It’s National Immunization Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to remind pet owners about the importance of protecting their pets from potentially life-threatening diseases. When it comes to pets like cats and dogs, vaccinations are more than an optional treatment —they’re a necessity. Read on to find out why these simple preventive measures can make a huge difference for your pet’s health and quality of life.
Vaccines Explained
The science behind vaccines is actually pretty simple. A vaccine is a medicine designed to mimic disease agents, like bacteria or viruses, in a completely harmless way. When your pet is vaccinated, their immune system treats the mimic like the real disease, producing an immune response. This ‘practice run’ prepares their body to fight off the real thing if it ever shows up, effectively teaching the immune system how to protect your pet from certain diseases.
Types of Vaccines For Pets
Now that you know what vaccines do, how can you tell which ones your pet needs? In general, cats and dogs have different needs, although they both are required to have certain immunizations by law. Dogs are required to be vaccinated against diseases like rabies, distemper, and canine hepatitis, while cats must have vaccinations for panleukopenia, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus type I (rhinotracheitis), and rabies. Your veterinarian may recommend additional vaccines depending on your pet’s lifestyle.
Whether your pet is up to date on all of their vaccines or not, it’s essential to stay on top of their immunizations. Just one vaccine can save your pet from dangerous diseases. If you’re not sure which vaccines your pet needs, or you’re not sure if they’re current, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian today. They can review your pet’s medical records and make sure they get all the vaccines they need to stay as healthy as possible.