Vaccinate Your Pets!

Your pet needs vaccinations. Did you know your cat or dog needs shots (vaccinations) just like you do? Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable to diseases and need vaccinations to protect them.

For example, the disease called canine parvovirus (Parvo) causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and death in dogs every year in Los Angeles County. Our county also has many cases of distemper (in dogs) and panleukopenia (in cats) every year. All of these diseases can be prevented by vaccination.

One vaccination is NOT enough! Vaccinations need to be given more than once in order to protect your pet completely. For example, puppies can be protected from Parvo by vaccinating them three times between the age of 8 and 16 weeks. The Parvo vaccine has to be given again a year later, and then is given again every 1-3 years or as recommended by your veterinarian.

Vaccinations are a bargain. Save yourself money and heartache. Vaccinations cost a lot less than treating a sick pet. The best time to get to know your local veterinarian is before your pet gets sick! Getting vaccinations from your local veterinary clinic is a great way to get to know them. Many veterinary clinics offer lower-cost vaccinations on certain days. Animal shelters in our county also offer low-cost vaccination clinics for your dog or cat. Rabies vaccinations often cost as little as $10.