Vaccines have become a wonderful life-saving tool that helps to inoculate us against some of the most dangerous and deadly diseases. Vaccines are not just for people though- as any pet owner knows, there are a variety of vaccines that are available for your dog and your cat. These vaccines help to ensure that your animal stays safe and lives a long and healthy life.
Types of Pet Vaccines
There are a variety of different vaccines available for both dogs and cats that are intended to protect against common illnesses as well as against less-common but extremely serious conditions. The types of vaccines that you will need can vary depending upon whether you have a cat or a dog. For instance, cats will need a vaccine against feline leukemia, while dogs are going to need to be vaccinated against parvo and kennel cough.
There are specific vaccines schedules and routine shots available for both dogs and cats and you should speak with your veterinarian about the types of shots that your animal will need.
Are Pet Vaccines Necessary?
Some pet owners may believe that they don’t really need to vaccinate their pets. You might think that if you don’t allow your cat outside, for example, a vaccine isn’t really needed. In addition, some pet owners may be concerned about the potential dangers associated with vaccinations.
The reality, however, is that the accepted veterinary standard of practice is to provide annual vaccines for all dogs and cats. This ensures that your animal is protected against dangerous illnesses in the event that something unexpected happens (such as your indoor cat getting loose for a bit). It also helps to protect the population as a whole. As such, some vaccines are actually required by law. Every state, for instance, requires an annual rabies vaccine.
Where Can You Get Your Pet Vaccinated?
Once you have made the decision to get your pet the vaccines that the veterinary community recommends, you will need to decide where to get the vaccines performed. Many people will have vaccines done as part of a routine annual veterinary examination. However, there can be a significant cost associated with this option so some people prefer lower budget solutions such as mobile vaccine clinics.
Wherever you choose to have your dog or cat vaccinated, make sure that you receive proof of the vaccines. You will need this in case you ever wish to travel with your pet or in case you are ever asked for any reason to prove your animal has the immunizations required by law.
Where to Turn for Information on Pet Vaccines?
If you are confused about what immunizations are required or available, your vet is a good course of information about pet vaccines. You can also find information on the Internet among communities of dog and cat owners. Not all information provided online is reliable; however, so you will need to make sure you are getting your info from a qualified and reliable source. Veterinarians who answer questions online, for example, can provide an unbiased, professional medical opinion about vaccines and answer any questions you may have about how they affect your animal’s health.