Vaccines are veterinary medical injections that help your pet’s immune system fight serious illnesses and diseases. Vaccines can help lessen the severity of some serious diseases and completely prevent certain some common deadly pet illnesses. Foothill Vet Clinic is here to help protect your pet’s health with some of the best quality and low cost pet vaccines Los Angeles has available.

Why is it Important to Vaccinate Your Pet
Veterinary experts agree that the increasing use of pet vaccinations over the last century has saved the lives of countless animals. Vaccinations have also made some common animal diseases a thing of the past. Our vet recommends that all pets be vaccinated to ensure they are fully protected from a wide variety of contagious and possibly deadly diseases.
If your cat or dog are outdoors and have not been vaccinated, it is very common for them to pick up an illness or disease from another animal around. We very much encourage pet owners to get their pets vaccinated to prevent illness or disease. Foothill Vet Clinic provides both cat and dog vaccinations in Los Angeles that are both affordable and effective against disease and illness.

Vaccinations and Your Pet’s Lifestyle
The majority of pets we see are house pets, either dogs or cats that spend their lives indoors. Some pets spend time both indoors and outdoors. Indoor pets are usually only scheduled for the core vaccines as exposure to infections, illness and disease is limited. Pets who spend time out-of-doors are more likely to be given non-core vaccines, as they are exposed to more risks. In spending time outside, pets can be at much greater risk of being exposed to certain infectious diseases. Our team will take your pet’s lifestyle into consideration when planning a vaccination schedule.

Pet Vaccinations: Safer Than Ever
Even though vaccinations save the lives of millions of animals each year, as with any animal medical treatment, they involve a slight risk. Fortunately, the science of animal vaccinations has advanced to the point that any serious adverse physical reactions happen only very rarely. Our clinic works to reduce any risk associated with vaccinations and administers those your pet truly needs.

What to Expect After a Pet Vaccination
It is very common for pets to experience a few side effects after their vaccination. Be sure to monitor your pet’s health closely after their vaccination. If you see your pet experiencing any of the following side effects following their vaccination, contact your vet immediately:
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Coughing
• Breathing problems
• Hives (itchy or bumpy skin)
• Swelling around the vaccination area

How Long Do Vaccines Last?
Even though veterinary vaccination science has come a long way, vaccines cannot last a lifetime. Your pet’s vaccines continue to be effective for about one year. That means that your pets will need to be vaccinated each year throughout their lives.

What is Kennel Cough?
If you adopted your pet from a shelter, you’ve probably heard of the phrase “kennel cough.” This illness is caused by airborne viruses and bacteria that are unfortunately, common in shelters and kennels. Kennel cough is particularly contagious for dogs. The main vaccinations recommended for rescued animals will include:
• Adenovirus
• Bordetella
• Parainfluenza

How Long Will Vaccines Need to Take Effect?
Pet vaccinations do not work immediately after injection. Vaccines take several days to become effective. If your pet is going to be exposed to other animals or you plan to have them boarded, all vaccinations should be administered at least a week prior to exposure to other animals.
Is My Pet Too Old for Vaccinations?
No, of course not! Any pet of any age can and should be vaccinated. Your pet’s health is a life-long endeavor.

Do Indoor Pets Need to Be Vaccinated?
Yes! California law requires that all dogs have rabies vaccinations. The first rabies vaccine is given when a puppy is three months old, a second vaccination a year later, followed by a booster shot every three years thereafter. Although most indoor pets, both dogs and cats, will not be regularly exposed to serious diseases, they can still develop illnesses that vaccinations protect against. When you vaccinate your indoor pet, you help them stay healthy, and avoid developing diseases that can be fatal. Talk to us about your concerns for your indoor pet with regard to vaccinations – we are here to help.ines in Los Angeles are excellent at keeping your pet healthy, but they do not last a lifetime. Regular vaccinations are needed to keep your pet’s health at its best.