Protecting your pet's health is one of the best ways to ensure your beloved family member has a longer life. Vaccines that are formulated specifically for dogs, cats, and other animals are available to safeguard certain pets against diseases and other illnesses that could lead to serious health problems. Here are just some of the animal vaccinations that may be beneficial for your pet.

Influenza

Dogs, cats, and even horses can get the flu, and a pet vaccination against influenza can prevent this illness that's commonly thought to only affect humans. Each type of animal is more susceptible to certain flu strains, and your veterinarian can recommend the right influenza vaccine for your pet.

Parvovirus

The vaccine for parvovirus is recommended for puppies to prevent the spread of one of the most serious illnesses that affects dogs. If your dog engages socially with other dogs, you should definitely make sure that your dog is vaccinated and that all other canines in your dog's social circle are vaccinated as well. It's best to start vaccinating dogs as early as six to eight weeks of age with subsequent vaccine doses being administered every three to four weeks until dogs reach 16 weeks of age.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

A certain viral illness that causes leukemia exclusively in cats can be prevented with the FeLV vaccine. There is no cure for this fatal virus, and getting your cat vaccinated as quickly as possible is the best way to keep your feline friend from becoming sick from the disease. Before getting your cat vaccinated, it's advisable to get a blood test for your cat first to ensure that they don't already have the virus. The vaccine is usually administered in two doses that are scheduled one month apart from one another, and your veterinarian will let you know how often your cat should receive booster shots to stay protected.

Rabies

Rabies can spread from animals to humans, and you can keep yourself and your pet out of harm's way with the rabies vaccine. The rabies vaccine is recommended for both cats and dogs, and a rabies vaccine for ferrets is also available. Puppies can receive the rabies vaccine at 16 weeks of age and get a booster shot at three years. Cats can also receive the initial vaccine shot at 16 weeks of age with a second shot a year later and get booster shots every one to three years. Ferrets should be at least three months of age before receiving the vaccine, and a veterinarian can recommend a schedule for additional booster shots. 

Most of the top veterinary clinics offer these and other vaccines for pets, so you shouldn't hesitate to schedule your pet's vaccine doses. Like with humans, vaccines for animals can provide an extra shield against some of nature's most deadly illnesses and diseases. To learn more, contact a service like Jones Animal Health Clinic.