84 University Parkway

Jackson, TN 38305 US

(731) 661-0711

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Vaccinations

Dog and Cat Vaccinations

At University Parkway Animal Hospital we recommend that all our furry patients have regular wellness examinations, and an important part of those exams is a variety of vaccinations. Just like those for humans, vaccines are substances that, when introduced into the body, cause an immune response and make the body able to fight off certain diseases. Each vaccine gives your pet the ability to have fewer symptoms from these diseases or to fight them off completely. We offer a wide variety of vaccinations, which we'll administer to your dog or cat, depending on its age and lifestyle.

Kitten getting its first round of vaccinations.

Different Vaccines for Different Ages

Pets aren't born with any disease immunity, but they get shared immunity from their mother through their milk. Once your puppy or kitten is weaned, it begins to lose any immunity it has against dangerous diseases. When your pet is old enough to be weaned and to come home with you, it's old enough for it's first set of infant vaccinations. Beginning at about six weeks of age, we'll administer a set of core vaccines to your pet, and we'll schedule two or three more visits throughout its first year for the rest of its vaccination series.

Pets get two kinds of vaccines: core and non-core. The core vaccines are those that every dog or cat needs, such as those for rabies or distemper. Non-core vaccines are only given to pets that need them, according to their environment or lifestyle. For example, if your dog or cat will be staying in kennels while you travel, it will need to be vaccinated against Bordetella, or a kennel cough, and dogs that spend a lot of time in woodsy areas may need a vaccine for Lyme disease.

Once your pet reaches one year of age, it's considered an adult. We recommend that your dog or cat come in once a year for any booster vaccines it may need, to keep its immunity strong.

Side Effects of Common Vaccines

While most pets don't have any major health reactions to vaccinations, they do often suffer from some or all of the following side effects:

  • A slight fever
  • Listlessness
  • A decrease in appetite
  • Swelling and soreness at the injection site

In rare cases, dogs or cats may suffer from more serious side effects such as swelling of the face, eyes, and neck, difficulty breathing, itchy or bumpy skin, or vomiting or diarrhea that won't go away. If your pet shows any of these symptoms, contact our office immediately, then bring your pet into our office.

Looking for a Veterinary Hospital in Jackson, TN?

If your pet hasn't seen a veterinarian in at least a year, it's time to make an appointment for a wellness exam and to begin a series of vaccinations. Our veterinarian, Dr. Ben Lifsey, Jr., will consult with you, advising on what vaccines your cat or dog will need to keep it healthy. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (731) 661-0711.

Sign up using the form below or call (731) 661-0711 to make an appointment.

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

7:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-12:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

7:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Location

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Testimonials

What University Parkway Vet Clients Say

Took my kitten there today (they are not closed, as the Facebook page says!), and loved it! Very kind, friendly staff who really give their time and attention to your pet! Highly recommend!

Kippi Wood Adams

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