The Importance of Pet Vaccinations
Pets should be vaccinated to protect them from many highly contagious and deadly diseases. Experts agree that widespread use of vaccines within the last century has prevented death and disease in millions of animals. Even though some formerly common diseases have now become uncommon, vaccination is still highly recommended because these serious disease agents continue to be present in the environment.
Does vaccination ensure protection?
For most pets, vaccination is effective and will prevent future disease. Occasionally, a vaccinated pet may not develop adequate immunity and, although rare, it is possible for these pets to become ill. It is important to remember that although breakdowns in protection do occur, most successfully vaccinated pets never show signs of disease, making vaccinati-
on an important part of your pet’s preventive health care.
Many states mandate vaccinations, such as rabies, for cats and dogs, and also require vaccination records from residents in order to obtain a pet license.
If you board your pet, plan to travel or stay in pet-friendly hotels, frequent dog parks and grooming salons, enroll him in doggie day care or a similar pet-sitting service, vaccinations may not only be required by an establishment, but also protect your companion from contracting contagious diseases from other animals as well as unintentionally spreading infection.
Staying up to date on routine vaccinations is important even for pets that remain predominantly indoors. Some of the most common dog diseases, such as Canine Distemper Virus, Canine Parvovirus, Canine Coronavirus, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Rabies Virus, Bordetella, and Canine Parainfluenza Virus, are potentially airborne or known to be transmitted by air.
While outdoor cats and felines living in multi-cat households are more prone to disease, indoor cats and ‘only cats’ can get sick too. There is always the risk of your pet accidentally slipping outside, where they could become exposed. Wild animals which are known carriers of rabid diseases, such as bats and raccoons, can also potentially end up inside your home through chimneys, unscreened windows and open doors, posing a potential threat of transmission if your pet is bitten.
