Preventive

We all know that preventing disease or catching it in its early stages is far better than treating it once it has had time to progress. Preventive health care on a regular basis will save your pet from needless suffering.

Immunizations

You may have heard about the current controversies regarding vaccinating dogs and cats. Some researchers believe we do not need  to vaccinate annually for most diseases. How often we should vaccinate for each specific disease in adult animals has not yet been determined. We do not know how long the protection from a vaccine lasts. It may be 5 years for one disease and 3 years for another, and less than 2 years for another.

Almost all researchers agree puppies need at least three combination vaccinations repeated at one year of age. They also agree rabies vaccinations must continue to be given according to local ordinances. Experts generally agree the core vaccines for dogs include distemper, canine adenovirus-2 (hepatitis and respiratory disease), canine parvovirus-2, and rabies.

Non-core vaccines include leptospirosis, coronavirus, canine parainfluenza and Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Each pet owner must make an informed choice of when to vaccinate, and with what. Coit North Veterinary Hospital can provide up-to-date data and recommendations to help you make the decision.