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Keeping your furry loved ones healthy and protected is one of the most important things you can do as a pet parent. If you’re a Sacramento pet owner wondering about vaccinations, you’re in the right place! Think of vaccinations as giving your dog or cat their own personal bodyguard against illness, giving you peace of mind while your pets live their best lives.
At Broadway Veterinary Hospital, we’ve been helping Sacramento pets stay healthy for years. Our team of UC Davis-trained veterinarians understands pet care isn’t one-size-fits-all, which is why we create personalized vaccination schedules tailored to your pet’s specific needs, lifestyle, and risk factors. Our comprehensive veterinary services are designed to make the pet vaccination process as stress-free as possible for both you and your beloved companion, supporting your pet’s overall well being.
Our dedicated team is here to provide expert spaying care for your pet-because they're family and deserve the safest procedure to ensure their health and happiness for years to come!
Every pet should receive what we call “core vaccines.” These are the essential shots that protect against the most common and dangerous diseases. For dogs, core vaccines include:
Cats require the FVRCP combo vaccine (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia) in addition to the rabies vaccine. For cats with outdoor access or exposure to other cats, the feline leukemia vaccine is also considered essential protection against the feline leukemia virus, a serious infectious disease that compromises the immune system.
The timing of these vaccines is crucial, especially for puppies and kittens. Young animals typically start their vaccination series around 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until they’re about 16 weeks old. This schedule ensures they develop strong immunity as their natural antibodies from mom start to fade. During each visit, puppies and kittens are carefully evaluated to ensure they’re healthy enough to receive their vaccines safely.
Adult dogs and adult cats need regular boosters to maintain their protection. Most vaccines are given annually, though some newer vaccines provide protection for up to three years. Staying up to date on your pet’s vaccination schedule is crucial for preventing infectious diseases. Your veterinarian will help you determine the best schedulebased on your pet’s age, health status, and lifestyle factors.
Beyond core vaccines, additional vaccines may be recommended based on your pet’s lifestyle and exposure risks. These “non-core” vaccines are like optional add-ons that provide extra protection for pets who encounter specific threats.
For active dogs who love hiking in the Sacramento foothills or spending time at dog parks, vaccines for Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and rattlesnake bites might be recommended. Canine influenza vaccine is another important consideration for dogs who frequent boarding facilities, grooming salons, or dog daycare, where this respiratory disease can easily spread. Dogs in areas with standing water or wildlife contact may also benefit from leptospirosis vaccination, as this bacterial disease can pose serious health issues for both dogs and cats.
Indoor cats typically need fewer vaccines than outdoor adventurers, but even house cats can benefit from certain protections if they occasionally escape or if you board them. The feline leukemia vaccine is particularly important for cats who go outdoors or live with other cats whose feline leukemia status is unknown.
The key is having an honest conversation with your veterinarian about your pet’s daily routine, travel plans, and exposure to other animals. We’ll also discuss tick prevention, heartworm protection, and other essential services during your visit. This helps us recommend the most appropriate vaccine protocol for your specific situation.
We know vet visits can be stressful for pets (and their humans!), so we’ve developed strategies to make vaccination appointments as comfortable as possible. Bringing your pet’s favorite treats, maintaining a calm demeanor, and scheduling appointments during less busy times can all help reduce anxiety. Pet safety and comfort are our top priorities during every examination.
Our experienced team takes time to let your pet get comfortable before administering vaccines. We use gentle handling techniques and can discuss options, such as pre-visit anxiety medications or oral calming supplements, if your pet is particularly nervous. Remember, most pets experience only minor discomfort, similar to what humans feel getting a flu shot.
After vaccination, it’s normal for pets to be slightly tired or sore at the injection site for a day or two. Monitor the injection site for any unusual swelling or reactions. Severe reactions are rare, but we’ll always discuss what to watch for and when to call if you have concerns. We provide detailed resources and instructions after completing your pet’s vaccinations.
When you vaccinate your pet, you’re not just protecting them, you’re also helping keep the entire Sacramento pet community healthy. This concept, called “herd immunity,” means that when most pets in an area are vaccinated, it helps protect vulnerable animals who can’t be vaccinated due to age or health conditions.
Sacramento’s warm climate and active outdoor lifestyle mean pets here face unique challenges. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rabies cases in domestic animals have decreased by over 90% since the 1960s, mainly due to widespread vaccination programs. Diseases like parvovirus and distemper can spread quickly through unvaccinated populations, especially in areas where pets gather, like dog parks, grooming facilities, and boarding kennels. These infectious diseases pose significant risks to both dogs and cats in our community.
By staying current on vaccinations, you’re being a responsible pet parent and community member. Many boarding facilities, groomers, and dog parks require proof of current vaccinations to ensure the safety of all pets. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to show love for your pet and consideration for others.
Don’t wait to protect your furry friend from preventable diseases. At Broadway Veterinary Hospital, our team of UC Davis-trained veterinarians brings decades of combined experience to keep your pets healthy and happy. Our veterinary services specialize in comprehensive preventive care, including personalized vaccination protocols, and we’re known throughout Sacramento for our compassionate, family-oriented approach to veterinary medicine. We also offer microchip services for added pet safety and peace of mind.
Are you ready to schedule your pet’s vaccination appointment?
Give us a call at (916) 404-3648 or contact us online to book your visit today. Contact us to discuss your pet’s age, health history, and specific needs. Your pet’s health and your peace of mind are worth it!
Comprehensive, compassionate care for your pet’s health and happiness, delivered by our experienced medical team.
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Our skilled team delivers comprehensive medical care, equipped to handle everything from routine visits to complex conditions. Our state-of-the-art facility offers:
Regular wellness exams and vaccinations are essential to your pet’s long-term health. Our comprehensive wellness programs include:
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Adult dogs and cats typically receive their first rabies vaccine at around 12-16 weeks of age, with a booster one year later. After completing the initial series, most pets receive rabies boosters every 1-3 years depending on the vaccine type used and local regulations. Sacramento requires proof of current rabies vaccination for all dogs and cats, and staying up to date ensures compliance with local laws while protecting your pet from this fatal disease.
Core vaccines (rabies, distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis for dogs; rabies and FVRCP for cats) protect against diseases that are widespread, highly contagious, or pose serious health risks. Lifestyle-based vaccines like Lyme, leptospirosis, Bordetella, canine influenza, and feline leukemia are recommended based on your pet’s specific exposure risks and activities. During your examination, we’ll evaluate your pet’s lifestyle to determine which additional vaccines provide the best protection.
While feline leukemia risk is lower for strictly indoor cats, the feline leukemia virus can be transmitted if your cat escapes outdoors, encounters an infected cat through a window screen, or if you introduce a new cat to your home. Feline leukemia is one of the most serious infectious diseases in cats, and there’s no cure once infected. We typically recommend the feline leukemia vaccine for kittens and young cats during their initial vaccination schedule, and for any cats with potential exposure to other cats of unknown status.
Most pets tolerate vaccines very well, but mild reactions can include lethargy, decreased appetite, or tenderness at the injection site for 24-48 hours. These are normal signs that the immune system is responding. However, contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice severe swelling at the injection site, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, or collapse. While serious reactions are rare, early evaluation of concerning symptoms is crucial for your pet’s safety and well being.
If your puppy or kitten missed a scheduled vaccination appointment, contact us as soon as possible to reschedule. The timing of vaccines during the first few months is crucial for building immunity. Depending on how long it’s been since the last vaccine and your pet’s age, we may need to restart the series or simply continue with the remaining boosters. We’ll create a new schedule to ensure your young pet receives complete protection against diseases that can easily spread among young animals. Don’t worry—we’ll work with you to get your pet’s vaccinations back on track while providing all the resources you need for successful completing of the series.
Don’t wait any longer to forge a lifelong relationship with your friendly veterinarian.
