The Importance Of Vaccinating Your Pet

We love and care for our pets just as we do the human members of our family and it is just as devastating if and when they become ill. Unfortunately, there are many different viruses and infections that can affect our beloved animals, some of which can be incredibly serious and even fatal. The effects of even minor illnesses can cause our pets to experience painful and incapacitating symptoms. Fortunately, there is a way to protect our animals from this type of suffering and help them to live long, active and happy lives – preventative vaccinations.

As humans we are used to vaccinations and understand that they are an important part of our preventative care. Without them, some of the deadly diseases that plagued earlier centuries might still be active and responsible for countless deaths. Fortunately, similar vaccinations are now also available for our pets, enabling us to extend the courtesy of preventative care to them.

Coughs and sneezes spread diseases

Unfortunately for animals, it is not just coughs and sneezes that help spread the bacteria, viruses and other germs that are responsible for making him sick. Animals love to get up close and personal with each other and, since hygiene isn’t on their radar, with one another’s bodily fluids too. This means that contagious diseases can be spread very quickly and easily from animal to animal, and potentially put the lives of every unprotected animal in your neighborhood at risk.

How do vaccinations work?

Vaccinations work by preparing your pet’s body to recognize and fight potential illnesses. It does this by introducing a very small amount of an antigen disguised as the disease-causing organism, but without actually causing your pet any harm. Regardless of this fact, your pet’s immune system will still be triggered and will recognize both the disease and how to fight it. If he is exposed to the real disease in the future, his body should fight it off before it can take hold and cause illness to develop.

However, not all vaccines completely protect animals from disease. Instead some will just reduce the severity of the disease.

It is also important to understand that not all vaccinations will protect your pet for the duration of his life and many require ‘boosters’ after set periods of time for your pet to stay fully protected. Your veterinary office will be able to work with you to create a strict schedule of appointments, and send reminders to you, to help ensure that your pet is never vulnerable to these contagious diseases.

Advantages of vaccinating your pet

Protecting from the various illnesses and diseases that can pose a risk to his health is by far the biggest advantage of choosing to vaccinate your pet. However, there are some other benefits including:

Reducing/eliminating the severity of symptoms associated with the condition, potentially protecting your pet from pain and suffering.
Reducing the risk of complications associated with symptoms of disease.
Fewer visits needed to your veterinarian.
Less need to put your pet through stressful treatments.
Lower veterinary bills.
Lower pet insurance premiums.
Protect other pets in the neighborhood from contagious diseases.

State vaccine laws

Many states have specific regulations as to which vaccinations domestic animals living in the state should have. For example, the state of Washington requires all cats and dogs to be properly vaccinated against rabies, and a certificate to this effect must be presented to the county animal control office. However, it is not just the state that might need proof of vaccinations. Most boarding kennels and pet shelters will also want to see evidence that any animals taken into their care are suitably vaccinated and are not a threat that could potentially spread contagious disease.

If you would like further information about pet vaccines, or to set up a schedule of vaccinations for your pet, contact us and speak to our veterinary team.