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Vaccination and Prevention

Protection & Prevention

At NorthWest Animal Hospital, we focus on preventive care to keep common diseases and disorders from developing in the first place.

Combined with regular wellness exams, pet vaccinations and parasite prevention form the foundation of your pet’s routine healthcare. 

Vaccine Benefits

Vaccines are intended to stimulate protective immune responses and prepare the immune system.

Kitten Vaccinations

A simple method to reduce fatal diseases for your feline companion.

Puppy Vaccinations

Ensuring your dog has the proper antibodies in their system to protect themselves.

Vaccination & Parasite Prevention

At NorthWest Animal Hospital we believe in proactive pet care. Our Vaccinations and Deworming services are designed to protect your pets against common diseases and unwanted conditions, ensuring they lead a healthy and happy life. From core and non-core vaccines to comprehensive deworming treatments and tick & flea removal, we offer a full range of preventive health services.

Each program is personalized to your pet’s unique needs, reflecting our commitment to individualized care. We also focus on educating pet owners, empowering you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your pet’s health. Trust NWAH to safeguard your pet’s wellbeing.

Understanding The Role of Preventative Care for Pets

At NorthWest Animal Hospital, we understand the crucial role vaccinations and deworming play in safeguarding your pet’s health. Vaccinations are vital to protect your pets against various common diseases. They act as a preventive shield, stimulating your pet’s immune system to recognize and fight off harmful viruses and bacteria.

Deworming is equally important, particularly for puppies and kittens who are often born with worms. Regular deworming treatments can help eliminate worms and prevent the associated symptoms such as weight loss, diarrhea, and overall poor condition.

Ticks and fleas are not just nuisances; they can cause serious health issues in pets, including skin infections, anemia, and Lyme disease. Regular checks and timely removal of these pests are essential to prevent infestations and keep your pet comfortable and healthy.

All these preventive measures serve as a critical line of defense against potential health threats, ensuring your pet’s well-being and longevity. With our comprehensive vaccination, deworming, and tick & flea removal services, we are committed to helping you maintain your pet’s optimal health.

Vaccines for Puppies & Dogs

Vaccinating your puppy and dog can safeguard them against harmful diseases that could negatively impact their health. Your pet’s vaccination plans grow with them, starting during their first few weeks of life and following them into adulthood. Though the frequency of doses decreases over time, your pet maintains immunity against a range of diseases.

What is a vaccination plan?

A vaccination plan outlines the vaccinations your pet should receive, based on their overall health, lifestyle and risk of contracting certain contagious diseases. It also includes a schedule of when your pet should receive their vaccines, ensuring they’re on track to building immunity. Some vaccinations provide full protection against diseases while others limit the severity of the symptoms your pet will experience if they contract the disease. Thanks to intentional vaccination efforts, herd immunity has been achieved against diseases that no longer pose a risk to pets. By keeping up with your pet’s vaccinations, you’re playing your part in protecting your pet as well as the others in the community.

What's the difference between core and non-core vaccinations?

Core vaccinations are essential for protecting your pet against a range of harmful diseases. For example, the rabies vaccine is mandated under the law. Without it, your pet could be at risk of contracting a fatal neurological condition. We recommend administering non-core vaccinations based on our discretion, depending on your pet’s risk of contracting certain diseases. If you have questions about core and non-core vaccinations, please contact us at 403-930-3500.

Core vaccinations include:

  • Rabies
  • Distemper
  • Adenovirus-2
  • Parvovirus

Non-core vaccinations include:

  • Bordetella
  • Lyme disease
  • Leptospirosis

Vaccines for Kittens & Cats

Our hospital uses a current vaccine protocol aimed at reducing the frequency of vaccines administered while protecting your pet against contagious diseases. There is a range of diseases that pets are susceptible to, especially during their first few weeks of life. Our veterinary team will work with you to create an individualized vaccination plan for them.

When should my kitten have their first vaccines?

Between 6 to 8 weeks, your pet should have their first round of vaccines. Ensuring your pet gets these first vaccines is crucial because they can start to build immunity against some diseases that are fatal for unvaccinated pets. It’s important to closely follow the vaccine schedule so your pet can be fully protected. We only vaccinate healthy pets, ensuring we review their medical history and perform a physical exam first. Side effects of vaccinations are rare, once administered properly. To learn more about vaccinating your kitten, please contact us at 403-930-3500.

What vaccines do you recommend for my kitten/cat?

Vaccination plans are unique to your pet, based on their risk of developing certain diseases, our veterinary team will determine which vaccines are the right fit. Core vaccines are essential, whereas non-core vaccines are dependent on the likelihood of your pet contracting certain diseases based on their lifestyle and environment.

Core vaccines we provide include:

  • Rabies
  • Feline panleukopenia (FPV)
  • Feline calicivirus (FCV)
  • Feline leukemia (FeLV)
  • Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1)

Non-core vaccines we provide include:

  • Chlamydia
  • Bordetella