Vaccinating your pup isn’t just a good idea – it’s required by law. Dog immunizations keep your pup healthy by protecting him from infectious diseases, some of which can lead to death. Treating sick pets is more costly than preventing the sickness in the first place with vaccinations. If you live in McMurray or a nearby community, bring your furry friend to Pleasant Valley Veterinary Clinic for the vaccinations he needs to safeguard his health. 

How Vaccines Work

Like human immunizations, vaccines help stimulate your pet’s immune system to fight against infections and diseases. If your pet is exposed to a disease after being vaccinated, his body will automatically fight against it to protect him from harm. Some vaccines significantly reduce the symptoms of a disease, while others prevent symptoms from occurring altogether. As the protection vaccines provide wears off after some time, your pup will need booster shots on a regular basis to stay protected for the rest of his life. Your McMurray, PA veterinarian can develop a vaccination schedule for your dog to keep him safe long-term.

Core & Non-Core Vaccinations

Dog immunizations fall under the categories of core and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines are vital to your pet’s health and wellness. They protect your pup from diseases that pose the greatest threat to his health. Some of these diseases can be passed on to people, making them even more dangerous. Core vaccinations for dogs include rabies, distemper, parvovirus (parvo), parainfluenza, and adenovirus. Canine rabies and distemper can lead to death.

Non-core vaccines protect dogs against diseases they may contract due to their lifestyle or location. Lyme disease, for example, is prevalent in Pennsylvania and is carried by ticks in wooded areas. If you go for hikes with your pup in the woods, your McMurray vet may recommend that your pup gets the Lyme vaccine. Dogs that are boarded or attend doggie day care run the risk of getting kennel cough from other dogs. Many kennels require that dogs be vaccinated against kennel cough before being admitted to their facility.

The Benefits of Dog Vaccinations

Immunizations for dogs can keep your beloved pup safe from life-threatening diseases. They can also prevent the spread of those diseases to other animals and people your pet comes into contact with. When you vaccinate your pup, you:

- Keep him safe from contracting deadly diseases like rabies, distemper, and parvo

- Keep him from infecting you, other people, and other pets

- Spare your pup from unnecessary pain and suffering

- Save yourself the trouble of having to pay for costly medical treatment

See Our Veterinarians for Dog Vaccinations in McMurray, PA

To schedule vaccinations for your canine pet, contact Pleasant Valley Veterinary Clinic in McMurray at 724-941-5484.