As a pet owner, you only want the best for your furry friend. You make sure they have enough food, exercise, and love, but there’s one crucial thing you might be forgetting – pet vaccinations. Much like humans, pets also need to have vaccines to protect themselves from various diseases and illnesses. The start of a new year is the perfect time to ensure your pet is up-to-date on their vaccinations. 

Pet vaccines help keep our furry friends healthy by preventing diseases that are harmful or even fatal. Dogs and cats can easily contract certain diseases by interacting with other animals, consuming contaminated food or water, or getting bitten by infected insects. The key to protecting your pet is by ensuring they have their necessary vaccines every year. Some of the most common vaccines include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and feline leukemia virus. Speak with your veterinarian to determine which vaccines your pet needs based on their age and lifestyle.

Aside from keeping your pet healthy, vaccines can also protect you and your family. Some diseases that can be transmitted from pets to humans include rabies, leptospirosis, and salmonella. By keeping your pets’ vaccinations up to date, you not only reduce the risk of them getting sick but also the people around them.

If you’ve just adopted a new pet, it’s important to make sure they receive their initial vaccines, as this is vital to their health. Puppies and kittens usually receive their first set of vaccines between six to eight weeks of age. In most cases, they continue to get the remaining shots at intervals of two to four weeks apart. Speak with your veterinarian about the vaccination schedule for your young pet.

If you’ve missed your pet’s annual vaccine appointment, don’t worry, it’s never too late to catch up. Keep in mind that vaccines should be given regularly, so if it’s been more than a year since their last vaccination, they may need to be revaccinated. Make an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss your pet’s vaccination schedule and ensure they receive the proper shots. The Mobile Pet Care Clinic of Texas, San Antonio’s “original” source for low-cost pet vaccinations and affordable pet outpatient treatments, hosts a monthly low-cost vet clinic at New Braunfels Feed & Supply. Check our calendar to see the monthly date.

In addition to vaccines, other preventive measures can help keep your pet healthy. Regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and exercise are just a few things you can do to maintain their health. Always be on the lookout for any changes in your pet’s behavior, as this can indicate an underlying illness or condition. Early detection means earlier treatment and a better chance of a full recovery.

Keeping your pet healthy not only benefits them but also you and your family. Vaccines are an essential part of pet care, and it’s crucial to make sure your pet is up-to-date on their vaccinations. Take the time this January to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian and ensure that your furry friend is healthy for the rest of the year. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.