Vaccines FAQs

In recent years, there has been a lot of misinformation about vaccines, including vaccines for pets. Getting your pet vaccinated is a lot less expensive than having to treat your pet for a dire illness that could have easily been prevented. Arbor Ridge Pet Clinic of Fitchburg, WI looks at the facts about pet vaccines.

vaccines-faqs

Why Are There Laws About the Rabies Vaccine?

In the state of Wisconsin, all dogs and puppies have to be vaccinated against rabies. It’s highly recommended that cats are, too. Rabies can pass from pets to people through bites. Rabies is incurable. Although some people have survived rabies, it is almost always fatal in animals.

What Is the Difference Between Core and Non-core Vaccines?

Core vaccines protect against diseases that your pet will most likely be exposed to. Those are the most common and contagious. Non-core vaccines are recommended depending on a pet’s lifestyle. Pets going to shows should be vaccinated against Bordetella, for example. A non-core vaccine may be recommended if there’s an outbreak in the area, like for canine flu.

How Old Do Puppies and Kittens Have to be to Get Vaccinated?

As long as they are healthy, they can get their first shots as early as six weeks old.

Do Only Cats and Dogs Get Vaccines?

Ferrets should also get vaccines for rabies and canine distemper. Ask your veterinary clinic about recommended vaccines for ferrets in your area.

How Effective Are Pet Vaccines?

To see how effective vaccines are, take a look at the instances of distemper in dogs. It’s still an incurable disease. Before the 1950s, canine distemper was a common killer of dogs and could wipe out the entire dog population in a town. Now, since vaccination for distemper has become common, it’s rarely seen in dogs.

Do Vaccines Provide 100% Immunity?

No vaccine provides 100% immunity, but it greatly reduces the chances of getting sick or dying from whatever disease your pet is vaccinated for.

What Are the Side Effects of Vaccines for Pets?

The most common side effects are feeling more tired than usual for a day, getting a lump or minor bleeding at the injection site, and a mild fever. Sneezing is common if your pet receives an intranasal vaccine instead of a shot.

A rare side effect is an infection from the needle. A very rare but serious side effect is anaphylaxis or an extreme allergic reaction. It causes hives, swelling of the face, vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing problems. Stay in the waiting room for about 30 minutes with your pet after the first shot to be sure nothing happens.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinary Professionals in Fitchburg, WI

If you have further questions about the benefits of vaccines for your pet and live in the Fitchburg, WI area, contact Arbor Ridge Pet Clinic at (608) 274-3880 to make an appointment today.

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24 hour cancellation policy

If we are not notified at least 24 hours prior to the appointment, there will be a missed exam fee that will be due prior to future services provided.  The fee will be for amount charged for the exam of the pet that was scheduled to be seen.