The Essential Guide to Pet Vaccinations: What You Should Know
April 19, 2023Vaccination is a common practice in small animal veterinary medicine. Every responsible pet parent needs to understand the value of vaccinations and how they can lower the risk of their pet developing severe and even fatal diseases. Vaccines improve the immune system’s defense mechanisms to create antibodies that acknowledge and remove a virus that gets in the body and fight off future diseases.
Keep reading to discover why it’s essential to get your pet vaccinated.
An Overview of Pet Vaccinations
Similar to humans, animals can be vaccinated to prevent different health problems. Discover some crucial information regarding animal vaccinations in this section.
Significance of Animal Vaccinations
Pet vaccinations are an integral part of pet care to ensure the health and wellness of our pet friends. Routine animal vaccinations boost their immunity and prevent infections and serious health issues. Furthermore, it helps prevent diseases from spreading to other animals and people.
Additionally, some vaccines are required by the law to guarantee public health and safety. According to professionals, using vaccines has saved numerous pets from illness and death over the past years. Speak to your vet to find information regarding this.
Types of Vaccines
There are two types of animal vaccinations, core, and non-core, which are provided to all pets. Core vaccinations are advised for dogs and cats based on exposure risk, illness severity, or human transmissibility.
On the other hand, non-core vaccinations are optional, depending on your animal’s risk, health history, and lifestyle. Below are pet vaccinations that should be administered to puppies, kittens, and adults.
Core Vaccines
Core vaccines for puppies and dogs include:
- Rabies
- Parvovirus
- Liver disease
- Parainfluenza
- Distemper virus
Core vaccines for kittens and cats include:
- Rabies
- Panleukopenia virus
- Rhinotracheitis
- Calicivirus
Non-Core Vaccines
Non-core vaccines for puppies and dogs include:
- Leptospirosis
- Giardia
- Lyme disease
- Bordetella bronchiseptica
Non-core vaccines for kittens and cats include:
- Giardia
- Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
- Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)
- Feline immunodeficiency infection (FIV)
- Chlamydophila felis
You may visit Dockery Mobley Vets vaccination services to know which vaccines your pet needs.
Importance of Routine Vaccinations
The effects of vaccinations slowly fade over time. Eventually, your pet will need to receive another vaccination. Routine dog wellness exams and vaccinations boost their immune systems for another period. However, the recommended interval is a year unless your vet says otherwise. Your veterinarian will create a vaccination schedule depending on your pet’s requirements.
Canines can be protected from dangerous illnesses by getting their annual vaccinations. On the other hand, felines are more likely to get infections without vaccinations.
Costs of Pet Vaccinations
The cost of vaccinations could vary depending on the types of vaccinations your animal companion needs and the vet you choose. The cost may also change based on where you live. For example, the usual cost of puppy core vaccinations is around $100. Non-core vaccines, like the bordetella vaccine, may cost between $19 and $45. Whereas a rabies vaccination usually costs between $15 and $20.
Conclusion
Your vet is the best person to provide more detailed information to determine the proper vaccinations your furry friend needs and why they need them. Remember, your pet depends on you. With the correct and updated vaccinations, you can help your animal companion live a happy and healthy life.
