Pet Vaccinations
Seneca, PA
Veterinary Treatments
Today, household pets and farm animals live longer and healthier lives, thanks to vaccinations that provide protection against serious and potentially life-threatening infectious diseases. At Seneca Veterinary Clinic, we offer vaccination programs tailored to the needs of dogs, cats, horses, and small ruminants, taking into account required vaccinations, local disease risks, your pet's lifestyle, and their overall health. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) states that the increased use of pet vaccinations over the last century has prevented the sickness and death of millions of animals.
How Do Vaccinations Work?
Vaccinations protect animals by helping them build immunity against serious infectious diseases. They do so by introducing inactive, weakened, or modified bacteria or viruses, which trigger an immune response. Upon future exposure to these disease-causing organisms, the immune system quickly produces antibodies that fight these pathogens off, safeguarding your pet's health.
Regular vaccination helps prevent outbreaks in our community and reduces the spread of diseases to other animals, and in some cases, to humans. Staying up to date with your pet's vaccines is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep them healthy and avoid costly treatments for preventable diseases.
What Are Core and Non-Core Vaccines?
Core vaccines protect against infectious diseases that are widespread and often life-threatening. These are recommended for all pets in a particular species, regardless of their lifestyle. Non-core vaccines, on the other hand, protect against diseases that pose a risk for certain pets, depending on geographic location, exposure to other animals, and general health. We recommend these on a case-by-case basis after discussing your pet's environment and lifestyle.
Recommended Vaccinations for Dogs
Core vaccines for dogs include the following:
- Rabies: This is a fatal viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system. It can be transmitted to humans and is subject to legal requirements.
- DHLPP: The DHLPP vaccine protects against distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, and leptospirosis in a single dose.
Non-core vaccines for dogs include the following:
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Bordetella is a highly contagious respiratory illness. The vaccination is important for any dog that will be in close contact with other dogs and is often required by boarding facilities.
- Lyme Disease: Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks that can cause lameness, joint pain, and kidney issues. Given its high prevalence here in Pennsylvania, this vaccine is highly recommended for all dogs.
Vaccination Schedule for Dogs:
- 8 weeks: DHLPP Vaccine
- 12 weeks: DHLPP Booster Vaccine, Rabies, +/- Bordetella
- 16 weeks: DHLPP Booster Vaccine & Lyme disease Vaccine
- 20 weeks: Lyme Booster Vaccine
Recommended Vaccinations for Cats
Core vaccines for cats include the following:
- Rabies: Like dogs, cats must receive the rabies vaccination. This fatal disease can be transmitted to humans, and vaccination against it is required by law.
- RCPC: This essential core vaccine protects against feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and chlamydia felis, all in a single dose.
Non-core vaccines for cats include the following:
- FeLV (Feline Leukemia): A serious and often fatal viral disease that attacks the immune system. This vaccine is highly recommended for all kittens and for cats that go outdoors.
Vaccination Schedule for Cats:
- 8 weeks: RCPC vaccination
- 12 weeks: RCPC booster vaccination, Rabies vaccine, +/- FeLV vaccine
- 16 weeks: FeLV booster vaccination
Recommended Vaccinations for Equine (Horses)
Annual Vaccinations:
- Rabies: This viral disease affects an animal's central nervous system and is almost always fatal with no known cure.
- Eastern and Western Encephalomyelitis: This vaccination protects against mosquito-borne viral diseases that affect the nervous system and can be fatal.
- West Nile Virus: The mosquito-borne virus that can cause fever and neurological symptoms like a loss of coordination.
- Equine Rhinopneumonitis/Influenza: This vaccination protects against two common and highly contagious respiratory diseases of horses. The Rhinopneumonitis vaccine also helps prevent abortion in pregnant mares.
Vaccinations for Small Ruminants (Sheep and Goats)
Annual Vaccination:
- Rabies: This viral disease affects an animal’s central nervous system and is almost always fatal with no known cure.
- CD & T Vaccine: This combination vaccine protects against serious diseases, including Clostridium perfringens types C & D and tetanus.
Vaccinations Near Me in Seneca, PA
At Seneca Veterinary Clinic, we highly recommend staying ahead of your dog, cat, horse, or small ruminant's vaccinations. Our team will create a custom vaccine schedule to provide maximum protection against preventable diseases."
Call us at (814) 676-8470 to schedule your pet's appointment, or request one online today.
Aside from dogs and cats, we care for large animals, small mammals, and chickens on a case-by-case basis.