Why Pet Vaccinations Are So Important

Vaccinations are extremely important. They are for prevention rather than treatment of diseases. Thus, they generally protect your pet from otherwise fatal or severely contagious diseases. When you vaccinate your pet, you help your pet build immunity against life-threatening diseases.

 

In the early stages of life, pets receive maternal antibodies through the placenta and colostrum. But as they grow, they lose these antibodies. Thus, they need vaccination to help them develop their immunity.

 

Unfortunately, vaccination has been its own worst enemy in recent years. People fail to see the need for it due to the low risk of infections and diseases. This reduction in disease is the result of a history of effective vaccinations. Thus, it is important to continue keeping those terrible and fatal diseases at bay through continual vaccination.

 

When to Vaccinate Your Pet

Vaccination usually begins at around six weeks. Different animals have different reactions to these vaccines, so it is no cause for alarm. However, ensure your pet gets the series of vaccines so they get adequate protection. Remember, most of the pet diseases that require vaccination are fatal.

 

If you get a pet and it is past its initial age for vaccination, ensure its vaccinations are up to date. If you have no way of knowing, it is safer to start with the advice of your vet. After their first course, your pet will need regular boosters.

 

Benefits of Vaccination

Vaccinations are not only important for your pet but also for you. Here are some of the reasons why that is true.

 

• It prevents pets from passing on diseases like rabies and leptospirosis to humans
   

• It protects your pet from life-threatening diseases
   

• It creates and boosts the immunity of your pet
   

• It will give you peace of mind in case there is an outbreak of animal diseases
   

• Your pet can socialize with other pets freely
   

• You can travel with your pet when you want to. This is especially so if you are traveling abroad
   

• You will avoid costly payments for the treatment of infections and diseases
  
   

Types of Vaccinations

Vaccines fall under two categories; these are core and non-core vaccinations. Core vaccinations are vital for every pet. They are mainly based on the severity of disease, risk of exposure, and transmission to humans.

 

Non-core vaccinations are for pets with unique needs. They are optional and depend on your pet’s risk of exposure. The risk of exposure refers to an animal’s lifestyle and geographic distribution.

 

Core Vaccinations

Diseases that require core vaccinations include:

 

• Rabies
   

• Canine parvovirus
   

• Panleukopenia
   

• Canine distemper
   

• Canine hepatitis
   

• Feline calicivirus
   

• Feline rhinotracheitis
   

• Parainfluenza
   

• Canine adenovirus-2
  
   

Non-core Vaccinations

Diseases that have non-core vaccinations include leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease, and feline leukemia.

 

Your vet will determine the best vaccination schedule for your pets. It will depend on their age, environment, lifestyle, and medical history. Ensure you stick to the schedule your vet provides. Make a note on your calendar, note pad, or set a phone reminder. This will help you not to compromise your pets’ immunity.

 

Many vaccinations give adequate protection, but some need boosters. If you miss a vaccination or a booster, please contact your vet and they will advise you on the plan of action.


 

To learn more about pet vaccinations, contact Kankakee Animal Hospital at our office in Kankakee, Illinois. You can call us at (815) 332-0600 today to schedule an appointment.