Discussing The Importance Of Vaccination In Pets And How It Can Save Lives In Honor Of National Pet Immunization Awareness Month
The month of August may be the last month of Summer, but it’s known for something even more important. August is widely recognized as National Pet Immunization Awareness Month. This month-long holiday aims to raise awareness about the importance of pet vaccinations.
This article will take an in-depth look into pet vaccines, how they protect pets, how often pets should get them, why they’re important, and the month-long holiday that raises awareness about pet immunization.
What Are Pet Vaccines
VCA Animal Hospitals defines a vaccine as a preparation of altered microorganisms that is administered into the body. This is usually in the form of injection. After injection, a vaccine stimulates an immune response in your pet’s body. This causes their immune system to produce antibodies that identify and destroy the agents administered.
Essentially, vaccines teach your pet’s immune system how to recognize and fight off certain diseases. Your pet’s body saves the information from the vaccine and can therefore better handle fighting off that infection in the future. This can help prevent and lessen the severity of future diseases.
Core Vaccines
Vaccines are separated into 2 categories. Those being core vaccines and non-core vaccines. The core vaccines are used to protect pets from diseases that are easily spread and have high fatality rates. Core vaccines for dogs include distemper, canine parvovirus, canine hepatitis and rabies. Core vaccines for cats include feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus type I (rhinotracheitis), panleukopenia (feline distemper), and rabies.
Non-Core Vaccines
Non-core vaccines, also known as lifestyle vaccines, are not as essential as core vaccines. While still important, these vaccines may not always be necessary for pets as it will heavily depend on the pet’s lifestyle, environment, and predispositions. If your pet has a low risk of the disease, then it might not be necessary to be vaccinated for it.
Non-core vaccines for dogs include vaccines against Bordetella bronchiseptica, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Leptospira bacteria. Non-core vaccines for cats include Bordetella, Chlamydophila felis, feline leukemia virus, and feline immunodeficiency virus.
How Often Should Pets Be Vaccinated
How often a vaccine should be administered will vary depending on the type of vaccine. For example, rabies shots come in a 1 year form and a 3 year form. Consult with your veterinarian to determine what vaccinations your pet should receive and how often. For a full list of dog and cat, core and non-core vaccines, click here.
Observing The Holiday
The best way to observe National Pet Immunization Awareness Month is to double check that all of your pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations. Talk to your veterinarian to make sure your pets are fully covered and protected with the proper vaccines.
Additionally, you can also observe this holiday by spreading the word about National Pet Immunization Awareness Month. Post about this wonderful holiday on social media so that other pet owners can learn about the importance of pet vaccinations.
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