Pet vaccinations offer protection against certain diseases that can cause serious illness. These shots allow pets’ immune systems to learn how to recognize and eliminate specific viruses and other pathogens that cause disease. When pets do not have this protection, they are at risk of becoming very ill or even catching a life-threatening disease. For example, rabies is fatal to dogs and cats who are not vaccinated, while other diseases, such as parvovirus, can result in death without treatment. Other diseases, including distemper, can cause permanent brain damage or other serious, long-term health issues that affect a pet’s quality of life. Making sure that pets are vaccinated helps lower their risk of getting these diseases.
Types of Vaccines for Pets
There are several types of vaccines available for pets. Dogs typically need vaccines to guard against rabies, parvovirus, distemper and canine hepatitis, while cats usually require shots for rabies, calicivirus and feline distemper. These are called core vaccines, but there are also other types of shots that might be needed based on each pet’s risks of catching other diseases, such as kennel cough or feline leukemia. Our veterinarians can provide you with guidance on which types of vaccines your pet needs and how often they should receive these shots. In most cases, pets need booster shots in order to keep their vaccines up-to-date.
Up-to-Date Vaccines Provide Maximum Protection
Pets typically begin receiving some vaccines as young as 6 weeks of age and usually continue getting boosters every 1 to 3 years. Without booster shots, vaccines lose their effectiveness over time, which puts pets at risk of getting serious diseases. Keep in mind that in some areas, dogs and cats are required by law to have up-to-date rabies vaccines. Some boarding kennels and dog daycare centers also require all pets to keep up to date on certain vaccines, such as rabies, parvovirus and distemper.
Pet Vaccines Offer Safety and Peace of Mind
As with any vaccines, pet vaccinations do have a slight risk of causing side effects, such as soreness where the shot was received or a low fever. These reactions are typically mild and only last a short while. Pets who exhibit ongoing or severe signs of a reaction should be seen by one of our vets as soon as possible. Other symptoms that require prompt veterinary care after vaccines are given include breathing difficulties, seizures, appetite loss, facial swelling and lethargy. It is important to note that these symptoms are very rare. Most pets do not have any severe or long-term reactions to vaccines.
Contact Our Veterinarians in Edmond about Vaccinations!
If you have questions about which vaccinations your pet needs or if your pet is due for shots, please contact our veterinarians at White Oaks Veterinary Clinic at (405) 330-0676. One of our veterinarians will answer your questions, or we can set up an appointment for your pet. We offer services to pet owners in Edmond, OK.