Vaccinations

There are two types of vaccinations for pets; core and non-core. The core vaccines are those that are needed and required, regardless of lifestyle, environment, or age. The non-core vaccines aren't required and are recommended depending on their unique needs. We can provide both core and non-core pet vaccinations in Oak Park, CA.

When your pet is just a puppy or kitten, they should begin their vaccination series as early as 6-8 weeks to boost their young immune systems. After this initial series, adult cats and dogs require booster vaccines to maintain immunity. Most pet vaccines are needed once per year; however, a dog rabies vaccine is only needed every three years. At each wellness exam, we will discuss your pet’s lifestyle and environment to ensure they are getting everything they need to stay healthy.

Pet vaccines are very much like human vaccines. They were developed to prepare the immune system to fight disease. Vaccines contain antigens that appear like disease-causing organisms to the immune system. This causes the immune system to be mildly stimulated without actually causing the disease. If your pet is exposed to the real disease, the immune system will recognize it and fight it off or significantly reduce the severity.

No medication has zero risks, but the benefits of pet vaccines far outweigh the minimal risks. Pet vaccinations do an amazing job of protecting animals against dangerous diseases including rabies. Pet vaccinations can also protect us! While approximately 59,000 people die every year from rabies worldwide, only one or two deaths occur in the US (according to the WHO), where laws require pet vaccines. The most likely complications from pet vaccines include tissue swelling at the injection site, mild signs of illness like fever and soreness, and allergic reactions.

We look forward to hearing from you, and we are happy to help with any questions or concerns you might have about your pet’s vaccines in Oak Park. Schedule a wellness checkup today. Call us at 818-532-7434!