The majority of pets we see are house pets, either dogs or cats that spend their lives indoors. Some pets spend time both indoors and outdoors. Indoor pets are usually only scheduled for the core vaccines as exposure to infections, illness and disease is limited.

Pets who spend time out-of-doors are more likely to be given non-core vaccines, as they are exposed to more risks. In spending time outside, pets can be at much greater risk of being exposed to certain infectious diseases. Your vet will take your pet’s lifestyle into consideration when planning a custom vaccination schedule.

Even though vaccinations save the lives of millions of animals each year, as with any animal medical treatment, they involve a slight risk.

Fortunately, the science of animal vaccinations has advanced to the point that any serious adverse physical reactions happen only very rarely.

Our clinic works to reduce any risk associated with vaccinations and administers those your pet truly needs.

Yes! California law requires that all dogs have rabies vaccinations. The first rabies vaccine is given when a puppy is three months old, a second vaccination a year later, followed by a booster shot every three years thereafter.

Although most indoor pets, both dogs and cats, will not be regularly exposed to serious diseases, they can still develop illnesses that vaccinations protect against. When you vaccinate your indoor pet, you help them stay healthy, and avoid developing diseases that can be fatal. Talk to us about your concerns for your indoor pet with regard to vaccinations – we are here to help.

It is very common for pets to experience a few side effects after their vaccination. Be sure to monitor your pet’s health closely after their vaccination. If you see your pet experiencing any of the following side effects following their vaccination, contact your vet immediately:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Coughing
• Breathing problems
• Hives (itchy or bumpy skin
• Swelling around the vaccination area

Pet vaccinations do not work immediately after injection. Vaccines take several days to become effective.

If your pet is going to be exposed to other animals or you plan to have them boarded, all vaccinations should be administered at least a week prior to exposure to other animals.

Even though veterinary vaccination science has come a long way, vaccines cannot last a lifetime.

Your pet’s vaccines continue to be effective for about one year. That means that your pets will need to be vaccinated each year throughout their lives.

If you adopted your pet from a shelter, you’ve probably heard of the phrase “kennel cough.” This illness is caused by airborne viruses and bacteria that are, unfortunately, common in shelters and kennels.

Kennel cough is particularly contagious for dogs. The main vaccinations recommended for rescued animals will include:

• Adenovirus
• Bordetella
• Parainfluenza

Scheduling your pet’s vaccinations with Affordable Animal Hospital will go far toward keeping your pet happy and healthy for years. We are dedicated animal lovers and provide some of the best care while performing our services, such as our dog and cat vaccinations in Los Angeles.

Our veterinarian and staff treat you and your pet with the care and compassion you deserve. Make an appointment at our Eagle Rock vet clinic to ensure your pets are happy and healthy.

There are some vaccines ALL cats need to protect them from illness. Core vaccines are foundational in providing your cat with a solid health regime. These are the standard core vaccines administered to all cats:

• Feline distemper
• Feline calicivirus
• Feline herpes virus type 1
• Rabies

There are some vaccines that are necessary for outdoor cats. If your cat spends any time out-of-doors, the following vaccines are important to protect against health risks commonly found in the outdoor environment:

• Bordetella
• Chlamydophila felis (also known as C felis)
• Feline immunodeficiency virus
• Feline leukemia virus

Some vaccinations are foundational to your dog’s good health. The following are the most important vaccinations your dog will need:

• Bordetella: this vaccine helps reduce or prevent respiratory infections that may lead to pneumonia.
• Distemper/parvo combination: this vaccine will fight several diseases that are often fatal.
• Rabies: this vaccine will fight rabies, which is fatal for all mammals (including dogs and people), and is required under California state law.

Here are some other common vaccinations that will help keep your dog healthy in the years ahead:

• Coronavirus
• Hepatitis
• Leptospirosis
• Parainfluenza