vaccines for cats: feline Bordetella, feline immunodeficiency virus vaccine.

When Should Vaccinations Be Given?

You'll want to take your pet to a veterinarian between six and eight weeks of age to start the vaccination process. Providing quality animal care for your pets will require multiple rounds of vaccinations. Your vet will be able to tell you how many vaccinations of each type will be needed for your pet.

Are There Any Risks Associated with Vaccinations?

Vaccines are generally very safe for both dogs and cats. Some side-effects after getting a vaccine might include itchy skin and swelling. Sometimes, coughing, diarrhea, or vomiting may occur. If an animal experiences persistent diarrhea, vomiting, or difficulty breathing, you'll want to bring your pet in immediately to see a vet.