Importance of Pet Vaccinations

In addition to our outstanding health care, we at Oxford Animal Hospital in The Villages, FL are proud to provide a myriad of general pet health and wellness services, including preventative pet care. Preventative pet care is an incredibly important component to pet health and wellness and it includes things like ensuring a pet is on the right diet, getting the right amount of exercise for healthy muscle development, and ensuring the pet is on the correct vaccination schedule. 

Why Vaccinations Are So Important

Also referred to as inoculations and immunizations, vaccinations are the act of introducing a vaccine into the body. A vaccine uses a killed or weakened version of the microbe that causes a virus or disease. It essentially trains the body's immune system to protect against a living version of the microbe. This helps prevent pets both from ever getting the virus and reduces the severity of the illness in the case they still catch it. 

Vaccinations are important because when left untreated, certain viruses can cause serious issues and complications in your pet. Some viruses left in the system for too long can eventually become untreatable. Not only do you vaccinate to protect your pet, but you also vaccinate to protect all other pets. When your pet is vaccinated, you help prevent a virus from being spread and potentially killing someone else's pet. 

How Often Does A Pet Need to Be Vaccinated?

Some types of vaccinations happen only once during a pet's lifetime like booster vaccinations. Other vaccinations must be done on an annual vaccination schedule or once every two or three years. Additionally, what type and how many vaccinations your pet will need depends on what species your pet is (dogs need more vaccinations than cats) and what region you are in or the lifestyle of your pet. For example, leptospirosis is a vaccine recommended for dogs who live in more tropical areas, so it’s likely your pet will need the vaccine more than a Michigan will need it.

Contact Our Team Today to Learn More About Vaccinations for Your Pet

We at Oxford Animal Hospital know how much you care for your pet. That’s why we are passionate about finding the best health care for your animal. If you live in The Villages, contact us today to see how we can help you and your animal.