Vaccination

Pet vaccinations are essential for protecting your dog, cat, or other companion animal from highly contagious and potentially deadly diseases. Like human vaccines, they work by exposing your pet's body to a weakened or modified version of a disease-causing agent. This triggers their immune system to develop long-lasting protection. Core vaccines are crucial for all pets, and the specific ones recommended will depend on your pet's individual risk factors.

What Happens During a Vaccination Appointment?

During a vaccination visit, a vet or technician will administer the vaccines, usually by injection or nasal drops. The specific vaccines given will depend on your pet's:

• Age: Different vaccines are recommended at different ages.
• Health status: Pets with certain health conditions may require different vaccination schedules.
• Lifestyle risks: For example, outdoor pets may need protection against diseases they're more likely to encounter.
• Vaccination history: Previous vaccinations will be taken into account.

The vet will record the details of the vaccines, including the type, batch number, and expiration date, in your pet's medical record. Your pet will be monitored for any potential allergic reactions before you leave. You'll also receive reminders for booster shots, as immunity from vaccines can decrease over time. The vaccination process is typically quick, easy, and stress-free.

Why are Vaccinations Important?

Vaccines help protect against serious and contagious diseases, such as:

• Parvovirus: A highly contagious and often fatal virus in dogs.
• Rabies: A deadly viral disease that affects the nervous system.
• Panleukopenia: A highly contagious and often fatal disease in cats.
• Calicivirus: A common respiratory virus in cats.
• Lyme disease: A tick-borne illness.
• Leukemia: A viral disease in cats that can affect the immune system.

Some of these diseases are untreatable and can be rapidly fatal.

Core vaccines protect not only individual pets but also the entire pet community. Maintaining high vaccination rates helps prevent outbreaks of these serious diseases. Even indoor pets can be exposed to these illnesses, so staying up-to-date on vaccinations is vital for keeping your pet healthy and preventing the spread of preventable diseases.