Similar to humans, pet vaccines are very important in protecting them from potential infection and the spread of disease, all to maintain their overall health. They are the best and most important form of preventative care your pet can receive. Vaccines protect them from deadly diseases that can be expensive to treat. On top of protecting their health, getting your pet vaccinated also protects you and your family from the spread of disease as well.
Why do young pets need to be vaccinated?
Puppies and kittens have weak immune systems, making them susceptible to contracting diseases. While nursing puppies and kittens receive antibodies from their mothers, the protection from these antibodies is only temporary and begins to get weaker over time. It is recommended that young pets begin to receive vaccines once their mother's antibodies begin to wean. Most of these vaccines are given as a series in 3-4 weeks intervals. Your veterinarian will discuss the recommended vaccines based on your pet's age and lifestyle.
Which Vaccines should my pet receive?
Pet vaccinations are split into two categories: Core vaccines and "non-core" vaccines. Your veterinarian will judge the risk factors and location of your pet before recommending the best vaccines for them to receive. Part of this includes their geographical location and lifestyle. Discussing other factors such as travel and contact with wild animals can help in determining which shots your pet should receive. These vaccines vary from canine to feline and include:
Canine Core Vaccines
Rabies
DAPP (Parvovirus, distemper virus, parainfluenza, Adenovirus Type 2)
Canine Non-Core Vaccines
Bordetella
CIV (Canine Influenza)
Leptospirosis
Lyme Disease Vaccine
Feline Core Vaccines
FVRCP (rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
Feline Leukemia Vaccine
Rabies
Do pet vaccinations have side effects?
While there are risks involved with every form of medical treatment, they should always be weighed against the benefits of protecting your pet and your family. Thankfully, most responses to pet vaccinations are short-term and common amongst most animals, and severe reactions are rare.
Common side effects include:
Lethargy
Decreased Appetite
Mild Fever
Sneezing
Mild Coughing
Snotty nose
Discomfort and local swelling at the injection site
More severe, but less common reactions can occur after vaccinations. These reactions can be life-threatening medical emergencies. Veterinary care should be sought immediately if your pet is displaying any of these signs.
Severe Coughing or difficulty breathing
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Hives (itchy bumpy skin)
Swelling around the face, mouth, neck, or eyes
Fever
Lameness
Sluggishness
Collapse
Small, firm swelling develops under the skin of the injection site. If it doesn't go away within 3 weeks or seems to be growing larger, contact your veterinarian for further action.
Inform your veterinarian if your pet has had a history of adverse reactions to vaccinations. If unsure about how your pet will react to their vaccination, wait 30-60 minutes after they have received an injection before taking them back home.
Conclusion
Vaccinations are the best form of preventative care for your pet and are one of the easier ways to help them live a long and fulfilling life. Contact us today at 559-434-5470 for more information on vaccinations, or to book a vaccination appointment today! if you would like more information on pet vaccination, reference the articles listed below, or search for more articles like this one. Your pet deserves a long fulfilling life, and vaccines are the beginning of that journey.
References
American Veterinary Medical Association. Vaccinations
The American Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals. Vaccinations for your pets
UC Davis Veterinary Medicine. Vaccination Guidelines for Dogs and Cats
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