STONEY CREEK, Ontario, June 16, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Beattie Pet Hospital in Stoney Creek, Ontario is reminding pet owners about the importance of keeping pet vaccinations updated. According to the hospital's Stoney Creek veterinarian, a growing number of pet owners are failing to keep their pets up-to-date on vaccinations. Most vaccines require booster shots every one to three years in order to remain effective. Without booster shots, the vaccination's protection can lapse, leaving pets at risk for contracting serious illnesses including rabies, bordetella, distemper and parvo. Pet owners are advised to check with their veterinarians to confirm that pets are up to date on vaccinations.
The Stoney Creek veterinary care team is working to keep pets protected against deadly diseases by ensuring all pets are up to date on pet vaccinations. Vaccinations require regular booster shots every one to three years in order to maintain their effectiveness. However, Beattie Pet Hospital is reporting that a growing number of pets are going without protection because the pets are behind in their vaccinations.
"Rabies, bordetella and other deadly diseases are easily transmitted among animals," said the pet hospital's team. "Pets do not need to live with other pets in order to contract these illnesses. In fact, all it takes is a trip to the local dog park or grooming salon to contract a disease. However, many pet owners fail to realize just how critical it is to keep vaccinations up to date."
The pet hospital emphasized that many contagious illnesses do not show symptoms until several days after infection. Consequently, pets may interact at dog parks, grooming salons or boarding kennels and unknowingly come into contact with an infected pet.
"Vaccinations are the best and most effective way to protect pets against illness," said the pet hospital's team. "Pets of all ages benefit from up-to-date vaccination protection. Even with the recent advances in veterinary care, prevention is still the best medicine."
The pet hospital provides vaccination boosters in accordance with the guidelines set forth by a vaccine manufacturer. For example, some vaccines require annual boosters, while others require boosters every three years.
"Pets must be kept up to date for travelling, boarding at kennels, and attending doggy day care," said the pet hospital's team. "We can provide vaccination proof, as necessary."
The pet hospital provides routine pet wellness care, including vaccinations and annual exams. The pet hospital follows a team-centered care approach, which allows the hospital to provide 24-hour pet care.
"We always have a Stoney Creek veterinarian on-duty who is ready to assist pets in need," said the team. "From pet emergencies to routine services, our staff is here to help."
Beattie Pet Hospital is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
Pet owners may learn more about the hospital's services, including vaccinations, by visiting http://beattiepethospital.com.