JACKSONVILLE, N.C., Nov. 3, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dr. Dave Altman of the Animal Hospital of Onslow County urges area pet owners to double check their pets' vaccination records to ensure they are current. The Jacksonville veterinarian says that regular pet vaccination checks can prevent outbreaks of serious and even deadly diseases. He adds that while some pet owners may fear the potential side effects of vaccinations in their pets, the benefits of avoiding a painful, expensive and potentially fatal disease far outweigh even the most common reactions to the vaccines given. Dr. Altman recommends pet owners ask about core and non-core vaccines during each checkup.
According to Dr. Altman, making sure a pet gets his or her vaccinations is a service to the pet, the family and the community. "There are a lot of pet pathogens out there. Even rabies is still a concern. Although we don't hear much about it these days, it's still very common in the wild animal population which often intersects with the domestic animal and human populations. Some diseases spread so well that all you dog or cat has to do to catch it is sniff another animal's droppings." He says health of pet vaccinations can stop the spread of these diseases, or at least significantly lessen the severity of symptoms.
Dr. Altman explains that there are two general categories of vaccinations that pet owners need to ask their veterinarians about: core or non-core vaccinations. The veterinarian says that core pet vaccines are those that the veterinary community considers absolutely essential because they prevent the most contagious, most deadly diseases common in the community. For dogs, core vaccines include rabies, canine hepatitis, parvovirus and canine distemper. Core cat vaccinations include rabies, feline distemper, feline calicivirus and feline herpes. He says puppies and kittens should have a series of initial vaccines starting at 8 weeks and going through 16 weeks, and that adult dogs need boosters periodically to maintain immunity against these diseases.
Dr. Altman says that pet owners should discuss non-core vaccines with their pets' veterinarians also. He says that non-core vaccines are administered based on a pet's individual health risks and various lifestyle factors such as where they live geographically in relation to disease outbreaks, or whether they travel. For example, if pets frequently go into boarding or dog parks, he recommends a bi-annual bordetella or "kennel cough" vaccination.
Dr. Altman adds, "It really is important to check in with your pet's doctor at least yearly or if your pet's lifestyle changes to make sure he or she is getting the right vaccinations and protection."
Animal Hospital of Onslow County in Jacksonville is a full-service veterinary clinic that provides pet vaccines, pet grooming, pet dental, spay and neuter surgeries and other types of pet surgery. For more information, visit their website at http://www.onslowcountyvets.com.