Serving Toronto, ON
1399 Davenport Rd Toronto, ON M6H 2H6
Vaccinations
Vaccination For Animals in Toronto, ON
Vaccines are vital in protecting your pet from very serious and sometimes fatal diseases. As well, the price of an annual vaccine is considerably less than the typical treatment for the diseases treated against. We will work with you to develop a vaccine combo suited to your pet’s lifestyle. The doctor will also provide you with information on potentially transferable diseases between your furry family members and your human family members, and how to protect yourself and your pet from them.
What are vaccines?
Vaccines are health products that trigger protective immune responses in pets and prepare them to fight future infections from disease-causing agents. Vaccines can lessen the severity of future diseases and certain vaccines can prevent infection altogether.
Is it important to vaccinate?
Yes! Pets should be vaccinated to protect them from many highly contagious and deadly diseases. Experts agree that widespread use of vaccines within the last century has prevented death and disease in millions of animals. Even though some formerly common diseases have now become uncommon, vaccination is still highly recommended because these serious disease agents continue to be present in the environment.
Why do puppies and kittens require a series of vaccinations?
Very young puppies and kittens are highly susceptible to infectious diseases. This is especially true as the natural immunity provided in their mothers' milk gradually wears off. To keep gaps in protection as narrow as possible and to provide optimal protection against disease for the first few months of life, a series of vaccinations are scheduled, usually 3-4 weeks apart. For most puppies and kittens, the final vaccination in the series is administered when they are 12 to 16 weeks old.
Does vaccination ensure protection?
For most pets, vaccination is effective and will prevent future disease. Occasionally, a vaccinated pet may not develop adequate immunity and, although rare, it is possible for these pets to become ill. It is important to remember that although breakdowns in protection do occur, most successfully vaccinated pets never show signs of disease, making vaccination an important part of your pet's preventive health care.
Which vaccines should my pet receive?
Discuss your pet's lifestyle with our veterinary team, assess to other animals, and travel to other geographic locations, since these factors affect your pet's risk of exposure to disease. Not all pets should be vaccinated with all vaccines just because these vaccines are available. ""Core"" vaccines are recommended for most pets in a particular area. ""Non-core"" vaccines are reserved for pets with unique needs. Your veterinarian will consider your pet's particulars, the diseases at hand, and the application of available vaccines to customize a vaccine recommendation for your pet.
How often should my pet be vaccinated?
Your veterinarian will tailor a vaccination schedule to suit your pet's needs. For many years, a set of annual vaccinations was considered normal and necessary for dogs and cats. Veterinarians have since learned more about diseases and pets' immune systems, and there is increasing evidence that immunity triggered by some vaccines provides protection beyond one year. The immunity triggered by other vaccines may fail to protect for a full year. More than one successful vaccination schedule is possible. Talk with your veterinarian at Dufferin Davenport about what is best for your pet.
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Sat: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Sundays & Statutory Holidays: Closed
For Emergency and 24 Hour Services:
Veterinary Emergency Clinic: 416-920-2002
Central Toronto Veterinary Referral Clinic CTVRC: 416-784-4444