August is National Immunization Month

Although August means summer is winding down, pet owners can still enjoy time outdoors with their furry friends.  Whether you and your pet explore nature or play in the backyard, being outdoors exposes your pet to disease.  That is why Greenfield Veterinary Clinic of Milwaukee recommends that all pets receive regular vaccinations.  Even couch potato pets need to be immunized for better health!   

Why Vaccinate?

If you are like most pet owners, you take your pet everywhere.  There are visits to parks and groomers.  Your pet may have scheduled playdates with neighborhood friends.  Pets may be boarded or taken to pet daycare or camps.  While these may be positive experiences for pets, they increase their exposure to disease.  Regular pet immunizations can minimize the risk of disease and ensure your pet's health.

Vaccines help your pet's immune system resist infection.  An inactive version of the disease works with a pet's immune system to build up an immunity to the infection.  Unfortunately, immunity does not last a lifetime.  Pets will need to receive boosters to ensure they are protected through life.   

What Pet Immunizations are Recommended?

All pets should receive core vaccinations as recommended by a veterinarian.  Other non-core immunizations may be necessary, depending on your pet's lifestyle.  For example, vaccinating for Lyme disease depends on where the pet lives and how much the pet is outdoors.  Our veterinarians evaluate your companion's lifestyle to determine which non-core vaccines are needed.

Core Vaccines

At Greenfield Veterinary Clinic, we recommend the following core vaccines for dogs and cats:

• For dogs, rabies, canine hepatitis, parvovirus, and canine distemper 
• For cats, rabies, feline distemper, calicivirus and feline herpes

Because immunity fades, boosters are required every one to three years.

Non-Core Vaccines

After reviewing your pet's activities, our veterinarians may recommend the following non-core vaccines for dogs and cats:

• For dogs, Lyme disease, leptospirosis, canine influenza, and Bordetella.
• For cats, feline leukemia, and Bordetella.

Non-core vaccines minimize the risk of disease based on you and your pet's lifestyle.

Call Greenfield Veterinary Clinic Today!

Keeping your pet safe and giving you peace of mind is at the heart of the Greenfield Veterinary Clinic.  We maintain a pet immunization record for every pet and provide vaccinations during routine exams or by appointment.  If you live within the greater Milwaukee area, contact us to make an appointment.  Let us work together to keep your pet safe and healthy.