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What Do You Need to Know about Pet Vaccinations?

Posted March 20th, 2017 by admin

We all know the importance of being sure our children or senior family members are immunized against disease, but did you know that vaccinations are just as important for your pets? Just as you would take your children to get shots against diseases such as mumps, polio or other life threatening illnesses, you need to be proactive to your approach as a pet parent.

In recent years, there has been much debate about the need for vaccinations – whether for humans or for pets. However, unlike in humans where we can talk about our concerns or have an idea of what we have been exposed to, with pets – especially those that are able to roam the neighborhood, we must be more proactive.

Consequently, it is vital as pet owners to talk to your veterinarian about what shots are absolutely required. It should also be noted that what shots are needed for one animal may not be needed for another – after all, dogs are not necessarily susceptible to the same issues as cats. Here are some of the various vaccinations that may be administered.

Common Core Vaccinations for Cats

  • Anleukopenia (feline distemper)
  • Feline calicivirus
  • Feline herpesvirus type 1 (rhinotracheitis)
  • Rabies

Non-core Feline Vaccinations

  • Feline leukemia virus
  • Bordetella
  • Chlamydophila felis
  • Feline immunodeficiency virus

Common Core Vaccinations for Dogs

  • Canine parvovirus
  • Distemper
  • Canine hepatitis
  • Rabies

Non-Core Canine Vaccinations

  • Bordetella bronchiseptica
  • Borrelia burgdorferi
  • Leptospira bacteria

Having your pet vaccinated is a way you can be proactive in keeping your pet healthy and protecting them from any potential sickness they may be exposed to. If you are unsure about what type of shots are needed for your pet, then be sure to talk to your veterinarian.

Like with having our children immunized, it is essential to be aware of any side effect that can occur. Granted, reactions are usually minimal if any, but that does not mean that they do not occur. When you have your pet vaccinated, there is always a small chance they will react to it by being more lethargic or “clingy” than normal but that will usually go away in a day or so.

But to be sure that your pet does not have an adverse reaction, you may even want to schedule the shots when you will be able to stay around your pet for a few hours, or even consider scheduling the shots when you have the following day off. However, if you notice other side effects, such as those listed below, be sure to talk to your vet immediately.

  • Collapse
  • Diarrhea
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Facial swelling and/or hives
  • Fever
  • Lameness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Pain, swelling, redness, scabbing or hair loss around the injection site
  • Seizures
  • Sluggishness
  • Vomiting

Every state has its own requirements for what shots different pets need as well as their frequency. For instance, some states require them to be administered annually, while others only ask that they be given every three years. The exception to this rule is the rabies shot – as this vaccination is required annually for any domesticated pets.

We know that your pets are an important part of your family, and that you want to take care of them. Make time to schedule vaccinations and protect them. If you have questions about immunizations for your pet, talk to your veterinarian.

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