Pet Immunization – What is it and why is it important?

As responsible and committed pet owners, we want to do everything in our power to ensure that our companion animals live long, healthy and happy lives. Unfortunately, there is a multitude of potential dangers,  including illness and disease, that can prevent this from becoming a reality. There are just as many diseases that affect animals as there are for humans, some of which have permanent and even deadly consequences. Fortunately, like us, our pets can benefit from a form of preventative medicine known as immunizations.

How do immunizations work?

Immunizations, also referred to as vaccinations, are an extremely effective way to protect your pet against disease. In fact, immunizations have saved the lives of countless animals over the years. Delivered via injection, the substances called vaccines prepare your pet’s body for fighting disease-causing organisms by masquerading as them, triggering your pet’s immune system to produce antibodies to fight them. However, unlike the real thing, the vaccines don’t cause your pet any harm. Your pet’s body then has the remarkable ability to remember the properties that align with the harmful strain of illness and will fight it off before it has the chance to affect your pet. As a result, if your pet ever comes into contact with the disease, you may never know since their body will have automatically dealt with it.

An immunizations effectiveness is only for a set period of time before a further dose of the vaccine is required. Our veterinary team will be able to advise you on which immunizations your pet needs and how often they should be administered. It is very important to ensure they are given on time every time, as being delayed could potentially leave your pet vulnerable to contracting the diseases that their immunizations should protect them from.

All reputable veterinary centers offer routine immunizations as part of your pet’s ongoing care. You may find that your pet’s immunizations are included within their annual wellness appointments, but if this isn’t the case, you may need to book a separate visit.
 

Why are immunizations important?

Obviously, by far the most important reason to get your pet up to date with their immunizations is to ensure that they have adequate protection against the diseases that could threaten their health or even their life. However, there are also a few other reasons why immunizations are important.

They are law

Every state has its own individual laws that relate to their requirements for immunizations. However, since rabies is a highly contagious, fatal disease, rabies vaccinations are required by law in virtually every U.S. state, requiring owners to provide proof that their pet is up to date with this vital vaccine. Failure to provide proof could cost you a considerable fine, and your pet may be taken away and quarantined, or even euthanized.

They could spread diseases to your family

Some of the diseases that immunizations protect against are zoonotic, meaning that they can be transmitted between animals and humans and could potentially put your family at risk of developing the disease. There are more zoonotic diseases than you might expect, and around 60% of newly discovered diseases are all zoonotic in nature. Some of the ones that you may have heard of include cat scratch fever, cowpox, Lyme Disease, ringworm, and toxoplasmosis. By ensuring your pet is up to date with their immunizations, you are providing protection for both your pet and your family.

They can prevent your pet from suffering unnecessarily

Many of the diseases that immunizations protect against cause very unpleasant and debilitating symptoms for your pet. Some of the treatments that could be needed can also be intensive and painful. Rather than putting your pet through unnecessary trauma (and yourself through expensive veterinary bills), get your pet immunized in accordance with their individual requirements.