Why Do I Need to Have My Pet Vaccinated in Chicago?
Keeping our pets updated on vaccinations is one of the most important things we can do for them. The moment they come into our lives, it is our responsibility to keep them safe from illness and disease. That starts with vaccinations against things like kennel cough, feline leukemia, feline distemper, and rabies.
Chicagoland is a huge area filled with animal lovers. While we adore our neighboring pet parents, any time a heavily populated area has an outbreak of illness, it spreads quickly. This is true for the animal population as well, which is why it’s so important to keep your pets vaccinated.
Kitten and Puppy Vaccinations
Booster shots for healthy puppies and kittens should be given starting around age 6-9 weeks. The recommended schedule for each set to be administered is 3 weeks apart. If we begin at 6 weeks, subsequent shots will be given at 9, 12, and 15 weeks.
Once the boosters have all been administered, your pet is considered to be fully vaccinated. For your convenience, we also offer 4-step puppy wellness and kitten wellness programs.
Core Kitten Vaccinations
The recommended, or “core”, vaccines for your kitten include protection against common illnesses that are easily spread or may be fatal. These include:
- Feline Calicivirus
- Feline Panleukopenia
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
- Rabies
Core Puppy Vaccinations
The core vaccines for your pup include protection against common illnesses that are easily spread or may be fatal. These include:
- Bordetella
- Canine Distemper/Parvovirus
- Canine Leptospirosis
- Rabies
About Rabies Vaccinations
In the state of Illinois, rabies vaccinations are required by law to help prevent the spread of this fatal virus. Rabies is passed on through saliva when an infected animal bites another animal or human.
If your pet bites another pet or human, proof of vaccination must be provided to local authorities. The inability to do so puts your pet’s life at risk.
Additional Cat and Dog Vaccines
Annual vaccinations for the core vaccines mentioned above are automatically included unless you request otherwise. During your visit, we will discuss your pet’s lifestyle to determine what other vaccinations might be recommended.
Optional Dog Vaccinations in Chicago
We offer additional vaccines to help keep your dog protected from illnesses not included in the core vaccinations. You may choose as many or as few as you like, depending on your specific dog. These additional vaccines include protection against:
- Canine influenza
- Canine Lyme disease
If your dog goes to boarding, grooming, dog parks, or areas where ticks are prevalent, we may make specific recommendations. We can further discuss this at your appointment, though, to learn more about your pup’s lifestyle.
Optional Cat Vaccinations in Chicago
We also offer the feline leukemia vaccine to help protect your cat if he goes outdoors. Outdoor cats are at the highest risk for nearly every illness, and extra precautions should always be taken. Even indoor cats, however, may be at risk for certain conditions. Please be sure to discuss these options in detail during your visit in order to best protect your beloved kitty.
Your Go-To Chicago Animal Hospital
If your pet is not feeling well, please call ahead to see if you should reschedule a vaccine. If you need to schedule an appointment for a vaccine or checkup, just give us a call. Portage Park Animal Hospital and Dental Clinic is here for all your pet’s needs.
