Vaccinations

At Ranch House Pet-Med in Waco, Texas, we believe that preventative care is essential to your pet’s long-term health, and vaccinations are a key component of that care. Vaccines help protect pets from potentially serious and contagious diseases, ensuring they lead long, healthy lives. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive vaccination schedules tailored to the specific needs of your pet.

Why Are Vaccinations Important?

Vaccinations are an important part of maintaining your pet’s health and preventing the spread of harmful diseases. Vaccines help build your pet’s immunity against common viral and bacterial infections that can cause severe illness or even death. By staying up to date with your pet’s vaccines, you not only protect their health, but also help protect other animals in the community. Vaccines are especially important for puppies, kittens, senior pets, and pets with compromised immune systems, as they may be more susceptible to infections.

Core Vaccines for Dogs and Cats

At Ranch House Pet-Med, we follow the guidelines set by veterinary professionals to ensure that your pet receives the necessary core vaccines. Core vaccines are those that are recommended for all pets based on the diseases that are most common and potentially harmful in your area.

For dogs, the core vaccines include:

Rabies: A fatal disease transmitted through bites from infected animals. Rabies is legally required by law in most areas, and vaccination is crucial for preventing its spread.
Distemper: A highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
Parvovirus: A severe and highly contagious virus that affects the intestines and can lead to dehydration and death.
Adenovirus: A viral infection that affects the liver and can lead to canine hepatitis.

For cats, the core vaccines include:

Rabies: As with dogs, rabies vaccination is legally required and essential for preventing this fatal disease.
Feline distemper (Panleukopenia): A highly contagious viral disease that affects the gastrointestinal system and immune system.
Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus: These viruses are responsible for upper respiratory infections in cats, leading to symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and discharge from the eyes and nose.

Non-Core Vaccines

In addition to core vaccines, there are non-core vaccines that may be recommended depending on your pet’s lifestyle, environment, and risk factors. Non-core vaccines include protection against diseases like Bordetella (kennel cough), Lyme disease, and feline leukemia, among others. Our veterinarians will discuss these vaccines with you based on your pet’s individual needs, ensuring they receive the right protection for their lifestyle.

Vaccination Schedules

The timing of vaccinations varies based on your pet’s age, health, and previous vaccination history. Puppies and kittens usually start their vaccinations at 6-8 weeks old, with booster shots given at regular intervals until they are around 16 weeks of age. Adult pets require booster vaccinations periodically to maintain immunity. At Ranch House Pet-Med, we will help create a customized vaccination schedule for your pet, ensuring they stay protected throughout their lives.

Book Your Pet’s Vaccination Appointment Today

Vaccinations are a simple yet crucial step in ensuring your pet’s health and well-being. At Ranch House Pet-Med, we are dedicated to providing the best care for your pets and offering vaccinations that suit their individual needs. If you have questions about your pet’s vaccinations or would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’re here to help protect your pet and keep them happy and healthy for years to come.