At Uinta Veterinary Services, we strongly encourage annual vaccinations for pets, as the risk of side effects is low and the protection against disease is high. Vaccines also protect against zoonotic diseases—those that can be passed from animals to humans. Rabies is one such zoonotic disease, and the rabies vaccine is required by law, with expiration dates varying by city.

The risks from the most commonly recommended vaccines are typically mild, such as minor fever, pain, or swelling at the injection site. More serious reactions, such as vomiting, diarrhea, extreme itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing, are rare but may occur shortly after vaccination. These reactions require immediate veterinary care, as they can be life-threatening. However, not every pet needs all available vaccines; your pet’s specific requirements depend on their health and lifestyle.

“Core” vaccines are recommended to protect against the most common and severe diseases. For dogs, these include:

• Canine distemper
• Adenovirus
• Parvovirus
• Parainfluenza
• Rabies

For cats, core vaccines provide protection against:

• Parvovirus (Panleukopenia)
• Herpesvirus
• Calicivirus
• Chlamydia
• Rabies

“Non-core” vaccines are recommended based on your pet’s individual risk factors. For dogs, these may include vaccines for Bordetella, Leptospirosis, and protection from snake bites. For cats, non-core vaccines may include protection from feline leukemia.

In addition to vaccinations, we emphasize the importance of deworming and heartworm prevention. Parasites like intestinal worms and heartworms can seriously affect your pet’s health, leading to conditions ranging from digestive issues to life-threatening heart and lung problems. Regular deworming is essential, especially for pets that spend time outdoors or are exposed to other animals. Heartworm prevention, particularly for dogs, is crucial as heartworm disease can be fatal. Administering heartworm preventatives year-round ensures your pet is protected from this dangerous parasite.

At Uinta Veterinary Services, we assess your pet’s age, health, lifestyle, and risk of exposure to tailor a comprehensive health plan. This includes vaccinations, deworming, and heartworm prevention, ensuring your pet receives the best protection possible.