When you have a puppy, you take every possible step to maximize their health and happiness—that means talking to your veterinarian about vaccinations. By establishing a vaccination schedule and taking your dog to the animal hospital whenever they need another shot or inoculation, you’ll significantly boost their quality of life.

At Carolina Veterinary Hospital, based in Sanford, NC, they strongly believe in the importance of education. The more you know about your pet’s health, the easier it will be to prevent illness or injury.

 As soon as you get a new dog, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss vaccinations. They’ll let you know which are necessary, when they should be scheduled, and why they’re important.

Humans have successfully eradicated many illnesses thanks to vaccines. Those that have not been completely eliminated are still much less widespread than they once were. That’s why you vaccinate your children—doing so keeps these conditions at bay.

The same goes for puppies—they also need to be protected from certain viruses and diseases. The illnesses all puppies should be vaccinated against include rabies, distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus. Typically, you should have them vaccinated around the time they’re between six and eight weeks old. At a quality animal hospital, pet medical care specialists will also take the time to discuss any additional vaccinations that may be necessary depending on your dog’s breed, lifestyle, and environment. With their help you’ll come up with a plan designed to keep your little buddy as healthy as possible for years to come.

If you live in the Sanford, NC, area and want to discuss this issue further with a veterinarian, schedule an appointment at Carolina Veterinary Hospital. They’ll make sure you understand everything you need to know. Contact them online for more info, or give them a call at (919) 258-3349.