Pet Vaccines in Fort Worth, TX

You want to keep your loyal companion around for as long as possible, so pet vaccines are an important step to make sure that happens. At Ridglea West Animal Hospital in Fort Worth, TX, we offer a range of both core and non-core vaccines for dogs and cats.

The Importance of Pet Vaccines in Fort Worth, TX

Just like humans, your pets have an immune system that can help them fight off certain diseases. Pet vaccines encourage the immune system to create antibodies to an illness so your pet can fight off that illness if they come in contact with it.

Many conditions pets are vaccinated for, including illnesses like rabies and parvovirus, are extremely difficult to treat and a major threat to the well-being of an animal. Overall, vaccines help to protect your dog or cat from illnesses that could potentially take their lives. Thanks to modern-day vaccines, many of the species-related illnesses that were once common among both felines and canines are far less common.

At Ridglea West Animal Hospital, we are minimalists when it comes to vaccines. Rather than just providing a “cookie-cutter” list of vaccinations to every pet we see, we work with you as the pet parent to determine the best set of core vaccines based on your pet’s specific lifestyle and environment. This way, there is no unnecessary vaccination taking place.

Core and Non-Core Pet Vaccines and Schedules

Pet vaccines can be either core or non-core. Generally speaking, core vaccines are vaccinations that are considered vital to pretty much all pets. Non-core vaccines are provided depending on the present or known risks.

Puppies should receive their DA2PP and leptospirosis vaccines between 6 and 8 weeks of age. Kittens need an FVRCP vaccine between 6 and 8 weeks. In both puppies and kittens, the vet may give vaccination boosters to achieve full protection for certain conditions.

Both dogs and cats should get their first rabies vaccination between 14 and 16 weeks old, their second vaccine at about a year of age, and then concurrently every three years.

Keep Your Pet Protected and Healthy with Pet Vaccines 

A happy pet is a healthy pet, so protecting your pet from species-related illnesses and diseases is ever important. If you have a pet that needs to be vaccinated, reach out to us at Ridglea West Animal Hospital to schedule an appointment.