Pet Vaccinations

Does your pet need vaccinations? In one word, yes! By focusing on preventive health care, you are taking an important step in keeping your friend happy and healthy for years to come. The vaccinations your pet receives today are designed to stimulate a specific immune response to help protect them against illness in the event of future exposure to the actual disease. Vaccinations provide proven life-saving benefits and are associated with minimal risks. Most dogs and cats respond favorably following vaccination administration with minimal to no adverse consequences. However, vaccinating any patient carries some risk. Typically starting within hours of vaccination, any symptoms are most often mild and usually do not persist for more than a few days. This is normal responds by your pet’s immune system during the process of developing protective immunity.

Short-term nonspecific reactions are short-lived side effects following the administration of any vaccines:

• Reduced or loss of appetite lasting for one or two feedings

• Pain at the injection site

• Lethargy

• Reluctance to walk or run

• Mild fever

​​​​​​​Rare side effects, such as allergic reaction, may occur. Your pet may experience symptoms of a more serious reaction to the vaccines within minutes or hours of the administration. Rare symptoms include:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Collapse

• Facial Swelling

• Difficulty breathing

• Itchy or bumpy skin (“hives”)

If your pet experiences any of these rare symptoms you should contact River Mill Animal Hospital immediately, as your pet may require additional medical treatment.

By vaccinating your pet, you have taken an important step towards protecting your pet and your family. Call us today to discuss the proper vaccination protocol for your pet.