The Importance Of Vaccinating Your Pet
As a pet parent, ensuring that your pet is healthy and will live a long life is of the utmost importance. Keeping up with vaccinations that help prevent against diseases and infections is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a long life for your pet.
The good news is that your veterinarian will help guide you to understand which vaccines are most important and at which stages of your pet’s life they are needed. Some of these vaccines are referred to as “core vaccines,” which are absolutely necessary to ensure your pet is healthy. Other vaccines, often referred to as “lifestyle vaccines” may be necessary based on how active your pet is, how often they are outside, the environment they’re in, their breed, etc.
Both dogs and cats are highly susceptible to many forms of diseases, which can be prevented through proper vaccination.
Types Of Vaccines Recommended
When visiting your veterinarian to learn more about the vaccines your pet may need, it’s common for you to hear some words you haven’t heard before. Don’t worry – your veterinarian is happy to explain everything you need to know about what a vaccine is and which diseases it will prevent. Here are a few of the more common vaccines you may hear about when consulting with your veterinarian:
Common vaccines for cats:
- Rabies
- Bordetella
- Feline Leukemia
- Panleukopenia
- Herpesvirus
- Calicivirus
Common vaccines for dogs:
- Rabies
- Parvovirus
- Bordetella
- Leptospirosis
- Distemper
- Lyme Disease
- Parainfluenza
- Canine Influenza
How Do You Administer Vaccines?
Most vaccines are administered through an injection. While your pet may experience slight discomfort, it can easily be managed through treats and distraction by your veterinary team. You may hear the term “booster shot,” which just means that there is an additional dose of a vaccine that is required at a later time. Boosters help your pet’s immune system stay up-to-date to ensure it is ready to fight off infection, if exposed.
Regular vaccine appointments are critical to your pet’s health, so be sure to mark your calendars so that you don’t miss your scheduled appointments and can ensure your pets are protected.