Importance of Vaccinations for Pets

Vaccinations have been  a hot topic of conversation for some time now, but we don’t only need to worry about protecting the human population from dangerous and potentially deadly diseases. Dogs, cats, and other animals can be just as likely to catch viruses and other transmissible diseases, many of which can prove fatal. 

Fortunately, veterinary experts have developed vaccines that can keep our adored animals safe from many of the most harmful viruses and prevent them from spreading disease to other creatures around them. 

Pet vaccinations work in the same way as human vaccines – by preparing your pet’s body to recognize and fight  specific harmful bacteria or viruses. Vaccines can significantly reduce or completely prevent symptoms and effects of some of the diseases that our animals come into contact with. They are usually provided on a  regular schedule since their effectiveness doesn’t necessarily last forever. Your veterinarian in Weslaco, TX will be able to put together a comprehensive vaccination schedule for your pet that will give them the protection that they need to live a long, happy, and healthy life. 

Benefits of Vaccinating Your Pet

There are many reasons why you should make sure that your pet receives all of the vaccinations that your veterinarian recommends for them. Here are some:

• You can stop your pet from unnecessarily suffering from a variety of unpleasant, debilitating, and potentially painful symptoms associated with diseases and viruses
• You can help to control the spread of serious viral and bacterial diseases that can be easily transmitted among populations of unvaccinated animals
• You can protect your human family. This is extremely important since an increasing number of new diseases are proving to be zoonotic in nature. This means that they can be passed between animals and humans. A good example of a zoonotic disease for which there is currently a vaccine is rabies
• You could protect your pet from developing an illness or disease for which there is no current treatment or cure
• Pet vaccinations have saved the lives of countless pets over the years, and ensuring your pet receives the appropriate vaccinations will help them to live a long life with you
• Enjoy fewer stressful visits to your veterinarian
• Your pet will be able to go into boarding if required (most boarding facilities require proof that animals are suitably vaccinated before admitting them)
• Vaccinated animals are less likely to need expensive medical treatment for diseases down the line, meaning lower/fewer veterinary bills in the future
• It is a legal requirement for pets to have certain vaccinations in some states, e.g., rabies. Proof may need to be shown to the appropriate authorities for licensing

How Do I Know What Vaccinations My Pet Needs?

Every animal is different, and exactly which vaccinations yours will need will depend on a variety of factors. However, most animals will be recommended to have a series of core vaccinations (given to all animals of that species) and some non-core/optional vaccines too. 

Core vaccinations for dogs include:

• Parvovirus
• Adenovirus-2
• Distemper
• Parainfluenza
• Rabies

Core vaccinations for cats include:

• Feline herpesvirus
• Feline panleukopenia
• Feline calcivirus
• Feline  leukemia virus
• Rabies

Vaccination records will be kept so that you can prove that your pet is up to date with their vaccines. These may be needed should you wish to travel with your pet, move to a new area or put your pet into a boarding facility. 

For more information about the importance of vaccinations for pets, or to schedule an appointment to discuss our vaccination service, call Border Animal Hospital in Weslaco, Texas at (956) 968-3858 today.