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Vaccinations

Preventative care is an important aspect in maintaining your pet’s health. Proper vaccination is vital in protecting them against harmful diseases.

Overview

We believe that preventative care is one of the most important aspects of maintaining your pet’s health. There are a variety of diseases that affect animals, so proper vaccination of your pet is vital in protecting them from the many types of illnesses to which they are susceptible to.

Why are vaccinations important?

Vaccinations are vital to the health and protection of your pet, and serve as a preventive measure in combating viral diseases like Parvovirus, Parainfluenza virus, Distemper, Lyme Disease, Panleukopenia, Feline Leukemia Virus, and Rabies.

When should my pet get vaccinated?

Vaccinations are particularly important for puppies, kittens, and other young animals that have immature immune systems. Veterinary vaccinations generally begin at 6-8 weeks of age and then boostered throughout your pet’s life depending on the vaccine. Our doctors will determine the appropriate vaccination plan for your pet.

How are vaccines administered?

Vaccines help to combat diseases by exposing the pet's immune system to inactive or small amounts of a particular form of bacteria or virus. Vaccines are administered through a subcutaneous injection (under the skin), orally, or intra-nasally, depending on the vaccine.

Vaccinations are accompanied by a consultation and examination with our veterinarians to make certain that your pet's condition is stable enough to receive them. Proper and timely administration is necessary to ensure optimal protection.

Vaccinations at Blue Ridge Veterinary Associates

Protecting Your Pet’s Health

You can help protect your pet’s health by keeping them up to date with their vaccinations. Vaccines keep your pets from contracting serious disease and prevents the spread of them to the wider community. According to the ASPCA, one of the best things that you can do for your pet’s health and quality of life is to ensure that they are getting the vaccines they need on a regular basis. Blue Ridge Veterinary Associates believes that vaccines are an essential part of caring for your pet. When you bring your pet in for their routine wellness exams, our Purcellville veterinarians will speak with you about your pet’s overall health and lifestyle before recommending vaccines that can protect their wellness.

For more information about vaccination services at Blue Ridge Veterinary Associates, call (540) 269-4656 or contact us online to learn more about the benefits of vaccines.

Core Vaccinations

As with every recommendation for your pet, our Purcellville veterinarians will take all of your pet’s health needs into the consideration before recommending a vaccine regimen for your pet. We want to ensure that your pet is getting comprehensive care so that they can stay safe and healthy throughout their lives.

Core vaccines are considered universal for all pets regardless of lifestyle. These vaccinations prevent diseases that have a high degree of transmission or are considered particularly severe. Different species have different core vaccines – your veterinarian will walk you through the types of vaccines we recommend for your pets.

Canine core vaccinations include:

  • Parvovirus

  • Hepatitis

  • Distemper

  • Rabies

Feline core vaccinations include:

  • Calicivirus

  • Herpes virus type I

  • Rabies

  • Panleukopenia

In addition to the core vaccinations listed above, the Blue Ridge Veterinary Associates team may recommend other vaccinations that can help protect your pet’s health.

Vaccination Safety

Vaccines for both pets and humans undergo rigorous testing before they are permitted for use in the broader population. Dangerous diseases, such as distemper, still exist, but exist at much lower levels than before the vaccine for the disease was developed. Regular vaccinations help keep these diseases at bay, making them less common and less likely to be passed around. By vaccinating your pet, you are not only ensuring that your pet is protected from dangerous transmissible diseases, but you are also protecting the other pets in the Purcellville community.

While unlikely, it is possible that your pet may experience a negative reaction to their vaccines. Common reactions include soreness or swelling around the vaccination area. Less commonly, pets may experience fever or inflammation. Before we vaccinate your pet, our veterinary team will take your pet’s medical history and preexisting conditions into account to help limit the likelihood of a negative reaction. We want your pet to live a happy, healthy life. Vaccines can help dramatically improve their quality of life.

If you have any questions about the safety or efficacy of vaccinations, please call (540) 269-4656 or contact us online so we can put your mind at ease.