Pet vaccinations are essential for keeping pets healthy and preventing the spreading of some diseases, such as rabies, to others.
Pet vaccinations are essential for keeping pets healthy and preventing the spreading of some diseases, such as rabies, to others. In addition, vaccinations have prevented the deaths of countless pets within the last century. Vaccinating your pet helps prevent diseases and can help you avoid costly treatments for a preventable illness. Some local or state laws require certain vaccinations for household pets. Let’s go over the reasons why you should vaccinate your pet.
Vaccinations Prevent Disease
One of the main reasons vaccination is so important is that our animals can’t protect themselves. They need help understanding hygiene or caution. Some diseases are airborne, meaning your pet can’t avoid them. However, by ensuring your pet’s current vaccinations, you don’t need to worry about what they come into contact with or spreading disease to other animals and people.
Pet Vaccines are Safe and Effective
Pet vaccines work in the same way human vaccines do – they prepare your pet’s immune system to fight against harmful microorganisms. This is done by introducing a tiny amount of the disease, which has been carefully altered so it can’t harm your pet. In doing so, your pet’s immune system produces antibodies to fight the disease. Their body will recognize the characteristics of the disease so it can fight it automatically if your pet comes into contact with the disease down the line.
Some Vaccinations are Mandatory
Vaccines don’t prevent these harmful organisms from entering your pet’s body. Because of this, the microorganisms can still spread to other animals, which is why most animals need to be vaccinated, particularly against deadly diseases. All 50 states require rabies vaccination, so rabies in dogs was eradicated by 2007.
Which Vaccinations Does My Pet Need?
Every pet is different, and your pet’s vaccinations depend on various factors. However, most animals will receive a series of core vaccinations, meaning injections given to all animals of that species.
Core vaccinations for dogs include:
- Parvovirus
- Adenovirus-2
- Distemper
- Parainfluenza
Core vaccinations for cats include:
- Feline herpesvirus
- Feline panleukopenia
- Feline calicivirus
- Feline leukemia virus
Support Your Pet’s Wellness at Alexander Animal Hospital
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment. We’re social! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for all the latest updates!