See Us for Pet Vaccinations in Winnipeg

Be Humane and Smart: Vaccinate Your Pet

Why should you get your pets vaccinated? As with human children and adults, leaving your pet exposed to preventable diseases is both unkind and short-sighted. Distemper, caused by a virus, is very contagious in dogs, cats, and some wildlife species. A painful disease, it will attack your pet’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. Worst of all, distemper is often fatal. On a positive note, distemper is preventable with an annual vaccination that has a low incidence of side effects.

It just makes ethical sense that the low cost and small effort of having your dog or cat vaccinated is part of being a good pet owner. You are also protecting other people’s pets in your neighbourhood, at the groomer, or at the dog park.

Regular vaccinations also protect your pet’s overall health and quality of life. Respiratory illnesses and forms of flu can make your pet miserable with the familiar symptoms of coughing, fatigue, no appetite, and fever. Puppies and older dogs are in danger of being sicker and developing pneumonia, just as with the flu in humans. Death is not as common as with distemper, but can weaken your pet’s immune system and recovery may take a while.

Core and Non-Core Vaccinations

Your pet’s vaccination schedule depends on their age, environment and lifestyle. Kittens and puppies need to start their vaccinations by 6 to 8 weeks of age in a series until they are 16 weeks old. Most vaccines need a booster from every year to every 3 years. Our veterinarian will recommend a plan for your pet’s wellness exams and boosters.

Municipalities throughout Canada generally have one required vaccination for all dogs and cats since it is so dangerous to animals and humans: rabies. The remainder of available pet vaccinations at Winnipeg’s Rivers Animal Hospital are divided into 2 major categories: core and non-core. The core vaccines are given to prevent the most common and severe conditions. Non-core vaccines are more dependent on your pet’s environment, such as boarding, outdoor activities, proximity to other wildlife, and travel.

The major vaccinations available at Rivers Animal Hospital include:

Keep Your Pet’s Vaccinations Up to Date in Winnipeg

Committed to supporting canine and feline health before illnesses strike, Rivers Animal Hospital will set you up with a regular schedule of wellness exams and pet vaccinations at our Winnipeg clinic. Dr. David Scammell, our licensed veterinarian, will always answer your questions about giving your dog or cat a happy, active life. Book an appointment today. New patients are welcome.