Pet Vaccinations Available in Gallatin, TN
As a pet owner, you want your four-legged friend to be as healthy as possible, and one way to do that is by ensuring your pet is properly vaccinated. Vaccinating your pet has long been considered one of the easiest ways to help him live a long, healthy life. At Bluegrass Veterinary Hospital, your pet’s health and wellness are always our top priority; we provide pet vaccinations in Gallatin, TX.
Overview of Pet Vaccinations
Pet vaccinations help our animals establish strong immune systems. During a vaccination, an antigen or modified bacteria, parasite, or virus is administered to your pet by injection or intra-nasally. The antigen looks like the disease-causing organism to the immune system but doesn’t cause disease. When introduced to the body, the antigen triggers an immune response and prepares your pet’s immune system to recognize and fight against potential infections from disease-causing agents.
Most pet vaccinations are administered when a pet is young, usually around 6-8 weeks old, because their immune systems are vulnerable and need extra protection. Once the initial round of vaccines is administered, your pet is usually protected for 1-3 years, depending on the vaccine and your pet’s specific health needs.
Vaccinations for cats and dogs are categorized into core and non-core. Core vaccines are recommended for cats and dogs with an unknown vaccination history, while non-core vaccines are optional vaccines that should be considered depending on your animal’s risk. Your veterinarian will determine a vaccination regimen to provide the safest and best protection for your pet.
Core vaccinations for cats include:
- Rabies
- Feline herpesvirus type 1
- Feline calicivirus
- Feline panleukopenia (distemper)
Core vaccinations for dogs include:
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Adenovirus-2
- Hepatitis
- Parvovirus
Although the FeLV vaccine is not considered a core vaccination, it is highly recommended that indoor cats receive the vaccination if they spend time outside. We also provide the Lyme and Lepto vaccines for dogs and the flu vaccine for dogs and cats.
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Comprehensive Veterinary Care for Your Four-Legged Family Member.
How Does Getting a Pet Vaccination Protect Your Animal?
There are several benefits of getting your pet vaccinated:
- Prevent illnesses and diseases: Unvaccinated pets can attract rabies, distemper, and other diseases. By vaccinating your pet, you are helping protect your pet from highly contagious and deadly diseases or lessen the severity of these diseases. You can help your furry friend live a longer, happier, healthier life by ensuring they get the necessary vaccinations they need.
- Certain areas require vaccinations for household pets: In most places in the US, local or state ordinances require certain vaccinations.
- Vaccines protect you and your family from diseases that can be passed between animals and humans: Many diseases are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted between humans and animals. These include rabies and leptospirosis, and vaccinating your pet against them can help lessen the risk of transmission.
- Help you avoid costly treatments for diseases that can be prevented: Pet vaccinations can also save you hundreds and possibly thousands of dollars in the long run by protecting your pet against severe diseases that would require tests, surgeries, therapies, and more.
What are the Required Pet Vaccinations in Tennessee?
The state of Tennessee requires that all dogs and cats be vaccinated as early as three months old. They are required to be vaccinated for rabies before six months old. However, some cities and counties require animals to be vaccinated against rabies on an annual basis, so be sure to contact your city or county animal control agency for information on local rabies ordinances. If you’re moving to Tennessee, your pet must have a current rabies vaccination. You’ll need to provide the rabies vaccination certificate, which includes the vaccination date, type of vaccine, and the veterinarian’s signature.
Get Your Next Pet Vaccination at Bluegrass Veterinary Hospital
At Bluegrass Veterinary Hospital, we believe vaccination is an important part of preventive healthcare for your pet and one of the most cost-effective ways of helping your animal enjoy a long, healthy life. Our experienced veterinarians will examine your pet and recommend the appropriate vaccines needed to help prepare your pet to fight off various diseases. If you have questions regarding pet vaccinations or need to make an appointment for your animal in Gallatin, TX, don’t hesitate to contact us today.