Vaccinations
Vaccines cannot cure illness in our pets, but they can provide important immunity against a variety of diseases and prevent infection altogether. Cat and dog vaccinations are an effective line of defense against diseases such as rabies, distemper, Lyme disease and leukemia, to name a few. Our pets benefit from vaccinations in much the same way their human companions do, and can enjoy longer, healthier lives, too. Companion Animal Hospital offers both essential core vaccines and optional lifestyle vaccines to keep the dogs and cats of River North and surrounding neighborhoods protected.
HOW CAT AND DOG VACCINES WORK
Vaccines for pets work in a similar fashion to human vaccines. Each individual vaccine contains an antigen, or substance designed to induce an immune system response. Following vaccination, the immune system produces antibodies to go after the disease-mimicking antigens. As a result, your pet will be better-equipped to recognize and resist future infections.
OUR CORE AND LIFESTYLE VACCINES FOR CATS AND DOGS
Core vaccines are considered essential for your pet’s health. They protect your pet against rabies and distemper, two highly contagious and lethal diseases. Noncore or lifestyle vaccines are given based on your pet’s infection risks.
All of our vaccines include:
DOGS
- Rabies
- Distemper (DHPP)
- Bordetella
- Canine Influenza
- Leptospirosis
- Lyme
CATS
- Rabies
- Feline distemper (FVRCP)
- Leukemia
HOW WILL I KNOW WHICH VACCINES MY PET NEEDS?
When we meet with you and your pet for their wellness exam, we can help you decide which vaccines your pet will need the most. The rabies vaccine is in fact required by law, and distemper is highly recommended. To know what other vaccines your pet may need in their schedule depends on various factors, including:
- Age
- Size/weight
- Breed
- Health and medical history
- Travel frequency
- Whether they live with/near other dogs or wildlife (environment)
- Whether they will be boarded, taken to the groomer or visiting a dog park anytime soon
After we evaluate these areas, we can help you make an informed decision. We understand that you may have concerns about overvaccination, and we can assure you that we will never recommend vaccines that your pet doesn’t need.
Pet Vaccinations Near You
If you’d like to know more about creating a personalized vaccine plan for your pet, just give us a call at (312) 643-2901 and we’ll be happy to help you.