Paws and Claws
Vaccines help your pet live a long, healthy life
by Cindy Anderson, DVM
Vaccines help prevent many illnesses that affect pets. Vaccinating has long been considered one of the easiest ways to help your pets live a long, healthy life. Your veterinarian can determine a vaccination regimen that will provide the safest and best protection for your individual pet.
Since vaccines are very important to managing the health of your pet, talk to your veterinarian about a vaccination protocol that is right for your animal. Factors that should be examined include the pet’s age, medical history, environment, travel habits and lifestyle.
Most veterinarians recommend administering core vaccines to healthy pets. For dogs, the core vaccines include canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis, leptospirosis and rabies. For cats, the core vaccines include panleukopenia (feline distemper), feline calicivirus, feline herpes virus 1 (rhinotrachitis), Chlamydophila felis and rabies. Most vaccines are given yearly, with the exception of rabies, which after the initial vaccine can be administered every three years.
Vaccines should mildly stimulate the animal’s immune system in order to create protection from specific infectious diseases. This stimulation can create mild symptoms, ranging from soreness at the injection site to fever and allergic reactions.
Most pets will show no ill effects from vaccines. Vaccine reactions may be minor and short-lived or require immediate care from a veterinarian. Clinical signs include fever, sluggishness, loss of appetite, facial swelling and/or hives, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, lameness, difficulty breathing, pain/swelling/redness/scabbing or hair loss around the injection site.
It is important to talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s medical history before vaccinations because, as with any medical procedure, there is a small chance of side effects.
If you suspect your pet is having a vaccine reaction, call your veterinarian immediately.
To schedule a vaccination appointment for your pet, contact Dr. Cindy and the staff at Lakelands Trail Veterinary Clinic at 517-655-5551. The clinic is located at 4525 S. Michigan 52 in Stockbridge.
Heartworm testing
The Lakelands Trail Veterinary Clinic also will be offering two walk-in clinics for heartworm testing. The first clinic will be from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 2. A second clinic will be offered from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 16.
Cindy Anderson, DVM, is a graduate of MSU Veterinary College (1992) and has practiced veterinary medicine for over 28 years.
