No loving pet owner wants to see their pet ill, and neither do we. That's why we strongly recommend pet vaccinations for all of our patients here at Orillia Pet Hospital. We believe the best way to treat an illness is to prevent it from ever developing. Vaccinating your pet (which is usually done during the wellness visits) is one of the easiest ways to do this. When updated regularly, vaccines help prevent a number of viruses and diseases that can affect pets. Simply bring your four-legged friend to our hospital, and we'll do the rest!

How Do Vaccines Protect Pets?

A vaccine contains antigens that resemble a certain virus or disease, which then generates antibodies after the vaccine is injected into the body. As a result, the immune system will be better equipped to identify and fight off disease-causing organisms, if ever exposed to the real disease. There are two types of vaccines available for pets: core and non-core (see next question). Regardless of which type of vaccine your pet receives, the end result is the same: protection from a certain disease or virus.

Core Vs. Non-Core: What's the Difference?

Core vaccines are considered essential for all pets based on the severity of the disease or the risk of exposure to a certain illness. The transmissibility of the disease from pets to humans is another factor of core vaccines. On the other hand, non-core vaccines are recommended ONLY based on the risk of exposure; not every pet needs non-core vaccines to be healthy. Feline leukemia (a contagious cat-to-cat virus) is an example of a non-core vaccine. It's typically recommended for cats that go outside.

How Often Should My Pet Be Vaccinated?

Typically, vaccines need to be updated every 1-3 years to remain effective, since the antibodies that they create fade over time. We can customize a vaccination schedule for your pet based on age, health, and lifestyle. Give us a call at (705) 325-4224 to make an appointment.