Pet Vaccinations

Comprehensive Pet Vaccinations in GardenBrooke

Your pet’s immune system is their first line of defense and vaccinations give it the strength to fight back. While nursing, pets gain antibodies and nutrients from their mother’s milk. Once weaned, however, their immunity begins to drop, leaving them vulnerable to serious illnesses. That’s where timely pet vaccinations come in. At GB Vets, we design customized vaccination schedules to protect your pets from life-threatening diseases and keep them healthy year-round.
For most pets, vaccinations begin between 6 to 8 weeks of age and continue throughout adulthood. Many vaccines are now combined, reducing the number of injections your pet needs. After vaccination, pets typically begin developing antibodies within five days, reaching full protection in about two weeks. Some vaccines require multiple doses at first, followed by booster shots every 6 months to 3 years. These boosters help ensure ongoing immunity against common and contagious diseases. Vaccinated pets are far more likely to resist infection or recover faster if exposed, making prevention your best protection.
It’s important to remember that vaccines prevent the disease but don’t cure it. Keeping your pet’s vaccines up to date is one of the most responsible ways to safeguard their long-term health.

Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines

Pet vaccines are categorized as core (essential for all pets) and non-core (recommended based on lifestyle or exposure risk). Factors such as geographic location, travel habits, and indoor/outdoor activity help determine your pet’s vaccination plan. During your visit, our veterinarians will recommend the right combination based on your pet’s unique needs.

Canine Vaccinations

Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Recommended for dogs exposed to grooming, boarding, or daycare environments. Given at 9 weeks with a booster after 3 weeks, then every 6–12 months.
DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus): A core vaccine series starting at 6–8 weeks, with boosters every 3 weeks until 16 weeks old. A yearly booster is given after one year, then every 3 years.
Heartworm: A preventable yet deadly parasite spread by mosquitoes. Monthly prevention and annual testing are essential.
Leptospirosis: Helps prevent bacterial infections that damage kidneys and liver. Given annually to at-risk dogs.
Lyme Disease: Recommended for dogs in tick-prone regions. Initial doses are given at 12 and 15 weeks, followed by yearly boosters.
Rabies: A legally required core vaccine protecting pets (and people) from a fatal viral disease. First given at 16 weeks, then every 1–3 years depending on local regulations.

Feline Vaccinations

Feline Distemper, Calici Virus, Herpesvirus: Core vaccines starting at 6–8 weeks, repeated every 3 weeks until 16 weeks. Boosters follow annually or every 3 years depending on the vaccine.
Feline Leukemia (FeLV): A vital vaccine protecting against one of the leading causes of feline mortality. Administered at 12 weeks with boosters at 16 weeks, then annually.
Rabies: Required by law in many areas. First given at 12–16 weeks, with boosters every 1–3 years.
Non-Core Vaccines: Include Chlamydia, Feline Infectious Peritonitis, and Ringworm—administered only when exposure risk is high.

Preventable Canine Diseases

Adenovirus: Causes infectious hepatitis and severe liver damage.
Distemper: A contagious virus causing vomiting, pneumonia, and neurological symptoms.
Heartworm: Parasitic infection leading to heart and lung failure if untreated.
Leptospirosis: Leads to kidney and liver failure, often fatal if not caught early.
Lyme Disease: Transmitted by ticks, causing fatigue, fever, and joint pain.
Parvovirus: A dangerous gastrointestinal infection causing severe vomiting and diarrhea.
Parainfluenza & Bordetella: Causes kennel cough and respiratory distress.
Rabies: Fatal neurological disease transmissible to humans.

Preventable Feline Diseases

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): Weakens the immune system, leading to secondary infections.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): Causes chronic illness and cancer in cats.
Calicivirus & Herpesvirus: Common respiratory infections causing fever and nasal discharge.
Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper): A severe viral disease causing dehydration and low white blood cells.
Rabies: Always fatal once symptoms appear—vaccination is essential for prevention.

Vaccine Side Effects & Safety

Pet vaccinations are extremely safe, though mild side effects like soreness, fatigue, or mild fever can occur. These usually fade within 24–48 hours. In rare cases, pets may experience allergic reactions such as vomiting, swelling, or difficulty breathing—if this happens, contact our clinic immediately. The risks of not vaccinating far outweigh these minor side effects.

Rabies Vaccine Regulations

While federal law doesn’t mandate rabies vaccines, most provinces and states do. Requirements vary by location, so if you plan to travel or relocate, always verify the vaccination rules in your new area to avoid complications.

Book Your Pet’s Vaccination Appointment Today

Protect your furry family member with comprehensive pet vaccinations in GardenBrooke. At GB Vets, we tailor every vaccination plan to your pet’s age, health, and lifestyle—giving them the best possible defense against preventable diseases.
Call us today to schedule your pet’s next vaccination and keep them healthy, safe, and protected all year long.