Pets, like people, can be protected from many highly contagious and deadly diseases by vaccination. The widespread use of vaccinations within the last century has helped prevent death and disease in millions of animals. Since vaccines are generally very safe and relatively inexpensive, there’s just no reason to let your pet go unprotected.

What you should know:

• Vaccinations are important. Along with regular veterinary exams, they are vital steps in safeguarding your pets health.
• They help prevent disease. Today’s vaccines can help protect your pet from many serious and even life-threatening diseases.
• They can even protect you. Certain vaccinations, such as rabies and leptospirosis, are necessary to protect your own health in addition to that of your health.

How do vaccines work? When your pet receives one, its immune system produces antibodies, which work against the virus or bacteria causing the disease. If your pet is exposed to that same disease later on, these antibodies will help destroy the invading virus or bacteria. Once immunity is established, pets receive booster shots on a predetermined schedule to maintain that protection throughout their lives.

After vaccination, some pets may develop mild soreness at the injection site or appear slightly lethargic. This is normal. If your pet develops any unusual symptoms, such as marked facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or signs of extreme discomfort, contact your veterinarian immediately. In extremely rare cases, pets can have allergic reactions to a vaccine. Just remember that their risk of experiencing serious side-effects from a vaccine is quite low compared to the risk of contracting a serious disease if left unvaccinated. Very rarely, a tumor may develop in cats at the injection site (this can be from vaccine or non-vaccine injections). Contact us promptly if any lumps develop in your cat’s skin.

The rabies vaccine is very important for both dogs and cats. Dogs should also receive a vaccine for Canine Distemper and Parvovirus. Depending on where you live and your dog’s individual risks, your vet may also recommend vaccination for Bordetella (kennel cough complex), leptopirosis, and Lyme disease. Cats should receive a vaccine for Feline Distemper and Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus/Feline Calicivirus. Depending on where you live and your cat’s individual risk, your vet may also recommend vaccination for feline leukemia.