Pet vaccinations protect your cats and dogs from diseases that can be fatal. Getting vaccines starting at a young age is part of your pet's regular preventative and wellness care. At Wadsworth Animal Hospital, our veterinarian team offers progressive pain management for your pet including vaccinations. Routine vaccinations from our Lakewood veterinarian ensure that your pet lives a happy life. The type of immunization your pet needs depends on her age and whether she is a cat or dog. Some diseases only affect cats, some only affect dogs.

Types of Pet Vaccinations

Both cats and dogs need to vaccinate against rabies as part of their standard puppy and kitten care. If you live in a wooded area or an area with a lot of wildlife, your pet is especially at risk, as the disease is spread from wild animals to domestic pets. It can also spread to humans. In Colorado, the law requires you to vaccinate your pet against this terrible disease. Your pet should receive the vaccine around the age of four months. She may need a booster shot every year or so, depending on the type of vaccination.

If you own a cat, vaccinations against viruses such as feline rhinotracheitis, feline calcivirus, and Chlamydia protect your kitten from potentially fatal respiratory infections. You should also vaccinate her against feline leukemia, a virus spread by biting and from mother to kitten. The virus weakens and eventually shuts down a cat's immune system.

Dogs need to be vaccinated against a number of diseases as well. Yearly vaccinations against parvovirus will protect your dog with this fatal disease, which can kill a dog in a matter of days. Vaccinations against canine distemper and hepatitis are also highly recommended. If your dog spends a lot of time with other dogs, such as in a kennel or in dog shows, it is recommended that you vaccinate her against parainfluenza, a respiratory infection, as well.

Vaccines are an essential part of a pet's wellness care. What vaccines have your pets received?