Just like people, your pets also need vaccinations to live longer, healthier lives. They prepare your pet’s immune system to fight disease-causing organisms. Vaccines are often inexpensive and readily available at your local animal hospital. If you need standard vaccinations for your pets in the Statesboro, GA, area, contact Westside Veterinary Hospital. This animal hospital offers preventive care, physical examinations, routine surgeries, dog boarding, and pet grooming. Their experts can provide the caring service you and your pet deserve.

Here are the vaccines your pets need this spring:

• Rabies Vaccine: Rabies is 100% fatal to animals, and no cure is currently available. The vaccine can be administered as early as three months for dogs and eight weeks for cats. Annual boosters are also required, depending on state regulations.

• Distemper Vaccine: Caused by an airborne virus, distemper is a contagious disease that affects both cats and dogs. If not prevented, it may cause permanent brain damage. The vaccination should be given between six to 16 weeks of age. Boosters are required every three years.

• Parvovirus Vaccine: Canine “parvo” is a fatal and contagious disease that causes severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea. These shots should also be administered between six and 16 weeks of age to your puppy. Your pet will need a booster a year after the initial three doses have been given.

• Herpesvirus Vaccine: A disease that affects cats, herpesvirus is a contagious pathogen that causes feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR). It is an upper respiratory condition with symptoms such as nasal congestion, conjunctivitis, and eye discharge. Vaccination should be given as early as six weeks.

• Bordetella: Although not a serious condition, Bordetella can be dangerous to kittens and puppies. It is a contagious upper respiratory condition that may result in loss of appetite, eye and nasal discharge, and enlarged lymph nodes. Two doses are needed for protection.

Protect your furry friends from sickness by bringing them to a veterinarian for vaccination. Call the experts at Westside Veterinary Hospital today at (912) 489-1998 or visit their website for more information about this full-service animal hospital.