Why Do Puppies & Kittens Need A Series of Vaccinations?

kittens-555822__340If 2017 is the year you’ll be considering adding a new pet companion to your home, congratulations! Whether you’re considering a dog or a cat, it’s an exciting prospect. And, as we all well know, it also comes with a great deal of responsibility. One of the first steps in responsible pet ownership is making sure your new companion is up to date on vaccinations.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, vaccines stimulate the immune system to fight disease-causing organisms. Vaccinations within the last century have prevented death and disease in millions of animals, and can likewise protect your pet from contagious and deadly diseases.

If you’re adopting a dog or cat over the age of 1, you’ll want to obtain the pet’s vaccinations records if possible. However, particularly in the case of adopting from an animal shelter, previous vaccination records might not be available. Don’t let that stop you, though—your vet can help you determine when and how to get on track with annual vaccinations to keep your pet healthy.

If you’re adding a kitten or puppy to your home, your pet will need a series of vaccinations early on. Because their immune system is not yet fully mature, very young pets are more susceptible to infectious diseases. And if you’re wondering why puppies and kittens need a series of vaccinations, you’re not alone.

Typically, the first dose of a vaccine essentially prepares or primes the animal’s immune system against the bacteria or virus, while following doses continue to stimulate the immune system to produce the antibodies that are necessary to protect your pet from diseases.

For the best protection against diseases, it’s recommended that vaccinations are received in the first few months of life, usually 3-4 weeks apart. For most puppies and kittens, the final vaccination in a series is given around 4 months of age, however, a veterinarian may adjust the schedule based on an individual animal’s needs.

Puppy and Kitten Packages

The most important aspect is that you begin the vaccinations as soon as a vet recommends, and that you continue with the series. To make the responsibilities of providing medical care for your new pet easier and more affordable, PetWellClinic®  offers low-cost puppy and kitten packages to cover all your pet’s early-life veterinary needs.

The Basic Puppy and Kitten packages include the essential tests and vaccinations to ensure your pet’s preventive health. The Puppy Plus and Kitten Plus packages also include a full physical examination, nail trim, and a dose of heartworm preventive at each visit.

Offering low-cost vaccinations is one of the key wellness care services provided by the vets at PetWellClinic®. By operating convenient hours for non-surgical care, PetWellClinic® is able to offer substantially discounted prices for other services as well, such as wellness exams, treatment of minor issues such as skin conditions, and low-cost tick, flea, and heartworm preventative products. We offer quick in-and-out service during convenient evening and weekend hours with no appointment necessary. Think of us as a walk-in clinic for your pet.

PetWellClinic® has three locations: 10549 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922; 7329 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919; and 228 S. Calderwood Street, Alcoa, TN 37701. Learn more about how PetWellClinic® can exceed your expectations for affordable, top quality pet care by visiting our website at www.petwellclinic.com.

 

No Comments

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.