Vaccination is the best way to prevent or minimize the effects of certain infectious diseases. Vaccinations carry some risks, but the benefits far outweigh the risks to your pet and you since they prevent or limit diseases that cause severe illness or death in pets and humans. In addition, vaccinations contribute to individual pets' overall health and longer lives and can help ensure a healthier community of pets. If you live in the Gaithersburg, MD, area and are looking for a veterinarian near you for vaccinations or other preventive pet care, consider our Goshen Animal Hospital team.
Required and Recommended Vaccines
The State of Maryland requires cats, dogs, and ferrets to have rabies vaccinations by four months of age, and local communities may require additional pet immunization requirements. In addition, veterinarians recommend various vaccines based on where you live or travel, your pet's activities, and exposure to other animals.
Core and Non-Core Vaccines
Every dog and cat should receive the core vaccines. We also recommend that your pet receive certain non-core immunizations that depend on his special needs. For example, we may recommend specific non-core vaccines if you travel with your pet to other states where certain diseases are prevalent, if your pet engages in outdoor activities, or interacts with other animals.
We determine our recommendations based on conversations with you and may ask you to complete a questionnaire about your pet's activities. Vaccines prevent diseases or significantly reduce the consequences of infection, so obtaining the appropriate set of vaccines is a common-sense approach for almost all pets.
Vaccination Schedules
Kittens and puppies obtain short-term immunity from their mother's milk, but this immunity quickly fades, so we start vaccinating while your pet is still young. Others, including boosters, become part of your pet's annual preventive care process. This scheduling helps us ensure your pet has the appropriate protection throughout life.
Get Veterinary and Vaccinations from a Veterinarian Near You
If you live in or near Gaithersburg, MD, and are looking for a veterinarian near you, consider our veterinary team at Goshen Animal Hospital. Call us today at (301) 977-5586 to schedule your pet's vaccinations.
