Why Pet Vaccinations are Important

Importance of Human & Pet Vaccinations for Overall Health

Both human and pet vaccinations offer protection and immunity against a plethora of diseases, often leading to the eradication of infections altogether, such as smallpox. Vaccines, like COVID-19 and the seasonal flu shot, stimulate your immune system’s production of antibodies which identify then destroy these organisms when they enter your body. Advances in scientific research and safe testing ensure that serious reactions are very rare; the majority of pets and humans respond positively to vaccinations. For the safety of your family and the community, human & pet vaccinations are important and highly encouraged. To read more about why vaccinations are vital to health, according to the CDC, click here.

Core Pet Vaccinations

While human and pet vaccines vary, there are several annual vaccinations your pet must receive to reduce the risk of life threatening illnesses. Similarly, dogs and cats have different core vaccinations. The following vaccines are recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Dogs: rabies, DAPP (canine distemper, adenovirus/hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus combination vaccine), Bordetella (kennel cough), canine influenza, lyme, and leptospirosis.

Cats: rabies, FVRCP (feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia/feline distemper combination vaccine) and feline leukemia vaccine.

These pet vaccinations should start when they are about 4 – 6 weeks old and continue with boosters yearly in order to ensure their full protection against these deadly diseases. Since every pet is different, our veterinarians will discuss & develop a vaccination plan to fit your pet’s lifestyle.

Vaccines Remain Critical to Pets Long-Term Health

Continued research has proven that pet vaccinations are highly effective in preventing and spreading deadly diseases. They can also minimize the degree of clinical signs seen with an illness if your pet contracts the illness. Not only do they stop diseases from being passed between animals, but also from animal to human. Furthermore, if your pet does catch an infection such as leptosporosis, a common bacterial disease contracted from contaminated water sources and urine, having the antibodies provided by a vaccine decreases their chance of critical illness and death. It is imperative for pet parents to begin vaccinations at the appropriate age and continue them throughout the life of their dog or cat. While there is always a possibility of adverse reactions to a vaccine, this risk is generally low.

Vaccines protect humans daily and are similarly important to our canine and feline best friends. If you’re considering adopting a pet or your pet has not been examined by a veterinarian recently, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Our veterinarians can help assist in creating a vaccine plan to maintain your pet’s longevity.

Learn more about vaccinating your pets here: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/vaccinations