“VACCINATIONS FOR YOUR PET”

 \n\nOne of the most common questions that every owner faces is “Should I have my pet vaccinated?” This article will help you answer this question, along with all the other common thoughts that cross your mind: What is a vaccine? Which vaccines does my dog need? When should I give my pet his/ her vaccinations? What are the benefits or reactions of getting my pet vaccinated?\n\n\n\nWhy does my pet need a vaccine? In simpler terms, a vaccine contains an army of soldiers who help to prepare your pet’s immune system against an invasion. This invasion is from small organisms, which aid in spreading disease and illness. These vaccines that we give our pets contain antigens. These antigens look very similar to those disease-causing organisms that try to attack our pet’s immune system. However, these antigens do not cause disease. They simply stimulate the immune system slightly and prepare the body for fighting when the real disease is introduced. This allows for the severity of the illness to be lessened and helps your pet fight off the bad guys.\n\nWhich vaccines do I need to give to my pet? The vaccines which are high recommended for your pet by veterinary professionals are called “core vaccinations”. These are a list of different vaccines that are required in your pet to help protect against diseases which are more commonly seen, severe in illness or can be transmitted to humans. For dogs, the core vaccinations are: Distemper, Canine Hepatitis, Canine Parvovirus and Rabies vaccine. You may also want to consider other vaccinations, based on risk of exposure: Leptospira, Bordetella bronchiseptica and Borrelia burgdorferi.\n\n“Core Vaccinations” for your cat are: Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper), Feline Herpesvirus Type 1 (Rhinotracheitis), Feline Calicivirus and Rabies vaccine. Other vaccines to consider are: Feline Leukemia Virus, Chlamydophila felis, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Bordetella. It is best to consult with your local veterinarian on which vaccinations are suggestive towards your pet’s situation.\n\nWhen comes the answer of how soon should your pet be vaccinated, it depends on the age and situation. Puppies and kittens receive their first line of defense from their mother’s milk, (colostrum) while nursing. This milk contains antibodies, which help to protect the immune system at such an early age. At the age of 6 – 8 weeks old, it is recommended for both puppies and kittens to have their first series of vaccinations administer. With 3 – 4 week intervals in between and having the last dose given then at the age of 16 weeks old. If you dog or cat is an adult, then they would have certain vaccinations administered once a year, and others at every three or more years.\n\nIn regards to the Rabies vaccination for both dogs and cats, please check your area’s laws. Some places will require your pet to receive a rabies vaccine every year, whereas other areas may require the vaccine to be given every three years. Majority of places wish for you to have proof of the rabies vaccination on file. If you are unsure, you can always contact your local veterinarian and they will be happy to provide you with the rules and regulations regarding vaccinations your pet needs.\n\nOnce your pet receives a vaccination, a reaction is dependent on every individual animal. Some dogs or cats show no reaction at all and are healthy or comfortable afterwards. Some pets however, can show temporary signs of: loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, facial swelling/hives, diarrhea, pain/ swelling/redness/scabbing/ hair loss around injection site, lameness, lameness, collapse, difficulty breathing or even seizures. Severity of signs depends on individual patients. If any of these signs appear or progress, please contact your veterinarian immediately.\n\n