When you welcome a new furry friend into your family, there are many things that are important to ensure to do so they grow up healthy and strong! Vaccines for your pets are extremely crucial to help your pets stay safe and protected from diseases that can be picked up from many different sources. We’d like to shed some light on vaccinations for your pets. Explore why they are important, what they do and easy ways to keep your pets safe as they grow!
There are two different categories of vaccines for both dogs and cats. One being “core vaccines” and the other being “non-core vaccines”. Core vaccines are ones that are strongly recommended for the safety of your pet, or required by your Province or State. This is to prevent or limit highly contagious diseases from infecting your animals. These diseases could result in your pets being extremely sick or possibly even being fatal. This could also be to help limit the spread of diseases to other animals and potentially spread diseases to humans. An example of a core vaccine is the Rabies vaccine. The risk of rabies is extremely important to be aware of, due to the fact there is no cure. Getting your pets vaccinated against rabies will help protect them if ever the chance they were bit by a rabid animal.
Non-core vaccines are ones that are available for your pet, but not legally required. It is recommended to consult with your veterinarian about these vaccines next time you take your pet to have a check-up! Some vaccines are recommended based on your lifestyle or where you live with your pet. An example of a non-core vaccine is the Bordetella vaccine. The Bordetella vaccine is given to decrease the chances of your dog picking up, or spreading kennel cough. Kennel cough is a highly contagious illness, common to display signs of a hacking cough. This is usually not life-threatening, and therefore not a required vaccine, but recommended especially if your pet is in public areas and/or social with other animals.
Luckily in most cases, vaccines are an annual occurrence. Most vaccines only need to be renewed once a year or longer, usually done with your pet’s annual exam. However, some vaccines or preventative medicines need to be administered at different times of the year as well. An example would be your pet’s flea, tick, and heartworm monthly prevention.
Along with vaccines, there are other ways to keep your pets safe while also staying up to date on their vaccinations. Here are the top 5 ways for you to keep your pets safe!
- If your pet is not fully vaccinated, limit exposure. Your pet can come into contact with bacteria or viruses in many different ways. On the ground, people’s shoes, trash, etc.
- If your pet is not fully vaccinated, it is strongly recommended to keep your pet away from strangers’ pets. These could be public dog parks, popular walking trails, or animal-friendly environments. Your pet, while it’s young and/or not vaccinated, is very susceptible to infections or diseases other pets or wildlife may carry.
- Consult with your veterinarian about what vaccines are recommended based on the lifestyle and health of your pet. Each pet is special in its own way, therefore health measures should be acted on accordingly.
- Search for a member’s only dog park in your area. This type of park allows only registered and properly vaccinated dogs into the park; eliminating the fear of unvaccinated dogs.
- Ask your veterinarian any questions you have about your pet’s vaccines. Understanding why your pet needs certain vaccines and how they help your pet is very important information for pet owners to know.
While vaccinations can help keep your pets safe and healthy, they are unfortunately not 100% guaranteed. This is why annual vaccines, veterinary check-ups, and keeping a close eye on your pets are recommended to all pet owners.
If you have any further questions or concerns about vaccinations and your pets, be sure to consult with your pet’s veterinarian or veterinary clinic for more information. As pet owners, it is our responsibility to keep our four-legged friends loved and protected as much as possible!