Dogs and cats are susceptible to a variety of illnesses.  Timely vaccinations, especially during the puppy & kitten stages of life, are an essential key in preventing the spread of disease and protecting the health of your furry family member.  At Family Pet Hospital, we are constantly monitoring the latest research on the safety and efficacy of available vaccinations so that we can tailor our recommendations specifically for your pet's lifestyle and risk factors.  Some vaccines are considered "core" requirements, while others are only recommended if the risk of exposure justifies the risks and costs of another vaccine.  If you've been trained that pets need "shots" each year, you will notice that our recommendations may vary from what you are used to.

Remember, keeping your pet current on immunizations is the cheapest form of insurance.  It is always easier and cheaper to prevent diseases than to treat them.  You may also want to consider pet insurance for those unexpected injuries and illnesses.

Keep checking back as we outline more about the common illnesses for which your pet is at risk.