Vaccinations

Most people know that pets should have vaccinations. There is quite a bit of confusion on what vaccines they need and when they need them. Keeping up with your pet's shots is vital to his or her long life. Clay-Chalkville Animal Clinic is a full-service veterinary clinic located in Pinson, AL. We want to partner with you to make sure your furry friend gets exactly what is needed to be healthy and happy for years to come.

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What Vaccines Does My Pet Need?

Several shots are necessary for every animal such as the rabies vaccine. These are known as core vaccines However, some vaccines are optional and we encourage our pet owners to discuss these options with our veterinarian, Dr. Hart.

Shots that are essential for all dogs are:

  • Rabies
  • Canine parvovirus
  • Distemper
  • Canine hepatitis

Vaccines that we may also recommend based on your dog's needs:

  • Bordetella bronchiseptica: More popularly known as kennel cough, this illness is highly contagious. It causes trachea and bronchial problems. Kennels, doggy daycares, dog parks, and borders will require your pet to have this vaccine.
  • Borrelia burgdorferi: This is the culprit of the infamous Lyme disease. In dogs, Lyme disease can create swollen joints, fever, loss of appetite, depression, and kidney issues.
  • Leptospira bacteria: Leptospira bacteria are found in water and soil. It can cause a variety of problems but most concerning is liver and kidney failure. It can also be passed from animals to people. Veterinarians suggest this vaccine for any dog that plays in water such as rivers or lakes or lives in a rural area with exposure to wildlife.

Vaccinations that are core vaccines for cats include:

  • Rabies
  • Feline calicivirus
  • Feline distemper
  • Feline herpesvirus type I

Optional vaccines for cats include:

  • Feline leukemia virus: Just like leukemia in humans, this is a dangerous illness. It is easily passed from cat to cat by shared use of litter boxes and food bowls. It is initially contracted outdoors so indoor cats may not become infected unless exposed. Kittens are at a higher risk and are often unable to fight off the virus.
  • Feline immunodeficiency virus: Much like a human autoimmune disease, this disease weakens a cat's immune system. Many cats who suffer from this virus die from a secondary infection.
  • Chlamydophila felis: This illness is mostly presented in eye infections but can lead to rhinitis, including nasal secretion and sneezing. It is mostly passed from cat to cat through proximity and is seen frequently in shelters. In rare instances, cats can develop pneumonia.

Your pet is very important to you and the staff at Clay-Chalkville Animal Clinic. Call us today at (205) 681-1700 to make a veterinary care appointment to keep your pet up to date on his or her shots. Preventative care is essential to ensuring a long and healthy life for your pet.

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Office Hours

Walk-ins are welcomed, but will have to wait until appointments scheduled at that time are seen.

Our Regular Hours

Monday:

7:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

7:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-6:00 pm

Saturday:

7:00 am-12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed