As pet parents, we want our fur kids to live a long, happy, and healthy life. We feed them healthy foods, give them vitamins, and ensure that their resting area is comfortable. But there is one crucial factor that some fur parents tend to disregard when it comes to the health of their pets—vaccinations!
What are vaccines and why are they important?
According to avma.org, the American Veterinary Medical Association’s website, “Vaccines are products designed to trigger protective immune responses and prepare the immune system to fight future infections from disease-causing agents. Vaccines stimulate the immune system’s production of antibodies that identify and destroy disease-causing organisms that enter the body.” Like people, our pets are prone to several illnesses, some of which can be fatal. Vaccinations are important because they shield our pets from these dangerous diseases. For pet parents who have multiple pets, vaccinating their pets is highly recommended to prevent dangerous diseases from spreading in the house.
Core Vaccines: The Must-Haves for Pet Protection
Core vaccines are vaccines that every pet should have, regardless of their age, breed, lifestyle, or environment. These vaccines protect against contagious and potentially life-threatening diseases that might put the lives of pets at risk.
For dogs, veterinarians typically recommend core vaccines to protect against canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis, and rabies. These diseases can cause severe health issues and can be fatal if not treated.
When it comes to cats, core vaccines include protection against panleukopenia (feline distemper), feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus type I (rhinotracheitis), and rabies. These vaccinations are critical in preventing the spread of these highly contagious diseases within the feline community.
By giving your pets core vaccinations, pet parents are taking important steps to create a healthier environment for their pets.
Non-core vaccines: Personalized Protection Tailored to Your Pet’s Needs
Non-core vaccines provide supplemental protection depending on several factors, such as your pet’s lifestyle and environment. Consult with your licensed veterinarian if you feel that your pet needs non-core vaccines.
When to Kickstart Your Pet’s Vaccination Journey
Immunizing your pet is an important step in stabilizing their health and well-being for the rest of their life. The timing of vaccinations can vary depending on several factors, such as the age of your pet, species, and general health. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian who can provide you with personalized guidance tailored to your pet’s specific needs.
Typically, vaccinations begin around 6 to 8 weeks of age, both for puppies and kittens. Additional vaccinations will be administered by your veterinarian as your pet grows. Your veterinarian will guide you through the vaccination schedule to ensure that each vaccine is given at the right interval.
It is important to keep in mind that vaccines are not a one-size-fits-all approach, so it’s important to follow the recommended vaccination schedule provided by your veterinarian to ensure your pet gets the necessary shots at the right time.
Post-Vaccination: What to Anticipate After Your Pet’s Vaccination
Vaccines are generally safe, and it’s not unusual for pets to experience minor discomfort as their immune systems react to the vaccine. These reactions are often temporary and don’t pose a serious risk to their general health.
Some common post-vaccination reactions in pets may include mild fatigue, slight tenderness or swelling at the injection site, and a decrease in appetite. These reactions are typically mild and should disappear within a day or two.
While mild reactions are expected, it’s essential to be vigilant for any signs of more severe or persistent reactions. Should your pets develop any unusual or severe reactions after vaccination, contact your veterinarian right away. They can offer guidance and address any concerns that may arise.
Vaccinations are vital to our pet’s health and well-being. By immunizing our pets against dangerous diseases, we can ensure that they live their lives to the fullest, free from preventable illnesses.
About the author: Rowena David is faculty member at College of Computer Science in the University of Makati, is a freelance writer (Tagalog short novels), admin of Philippine Pet Lovers Society Facebook page, an animal rescuer and animal welfare advocate.