Understanding Pet Vaccinations: What Your Dog or Cat Really Needs
Vaccinating your pet is one of the most important things you can do to protect them from serious illness. At Express Vets Buford, we make the process simple, informative, and tailored to your pet’s individual needs. Whether you have a playful puppy, a curious kitten, or a senior pet, vaccines are a critical part of preventive care.
Vaccines work by stimulating your pet’s immune system to build defenses against specific diseases. They don’t cure illnesses—they prevent them. Some vaccines are considered “core,” meaning they are recommended for all pets regardless of lifestyle. Others are “non-core” or optional and may be recommended based on your pet’s environment and daily habits.
For dogs, core vaccines include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus. These diseases are not only dangerous—they can be fatal without protection. Rabies vaccination is also legally required in Georgia. Non-core vaccines may include Bordetella (kennel cough), canine influenza, and leptospirosis, depending on exposure risk.
Cats also need protection through core vaccines like rabies and the FVRCP vaccine (which guards against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia). For outdoor cats or those living in multi-cat households, we may recommend the feline leukemia vaccine.
At Express Vets Buford, we customize vaccination schedules based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, health history, and risk factors. Puppies and kittens typically begin their vaccine series at 6–8 weeks of age and continue through 16 weeks, followed by regular boosters. Adult pets should receive routine boosters to maintain immunity throughout their lives.
We understand that pet parents often have questions about vaccine safety. The vaccines we use are veterinary-approved and carefully chosen for both safety and efficacy. Side effects are rare and usually mild, such as slight soreness at the injection site or brief fatigue. If your pet has a history of sensitivities or allergies, we’ll discuss options to keep them safe and comfortable.
During your pet’s vaccination appointment, we’ll also perform a wellness check to ensure they’re healthy and ready for immunization. We’ll answer your questions, update your records, and recommend any additional preventive care based on our findings.
Keeping your pet up to date on vaccines not only protects their health—it also gives you peace of mind. Contact Express Vets Buford at (470) 326-5220 or visit us at 4108 Hamilton Mill Road, Suite 310,Buford, GA 30519 to schedule your pet’s next vaccine visit and let’s keep them protected, happy, and thriving.
