Our veterinary clinic knows how much our visitors love their pets! At Fort Mill Animal Hospital in SC, we provide comprehensive vet care services, including vaccines. One of the most important parts of preventing unwanted sickness and disease is vaccinations. Our veterinarian has put together some of the most commonly asked questions regarding vaccines.

Why Are Vaccines Necessary? 

Prevention is key when you want to have a pet that's healthy and happy. It could be tempting to skip vaccines because your pet is currently healthy. However, it's essential to realize you're taking a proactive approach to prevent contracting and spreading highly contagious illnesses. You're also doing your part as a responsible pet owner to protect the community as a whole.

When Should My Pet Get Vaccinated? 

Vaccinations are usually given in the early portion of your pet's life, usually around 6-8 weeks of age, and continues until the animal is approximately four months of age. Vaccines are more frequent once your pet is born, but that doesn't mean your pet no longer needs them as it grows and matures. Establishing a vaccination schedule with our veterinarian is recommended because certain pets may require different things depending on lifestyle and habits.

Do Vaccines Have Side Effects? 

The majority of pets won't have any adverse reactions to getting vaccinated. There will be some tenderness around the injection site, but that subsides after a day or so. There can be an allergic reaction to vaccinations in rare instances, but our veterinarian can provide further guidance should that occur. Studies have shown that vaccines play a major role in keeping your pet healthy throughout its life, and the advantages provided by vaccines far outweigh this minimal risk. 

How Do I Know What Vaccines My Pet Needs? 

Our veterinarian will determine when and what vaccines your pet should have. Vaccines are broken down into two different types: core and non-core. Core vaccines are vaccines that are deemed essential for all pets. Core vaccines for dogs include rabies, distemper, and canine parvovirus. For cats, they include rabies, feline distemper, and herpesvirus. Non-core vaccines are given to pets depending on lifestyle and pre-existing conditions. 

Contact Our Fort Mill Veterinary Clinic to Schedule a Pet Vaccination

Ensuring your pet gets the necessary vaccines shows you care about its health and overall happiness. Our team of professionals is honored to welcome your pets to our animal hospital to provide the care they need. If you have pets that need to schedule a vaccination, don't hesitate to give us a call.