Vaccinations

At Animal Hospital of South Bay, we believe that vaccinations are an essential part of your pet’s health and well-being. Vaccines help protect your dog or cat from a variety of dangerous diseases, some of which can be fatal. In Southern California, we offer both core and lifestyle vaccines to ensure your pet receives the appropriate protection based on their individual needs.

Core Vaccines

Core vaccines are those that are recommended for all dogs and cats, regardless of lifestyle or risk factors. These vaccines protect against diseases that are widespread, highly contagious, and potentially life-threatening.

For Dogs:

1. Distemper – A serious viral infection that can affect your dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. The vaccine for this is often labeled as DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza).
2. Parvovirus – A highly contagious virus that primarily affects puppies and causes severe gastrointestinal illness. This is typically part of the DHPP vaccine.
3. Adenovirus (Canine Hepatitis) – A viral infection that affects the liver, kidneys, and eyes, included in the DHPP vaccine.
4. Rabies – A fatal disease that affects the brain and is transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals. Rabies vaccination is required by law in California, and it is typically administered as a standalone vaccine called Rabies.

For Cats:

1. Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia) – A highly contagious viral infection that attacks the immune system and can cause severe illness. This vaccine is part of the FVRCP combination vaccine (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia).
2. Feline Herpesvirus (Rhinotracheitis) – A viral infection that causes upper respiratory issues and eye problems, included in the FVRCP vaccine.
3. Calicivirus – A viral infection that causes upper respiratory disease and mouth ulcers, part of the FVRCP combination.
4. Rabies – A fatal disease that affects the brain and is transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals. Rabies vaccination is required by law in California, and it is typically administered as a standalone vaccine called Rabies.

Lifestyle Vaccines

Lifestyle vaccines are those that are recommended based on your pet’s individual risk factors, lifestyle, and environment. In Southern California, where pets may be exposed to different conditions and other animals, we strongly encourage discussing these options with your veterinarian.

For Dogs:

1. Bordetella (Kennel Cough) – A highly contagious respiratory disease, often spread in places where dogs are in close contact, such as dog parks, grooming facilities, and boarding kennels. The Bordetella vaccine may be administered as Bordetella (intranasally or injectable).
2. Leptospirosis – A bacterial infection that can affect both dogs and humans, causing liver and kidney damage. This is administered as the Leptospirosis vaccine.
3. Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) – Transmitted by ticks, this disease can lead to joint pain, fever, and other serious complications. The vaccine for Lyme disease is administered as the Lyme vaccine.
4. Canine Influenza – A contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system, particularly in areas with high dog populations or boarding facilities. The vaccine for Canine Influenza is often administered as Canine Influenza.

For Cats:

1. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) – A viral infection that suppresses the immune system and increases the risk of other illnesses. Recommended for outdoor cats or those in contact with unknown cats. This vaccine is administered as the FeLV vaccine.
2. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) – A viral infection that weakens the immune system. Like FeLV, it is more common in outdoor cats or cats that are at higher risk of fighting. This is administered as the FIV vaccine.
3. Chlamydia – A bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system, primarily in kittens or cats in multi-cat environments. The vaccine for Chlamydia is typically administered as the Chlamydia vaccine.

When to Vaccinate Your Pet

Your pet’s vaccination schedule will depend on their age, health status, and lifestyle. We recommend starting vaccinations at a young age for puppies and kittens, with booster shots given throughout their lives. In some cases, adults may need catch-up vaccines or specific boosters if they are behind in their vaccination schedule.

Keep Your Pet Protect, Schedule Today

Vaccines are a critical preventive measure to ensure your pet remains healthy and protected from harmful diseases. Regular vaccinations help prevent outbreaks of contagious diseases in our community and help protect vulnerable pets who may be at higher risk.

If you have any questions about the vaccinations your pet needs, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at one of our two Animal Hospital of South Bay hospitals. Our team of veterinary professionals is here to provide the guidance and care your pet deserves.