Vaccinations FAQs

Vaccinations are one of the most important ways to keep your dog or cat healthy and prevent serious diseases. At Bixby Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we offer comprehensive vaccination services tailored to your pet’s needs, ensuring they stay protected throughout their life.

Core Vaccines for Dogs

• Rabies: A deadly virus that affects the nervous system. This is required by law for all dogs.
• Distemper: A highly contagious viral disease that can cause respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological issues.
• Parvovirus: A severe viral infection that affects a dog’s intestines, leading to dehydration and severe illness.
• Bordetella (Kennel Cough): A highly contagious respiratory infection that can spread easily in places with large groups of dogs.
• Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection that can lead to kidney and liver damage.

Core Vaccines for Cats

• PureVax Rabies: Purevax is a non-adjuvanted rabies vaccine for cats that is considered safer than other rabies vaccines for cats. Adjuvants are substances added to vaccines to increase the immune response, but they have been linked to injection site sarcomas in cats. 
• Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper): A severe viral infection that affects the gastrointestinal system, immune system, and bone marrow.
• Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): A viral infection that affects a cat’s immune system and increases the risk of cancer.

Non-Core Vaccines for Dogs and Cats

Some pets may need additional vaccines based on their lifestyle, environment, and risk factors. Our team will assess your pet’s individual needs during their visit. Non-core vaccines include:

• Canine Influenza: Recommended for dogs that frequent dog parks, boarding facilities, or groomers.
• Borrelia (Lyme Disease): For dogs at risk of tick exposure.
• Feline Chlamydia: For cats with a high risk of exposure, especially in multi-cat households.

What to Expect During a Vaccination Appointment

When you bring your pet in for a vaccination appointment, our veterinarian will conduct a thorough health check to ensure your pet is ready for their vaccines. We’ll review your pet’s vaccination history and lifestyle to determine the best vaccination plan for them.

Vaccines are administered via injection and most pets experience only mild, temporary side effects like slight soreness or low energy.

Schedule Your Pet’s Vaccination Today!

If it’s time for your pet’s vaccinations or you have questions about the best vaccine plan for them, contact Bixby Animal Hospital & Urgent Care. We proudly serve Torrance, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and other South Bay communities. We’re here to help protect your pet and ensure they live a long, healthy life.