Pet Vaccinations & Parasite Prevention in Capitola
Keeping your pet up to date on all vaccinations and parasite prevention helps keep them safe from disease, strengthens their immune system, and improves their overall quality of life.
At Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital we provide all of the necessary pet vaccinations for animals living in Capitola, including flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention, and more. Book online or call our offices today to schedule your pet’s vaccinations and parasite prevention.
The Importance of Vaccinating Your Pets
Vaccinating your pets is the best and simplest way to keep them protected from common diseases and other pests like fleas and ticks. In addition to routine protection, vaccines can help pets in numerous ways such as:
Vaccines can prevent the spread of disease from pet to human.
Reputable boarding, daycare, and training locations often require vaccination to enroll your pet.
Vaccinations may be needed for a pet to travel.
Many states including Capitola require household pets to be vaccinated against certain diseases.
Vaccines keep your pet’s immune system strong by creating antibodies.
Keeping your pet vaccinated is one of the best ways to extend its life and ensure it’s living comfortably.
Vaccinating your pet will be more cost-effective than dealing with the treatment of disease and frequent vet visits.
Why Choose Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital for Your Pet’s Vaccinations
Protection and prevention are one of our core services. Our experienced team of veterinarians combines vaccination and parasite prevention with routine wellness exams to create the foundation of your pet’s healthcare.
While necessary, vaccinations can be a stressful time for your pet. Our professional team always treats your furry friends with empathy and compassion and works diligently to create a comfortable environment that caters to each pet’s individual needs.
Vaccination Schedule for Cats & Kittens
Maintaining a consistent cat vaccine schedule ensures they’re staying fully protected. New kittens need a series of vaccines within the first several months of their life, as they are particularly vulnerable due to their weak immune systems. Here is a full list of recommended cat vaccines and when to schedule them with your vet.
Age
Vaccine
Purpose
Age
6-8 Weeks
Vaccine
FVRCP
(Feline rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia)
Purpose
Protects against core viral diseases.
Age
6-8 Weeks
Vaccine
Bordetella
Purpose
Protects against kennel cough.
Age
9-12 Weeks
Vaccine
FVRCP (Booster)
Purpose
Strengthens immunity against core viral diseases.
Age
9-12 Weeks
Vaccine
FeLV (Feline Leukemia)
Purpose
Protects against feline leukemia.
Age
9-12 Weeks
Vaccine
Rabies
Purpose
Protects against rabies.
Age
12-16 Weeks
Vaccine
FVRCP (Second Booster)
Purpose
Further protects and boosts immunity against core viral diseases.
Age
12-16 Weeks
Vaccine
FeLV (Booster)
Purpose
Strengthens immunity against Feline Leukemia.
Age
Annual
Vaccine
Rabies
Purpose
Continues protection against rabies.
Age
Annual
Vaccine
FVRCP
Purpose
Continues protection against core viral diseases.
Age
Annual
Vaccine
FeLV
Purpose
Continue protection against feline leukemia.
Vaccination Schedule for Dogs & Puppies
Like cats, dogs also have a comprehensive list of vaccines that you need to be aware of. Work with your vet to maintain a proper dog vaccination schedule, starting with their first wellness exam at six weeks of age. Here is a full schedule of dog vaccinations you should plan for your pup.
Age
Vaccine
Purpose
Age
6-8 Weeks
Vaccine
Bordetella
Purpose
Protects against kennel cough.
Age
9-12 Weeks
Vaccine
FVRCP (Booster)
Purpose
Strengthens immunity against core viral diseases.
Age
9-12 Weeks
Vaccine
FeLV (Feline Leukemia)
Purpose
Protects against feline leukemia.
Age
9-12 Weeks
Vaccine
Rabies
Purpose
Protects against rabies.
Age
12-16 Weeks
Vaccine
FVRCP (Second Booster)
Purpose
Further protects and boosts immunity against core viral diseases.
Age
12-16 Weeks
Vaccine
FeLV (Booster)
Purpose
Strengthens immunity against Feline Leukemia.
Age
Annual
Vaccine
Rabies
Purpose
Continues protection against rabies.
Age
Annual
Vaccine
FVRCP
Purpose
Continues protection against core viral diseases.
Age
Annual
Vaccine
FeLV
Purpose
Continue protection against feline leukemia.
Vaccinations for Exotic Pets
If you have an exotic pet, they will also need vaccinations. The exact list will vary from species to species, although some shots, such as rabies, are recommended for almost every pet. Most exotic pet vaccinations begin when the animal is around 8-12 weeks of age. We offer treatment and vaccination for exotic pets when scheduled in advance, including treatment for:
Birds such as parrots, finches, canary, backyard poultry, and others
Ferrets
Rabbits
Pot-bellied pigs
Guinea pigs
Chinchillas
Hamsters
Gerbils
Sugar Gliders
Hedgehogs
Lizards
Turtles
Tortoises
Snakes
Parasite Prevention for Pets in Capitola
Parasite prevention is also key for pets living in Capitola. We offer full protection against a wide range of parasites, such as:
Fleas
Ticks
Ear Mites
Heartworm
Hookworm
Roundworm
Tapeworm
Whipworm
Coccidia
Giardia
Adverse Reactions and Side Effects to Watch Out For
After your pet has been vaccinated, it may experience some temporary side effects. These can include soreness or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, lethargy, or decreased appetite.
More serious adverse reactions are highly unlikely but can occur. Pets can sometimes have an allergic reaction to a vaccine which requires immediate attention. In extremely rare instances, cats can develop tumors known as vaccine-associated-sarcomas (VAS) on the site of injection. Symptoms from an adverse reaction to a vaccine can include vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, seizures or fainting, hives or facial swelling, and pale or blue gums.
If you notice your pet exhibiting any of these symptoms, please contact us.
Payment Options for Vaccination & Prevention at Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital
At Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital, we offer flexible financing and insurance options for Vaccination & Prevention. Sign up today with any of our payment plan partners or contact us for specific questions about insurance coverage. Read more about our financing options here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Vaccinations
If you notice any signs of lameness, poor performance, general discomfort, or changes in behavior, contact our office to schedule a diagnostic examination. It’s always better to err on the side of caution, as early treatment could potentially lead to a better outcome.
You should look to get your horse’s blood tested at least once per year to check for any potential diseases. You should also get them tested if you notice reduced appetite, weight loss, unusual lethargy, swelling, vomiting, or diarrhea.
A Coggins test is a blood test done to check for EIA (Equine Infectious Anemia), a contagious and potentially fatal disease typically spread by insects. Sadly, EIA does not have a cure, and infected horses need to be quarantined or euthanized to avoid infecting other horses.
Book an Appointment at Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital
New pets are always welcome at Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital. Our friendly veterinary staff looks forward to providing our neighbors in Citrus Heights and surrounding communities with the veterinary care they need.
