Veterinary Services in Libertyville, IL
Vaccinations
Vaccinating your pet helps protect them against potentially deadly diseases.
Cat & Dog Vaccinations
At GreenTree Animal Hospital, we’re proud to offer every one of our patients top-notch personalized care. Our primary goal is to keep your pet happy and healthy for as long as possible so you can enjoy many years together. That’s why we emphasize the importance of preventative care, which includes cat and dog vaccinations.
Why should I vaccinate my pet?
Having your pet fully vaccinated is vital if you want to keep them in the best health possible. Vaccines are designed to provide your pet with an additional layer of protection against diseases they may encounter.
Here’s how it works: vaccines contain antigens, which are structurally similar to disease-causing organisms. These antigens stimulate your pet’s immune system, prompting a mild immune response. That means if your pet is exposed to the actual disease later in life, their immune system will be better prepared to recognize and fight off the intruder.
Personalized Vaccination Protocols
Our vets firmly believe in a personalized approach to medical care. We know that no two pets are alike, so we customize your pet’s vaccination schedule based on factors such as species, age, and lifestyle.
Here’s an example of how our vets could customize your pet’s vaccination protocol:
The Rabies vaccine is required for both cats and dogs. The DHPP vaccine, which offers protection from Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus, is also considered to be a core vaccine for dogs. We consider Leptospirosis a core vaccine for dogs as well. FVRCP is an essential vaccine that protects cats against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. Typically, we recommend the Distemper and FVRCP vaccines every three years after puppyhood and kittenhood. The DHPP and FVRCP are core vaccines that our veterinarians recommend for every dog or cat, with a few exceptions.
However, vaccines for Bordetella, Lyme, and Feline Leukemia are recommended based on your pet’s specific needs. For example, if your cat is an indoor/outdoor pet, then your vet will likely recommend that they receive the Feline Leukemia vaccination. Also, if your dog enjoys being social at daycare while you’re at work, then you’ll need to protect them from Bordetella, or kennel cough, which is easily passed from one dog to another.
Our vets will be sure to carefully assess your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors before recommending a vaccination protocol that’s tailored specifically to their needs. If you have any questions about pet vaccinations or if you’re ready to make an appointment, we invite you to give us a call. We hope to hear from you soon!