Most pet owners do all they can to provide their furry friends with nutritious food, clean water, comfortable shelter, physical activity, emotional support, and veterinary care. In fact, they don’t even mind paying a veterinary dentist to ensure the animal’s teeth are properly cleaned. Unfortunately, some neglect one crucial aspect of their pet’s health: vaccinations.
How Do Vaccines Protect Your Pets?
Vaccinations can protect pets from parasites that cause serious diseases. By getting the proper vaccinations, your pet is less likely to get sick or die if they come in contact with these parasites.
A vaccine is created by injecting an animal with a weakened form of a disease-causing germ (called an antigen). This helps stimulate the immune system to recognize the antigen and produce antibodies against it. Then, when the pet comes across similar antigens, the body will recognize them quickly and more effectively in future encounters.
Most Common Parasites in Pets
- Heartworms: These can be deadly because they impair a dog’s cardiovascular system, leading to breathing problems and even heart failure. They develop by living in your pet’s heart and arteries and can spread into the lungs or brain if left untreated.
- External worms: These include fleas, ticks, mites, and lice – all of which cause itching for your pet. While an infestation isn’t necessarily dangerous, it will make your pooch uncomfortable (not to mention driving you crazy).
- Intestinal worms: These parasites live in the stomach and intestines, often without symptoms. They can be transmitted through an infected mother to her offspring during gestation or birth. For instance, early stages of intestinal parasites are found in puppies that an unvaccinated female dog nursed.
- Internal worms: These include roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Intestinal worms can damage your pet’s digestive tract or even its liver if left untreated. You will also see signs like vomiting or diarrhea, loss of appetite, and malnutrition.
Benefits of Pet Vaccines
Veterinary vaccines reduce the number of infections an animal experiences by preventing or reducing exposure to certain harmful pathogens. This means that your pet will live a longer, healthier life if it receives proper vaccinations on time. Visit this website for more info about comprehensive pet care.
1. Reduce the Incidence of Dangerous Pet Conditions
Your pet’s immune system is not the only thing supported by vaccines. Some of the conditions that can be prevented or postponed through vaccination include:
- Parvovirus
- Distemper
- Hepatitis
- Rabies
- Kennel Cough
- Tetanus
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
2. Protection Against Potentially Fatal Diseases
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns irresponsible pet owners who fail to vaccinate their pets against rabies could face fines and imprisonment.
The cost of vaccinating your pet is lesser compared to the price of diagnosis and treatment for common animal health conditions like parvo, rabies, distemper, or kennel cough. Consult with your veterinarian about an appropriate vaccination schedule for your pet based on breed, age, and lifestyle habits.
2. Ease
Not only do vaccines make keeping your pet safe quick and simple. They also make cases of parasitic infection less common. Vaccinations prevent pets from contracting all kinds of illnesses that regularly affect them. Some examples include parvovirus in dogs and panleukopenia virus in cats.
Choosing the Right Vet for Your Pets
Not all veterinarians are created equally. Find a vet who will appreciate your concerns about the best ways to keep your pet healthy and happy for years to come. Make sure to visit their website to know more about their vaccination services or call them directly.
Once you settle on a vet, do not be afraid to talk about any fears or concerns you have regarding vaccinations. Like any medical treatment, some risks are always involved with vaccines. However, if you trust your veterinarian’s ability to administer proper care by providing quality vaccination services, then you don’t need to worry about them caring for your pets.
Contrary to what some believe, talking about vaccines with your vet will not make you a nervous pet parent. Instead, it is an essential part of ensuring your furry friends live happier and healthier lives.
