Just like humans, dogs require regular medical care and services to ensure that they stay happy and healthy and enjoy a long life. The first priority of any pet owner is keeping their furry friend as healthy as possible, but it can be difficult to keep track of all of their medical needs. With so many different treatments, medications, vaccinations and health concerns to monitor, you might be wondering which services for your dog are necessary and which ones are not. By going to a pet clinic in D’Iberville, MS where a veterinarian can give you specific information about what your dog needs, you can feel confident that your dog is protected against common diseases that can take a toll on their health.
Vaccinations for dogs
The two main categories of dog vaccinations that you will hear about are core vaccines and non-core vaccines. As the name suggests, core vaccines are the shots that every dog should receive regardless of specific circumstances. Non-core vaccines, on the other hand, are shots that are recommended based on the specific needs of your dog and any risk factors that are present. Core vaccines protect your pet against potentially fatal diseases such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus and adenovirus. Depending on where you live and how much time your pet spends outdoors, your dog might be at an increased risk of contracting certain diseases, which is why some non-core vaccines are recommended. These vaccines offer protection against things like Lyme disease, influenza and canine cough.
How often does your dog need to be vaccinated?
The frequency of vaccinations is dependent on the type of shots your dog receives. For most of the non-core vaccinations, it is recommended that you have your dog’s shots administered annually. Core vaccines should generally be re-administered every three years or so, but it is always best to consult your vet to get an accurate vaccine schedule. It is important to keep in mind that these recommendations are intended for a fully-grown dog, and that it may vary depending on a number of factors. If you have a puppy, for example, you can expect to have to get them vaccinated far more frequently during their first year of life. As always, a pet clinic in D’lberville, MS will be able to give you specific information about your pet’s needs.
Get vaccinations at a pet clinic in D’Iberville, MS
If you have any questions about the immunization schedule for your dog, or if you want to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian for your pet, give D’Iberville Veterinary Hospital a call. With decades of experience working all types of pets, we have the skills and experience necessary to provide your pet with caring and compassionate service that is designed to keep them as healthy as possible. In addition to offering immunizations, we also provide services such as routine checkups, orthopedic surgery, bloodwork, spay and neutering and even boarding and grooming. We would be happy to work with you, so stop by or call us today for an appointment!