Talk to Your Veterinarian About Vaccines

Most pet owners know about the rabies vaccine, but vaccines also protect pets from other, sometimes fatal illnesses. It’s important to take pets for an annual checkup so your veterinarian can assess their lifestyle and recommend vaccines to keep them healthy.

For example, if your indoor cat starts spending time outside, your vet would recommend the vaccine for feline leukemia, which is a danger for cats that might have contact with other cats.

Dogs, meanwhile, may benefit from being vaccinated against canine influenza virus, also known as “dog flu.” Most dogs recover well at home, but it is highly contagious.

– Dr. Rizal Lopez, SPCA Tampa Bay