At Family Vet Services in Coldwater, OH, preventive care is essential for keeping your pet healthy, and vaccinations are a critical aspect of that care. Vaccines protect your pets from serious, potentially deadly diseases, and by keeping your pets vaccinated, you’re also helping safeguard the broader pet community in Coldwater. However, not every pet needs the same vaccinations. Some are considered “core” and are recommended for all pets, while “non-core” vaccines are only necessary if your pet is at risk. At Family Vet Services, we’ll discuss your pet’s lifestyle, age, health, exposure to diseases, and travel habits to create a personalized vaccination plan that works best for them and for you.

Deciding Which Vaccines Your Pet Needs

Your pet’s need for non-core vaccines largely depends on their lifestyle and exposure to certain risks. Dogs that are more social and frequently visit places like boarding kennels, groomers, dog parks, or training classes are in close contact with many other dogs, which increases their chances of contracting diseases like Canine Influenza or Bordetella. For these pets, lifestyle vaccines can offer crucial protection.

Dogs that spend significant time outdoors, especially those that enjoy hiking or camping, are more at risk for tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and bacterial infections like Leptospirosis, commonly found in contaminated soil. Similarly, outdoor cats that might encounter feral cats are better protected when vaccinated for feline leukemia.

For more information about vaccines or to discuss a personalized vaccination plan for your pet, feel free to reach out to Family Vet Services and schedule an appointment today!