FAQ

If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, the Veterinary Emergency Clinic of Central Florida is here to help! Since 1975, they have been providing quality emergency care for Central Florida’s pet population with locations in Casselberry, Waterford Lakes, Oakland, and The Villages. Call (407) 644-4449 or visit www.veconline.com for more information.

Most pets handle vaccines well, but in rare cases, a reaction can occur. Watch for signs like swelling, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek care at the nearest emergency veterinary clinic right away. If your pet has had a reaction in the past, please let us know before we vaccinate. Pets with a history of severe vaccine reactions may be referred to a full-service veterinary hospital.

All dogs should receive core vaccines to protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. These include:

• Rabies: Required by law and protects against a deadly virus that can affect both pets and humans.
• Distemper: Prevents a contagious virus that causes fever, respiratory issues, and neurological damage.
• Adenovirus: Helps protect against respiratory illness and liver disease.
• Parvovirus: Protects against a highly contagious virus that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea.
• Leptospirosis: Protects against a bacterial disease that can spread to humans and is common in Florida.

Depending on your dog’s lifestyle, your vet may also recommend additional vaccines like:

• Bordetella: Helps prevent kennel cough, especially important for social or boarding dogs.
• Canine Influenza: Guards against the highly contagious dog flu.

Note: To be eligible for a 3-year rabies vaccine, your pet must have an official rabies certificate showing a valid rabies vaccination within the past year that has not expired. Tags or receipts do not count as proof. Without valid documentation, your pet will receive a 1-year rabies vaccine.

Core vaccines are recommended for all cats to protect against serious and contagious diseases. These include:

• Rabies: Required by law and protects against a deadly virus that can affect pets and people.
• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis: A respiratory virus that causes sneezing, coughing, and eye irritation.
• Calicivirus: Prevents another common respiratory virus that can lead to fever, mouth sores, and pneumonia.
• Panleukopenia: A severe viral disease that causes vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.

Depending on your cat’s lifestyle, your vet may also recommend:

•  Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): Protects against a contagious virus that can weaken the immune system and lead to serious illness.

Vaccination schedules may vary based on your cat’s age, health, and risk factors. Mild side effects like sleepiness, low appetite, or a sore spot at the injection site are possible. Rare reactions like vomiting, swelling, or hives can occur and should be reported to your vet.

Note: To be eligible for a 3-year rabies vaccine, your pet must have an official rabies certificate showing a valid rabies vaccination within the past year that has not expired. Tags or receipts do not count as proof. Without valid documentation, your pet will receive a 1-year rabies vaccine.

You can request your pet’s records anytime using our Vaccination Records Request Form. Just fill it out, and our team will send your documentation within 24–48 hours. If you need help or have questions, feel free to reach out!

Most dogs and cats need core vaccines to stay protected from common diseases. Puppies and kittens begin with a series of vaccines, followed by boosters as they grow. Adult pets need regular boosters to maintain protection.

If more than 4 weeks pass between any puppy or kitten vaccine doses, the series may need to be restarted to ensure protection. Our team will help guide you based on your pet’s age and vaccination history.

Most pets do just fine after vaccination. Mild side effects like sleepiness, a low-grade fever, or a little swelling at the injection site are possible. More serious reactions like vomiting, hives, or difficulty breathing are rare, but if you notice anything unusual, contact us or your nearest emergency clinic. Always let us know if your pet has reacted to vaccines in the past.

In general, it’s best to avoid vaccinating pets who are sick or have a pre-existing medical condition. Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system, and a weakened immune system may not respond properly to the vaccine. If you’re unsure whether your pet is ready, feel free to ask our team at the clinic.

We offer flea, tick, and heartworm prevention options during your visit. The right medication depends on your pet’s age, size, and risk of exposure. Our team can help you choose what’s best when you stop by.

Most preventatives are given monthly or every three months, depending on the product. During your visit, we’ll explain how and when to use them. Side effects are uncommon but may include mild stomach upset, itching, or fatigue. Let us know if you have any questions before giving a dose.

Along with staying up to date on vaccines and monthly prevention, you can lower your pet’s risk by keeping their environment clean, avoiding contact with wild or sick animals, and supporting their overall health with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

A few simple changes at home can make a big difference. Keep your pet indoors or in a secure yard, avoid exposure to harmful chemicals, and maintain a clean, comfortable living space. Supporting their health with regular preventive care, a balanced diet, and plenty of exercise helps keep them happy and protected long term.

Puppies and kittens typically begin their first round of vaccines at 8 weeks of age, followed by a series of booster shots every 4 weeks until they’re around 16 weeks old. The first rabies vaccine is given at 16 weeks old. Keeping up with the full series on schedule is essential to protect your pet while their immune system is still developing. If too much time passes between boosters, the series may need to be restarted.