August is here, which means its National Immunization Awareness Month! Just like us, its important for our pets to stay on top of their vaccines and immunizations.
Why Vaccinations are Important
Giving your pets their regular vaccinations is the key to a long and healthy life. Regardless of whether you keep your pets inside or not, vaccines are essential in ensuring your pets health.
Many contagious diseases are airborne, meaning your pet could contract it through an open window. Pets are also very prone to slipping out of the house on occasion, which could lead to risk of disease.
Pet Vaccination
Additionally, places you may frequently visit such as boarding kennels, dog parks, and grooming salons are high-risk environments.
Making sure your pet is vaccinated before visiting such places can give you peace of mind. Just remember that vaccinations can take a few days to a few weeks before becoming effective – check with your vet before taking your recently vaccinated pet to any of these places!
Initial vaccines should be given to your puppies and kittens starting at six to eight weeks of age, with the final dose administered at 16 weeks of age.
Always keep your vaccination records and schedule annual checkups with your veterinarian to monitor your pet’s overall health and to stay up to date with any vaccinations necessary.
Essential Vaccinations for Your Dog
If you’ve recently adopted a dog, here are the vaccinations you can expect the vet to give your new pet:
“Distemper Shot”: Commonly called the distemper shot, this vaccination protects against Distemper, Hepatitis, Para influenza, and Parvovirus.
Rabies: Rabies virus is fatal and all mammals are susceptible to infections. If you’re crossing the border this summer, dogs are required by law to receive the rabies vaccination.
Bordetella: Commonly referred to as the “Kennel Cough” vaccine, this vaccine is extremely important if your dog is in contact with other dogs, and is often required if your dog is going to doggy daycare or the groomers.
Essential Vaccinations for Your Cat
If you’ve recently adopted a kitty, here are the common vaccinations you can expect the vet to give your new pet:
“Distemper Shot”: commonly called the distemper shot, this vaccination protects against Viral Rhinotracheitis, Callcivirus, and Panleukopenia.
Rabies: Rabies virus is fatal and all mammals are susceptible to infections. In most states, cats are required by law to receive the rabies vaccination.
Other Vaccinations for Dogs and Cats
Depending on your geographical location and pet’s lifestyle, your veterinarian may recommend other vaccinations.
