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Protecting Your Pet from Disease and Illness

Vaccines are a safe, effective, and important part of preventive care for your animal companion. There are several reasons why Hill Country Animal Hospital recommends you vaccinate your pet:

  • Protecting the health of your pet
    Advances in veterinary medicine have made common and fatal diseases now easily preventable.
  • Protecting the health of you and your loved ones
    Pets can sometimes contract dangerous and difficult-to-treat illnesses.

Our practice prides itself on staying up-to-date with the most recent veterinary science to ensure that we are aware of emerging illnesses, recent outbreaks, and new vaccines. We tailor our vaccine regimen to AAHA guidelines, the lifestyle of your pet, and the diseases he or she may encounter. We offer a variety of routine and specialty vaccinations, depending on the needs of your pet.

Dogs

Cute Puppy

For dogs, we offer vaccines for common diseases or illnesses he or she may encounter, including:

  • Rabies
  • Distemper
  • Parvovirus
  • Upper respiratory virus
  • Bordetella, depending on the lifestyle of the pet

We also offer specialty vaccines for diseases or infections that commonly occur in the San Antonio region. These include a vaccine for the Canine Influenza Virus, as well as a vaccine for Western Diamondback rattlesnake bites. This particular vaccine helps your dog produce antibodies that lessen the effect of the bite. Our hospital highly recommends vaccination against rattlesnake bites, for dogs at risk, as it gives owners more time to seek emergency medical treatment for their dog.

Cats

Cute Kitten

For cats, we also offer routine vaccines, including:

  • Rabies
  • Panleukopenia
  • Calicivirus
  • Feline leukemia, depending on the lifestyle of the pet

Side Effects

Pets may experience short-term side effects from the vaccination, such as sluggishness or reduced appetite. On rare occasions, more serious side effects may develop. These may include:

  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
  • Hives, or itchy skin that may seem bumpy
  • Swollen muzzle or swelling around the face, neck, or eyes
  • Severe coughing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Collapse

We recommend that you monitor your pet after he or she receives a vaccination. If symptoms do appear, please don’t hesitate to contact us with concerns or questions.

Accreditations:

Wellness Care

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From Facebook:

I was very impressed with the welcoming facility and how much Harley was catered to. She never leaves the house but she felt at home in her exam room roaming around and jumping on counters. She even greeted everyone with open arms even though she was in a new place. She as well as her sister will be coming back if the need arises.
Kari W., Helotes, TX
This is probably the best office I have been to. I’m not just talking about for the animals…the customer service from the first phone call, to stopping in to pick up meds, to the moment I walked out and even the follow up call! Top notch. Appreciated that you are able to check out in the room. This is really helpful especially to keep interaction without pets to a minimum. I will be back. This was a wonderful 1st time experience. And thank you to the doctor for following up with a call.
Erika G., San Antonio, TX
I really can't offer any suggestions for improvement. Dr. Rooker is great. No matter what we see or call her for, she is always very knowledgeable as well as very kind. Also, she always follows up with a phone call. This is very much appreciated. Your staff is great. When we walk in the door, we are always greeted by name made to feel that our visit is just as important to them as it is to us. Thank you.
Carolyn B., Rio Medina, TX
I called afterwards because I thought I missed some instructions and the front desk was able to answer my question immediately but the Dr. also called me back to clear up any confusion. My cat is 19 years old and not once did they tell me to euthanize her because of her age. The nurse who was handling her was the best, she treated my cat with care and understanding.