Vaccination is a widespread practice in small animal veterinary medicine. Every responsible pet parent should recognize the importance of vaccinations and how they can lower the risk of their pet developing serious and even deadly diseases. Vaccinations improve the immune system’s defense mechanisms to produce antibodies that identify and remove pathogens that get into the body and combat future diseases.
Keep reading to discover why it’s essential to get your pet vaccinated.
An Overview of Pet Vaccinations
Similar to people, pets can be vaccinated to avoid various illnesses. Discover some crucial details regarding animal vaccinations in this section.
Significance of Animal Vaccinations
Dog and cat vaccination is an important part of pet care to ensure the health and wellness of our pet companions. Routine pet vaccinations boost their immunity and prevent infections and severe health problems. Additionally, it helps prevent illness from spreading to other pets and humans.
Additionally, some vaccines are required by the law to guarantee public health and protection. According to professionals, vaccines have saved countless pets from illness and fatality over the past years.
Types of Vaccinations
There are two types of pet vaccinations, core, and non-core, which are given to all pets. Core vaccinations are advised for dogs and cats based on exposure risk, condition severity, or human transmissibility.
On the other hand, non-core vaccinations are optional, depending on your pet’s risk, health history, and lifestyle. Listed below are pet vaccinations that need to be administered to puppies, kitties, and adults.
Core Vaccines
Core vaccines for puppies and canines consist of the following:
- Rabies
- Parvovirus
- Liver disease
- Parainfluenza
- Distemper virus
Core vaccines for kittens and felines consist of the following:
- Rabies
- Panleukopenia virus
- Rhinotracheitis
- Calicivirus
Non-Core Vaccines
Non-core vaccines for puppies and canines consist of:
- Leptospirosis
- Giardia
- Lyme disease
- Bordetella bronchiseptica
Non-core vaccines for kittens and felines consist of the following:
- Giardia
- Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
- Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)
- Feline immunodeficiency infection (FIV)
- Chlamydophila felis
You may visit a highly-rated vet lab to know your pet’s internal health condition and if he might need vaccination.
Significance of Regular Vaccinations
The effects of vaccines slowly fade as time pass. Sooner or later, your pet will need to receive another vaccination. For a healthy pet, routine vaccinations are required to improve their immune systems for another period. However, the recommended interval is a year unless your veterinarian declares otherwise. Your veterinarian will set a vaccination schedule depending on your pet’s requirements.
Dogs can be protected from dangerous health problems by acquiring their yearly vaccinations. On the other hand, cats are more likely to contract infections without vaccinations.
Costs of Pet Vaccinations
The cost of vaccinations could differ depending on the types of vaccinations your animal companion needs and the veterinarian you choose. Costs can also differ depending on your area. For example, the typical cost of puppy core vaccines is around $100. Non-core vaccinations, like the bordetella vaccine, may cost between $19 and $45. Whereas a rabies vaccine typically costs between $15 and $20.
Final Thoughts
Your vet is the most reliable person who will give you more detailed information to determine your pet’s proper vaccinations and why they need them. Remember, your pet depends on you. With the right and updated vaccinations, you can help your animal companion live a happy and healthy life.
