Pet Vaccines
Protecting your pet starts with preventive care.
What Every Pet Parent Should Know About Vaccinations
As a pet parent, you naturally want disease protection for your fur baby. Vaccines work by stimulating your pet’s immune system to recognize and fight off harmful diseases before they become a threat. Pet vaccinations not only protect your individual fur baby but also contribute to the broader health of our Tacoma pet community by reducing the spread of contagious illnesses.
Common questions we hear include: “Are vaccines safe for my pet?” and “How often does my pet need vaccines?” Rest assured, Dr. Walia only recommends vaccinations that are safe and necessary based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and health status. Puppies and kittens typically begin their vaccine series at around 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters scheduled through their first year. Adult pets require regular annual boosters to maintain immunity. During your wellness visit, we will customize a vaccination plan that’s right for your pet, offering both core and non-core (lifestyle) vaccines depending on their needs.
What Vaccines Do Dogs Need?
Keeping your dog healthy starts with a solid foundation of core vaccines. At Westgate Animal Hospital, we prioritize essential protection with the following canine vaccinations: Rabies, DHLPPCV (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis, and Canine Coronavirus), and Bordetella (the “Kennel Cough” vaccine). These vaccines guard against highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases that can affect dogs of all ages.
For dogs with specific risk factors or lifestyles, Dr. Walia may also recommend one or more non-core dog vaccines. These include Lyme disease protection for pets exposed to ticks and Canine Influenza, which helps protect against respiratory infections common in social or boarding environments.
What Vaccines Do Cats Need?
Cats need protection, too! Our feline friends benefit from a carefully selected range of pet vaccinations. Core vaccines for cats include the Rabies vaccine, FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis), and FVRCP, which covers Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia—all critical diseases to prevent. For kittens and outdoor cats, the FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) vaccine is considered core and offers crucial protection.
Pet Vaccines in Tacoma, WA
Vaccinating your pet is a part of responsible pet ownership and an investment in their long-term health. At Westgate Animal Hospital, Dr. Walia and our caring staff are here to make the process easy. From first-time puppy or kitten vaccines to adult boosters, we are your trusted veterinary partner in preventive care.
Contact us today to schedule your pet’s vaccination appointment. Call our clinic to book your visit or inquire about same-day or walk-in availability.
