Pet Vaccination: Is It Necessary?

Pet Vaccination

If you are a responsible pet owner, one of the priorities that you think about is pet vaccination. When you get a new pup, the first thing that comes to mind is: Has the little dog been vaccinated already?

If you adopt or buy a pet today, you will be given a pet record showing you of the vaccines that the dog already had and when the next one is due.

But the question remains: Is Pet Vaccination Necessary?

As a veterinarian, the immediate answer would be: Yes! At the same time as a responsible pet owner, it is highly recommended.

As a responsible pet parent, pet vaccination protects your pet. Period.

Do not just think that pet vaccination is necessary just because a veterinarian requires it.

Now, there are two categories of Pet Vaccination, the Core and Non-Core Vaccinations.

Core Vaccinations are the recommended vaccinations that every pet should take. This includes Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus and Adenovirus (Canine Hepatitis).

Why are these recommended vaccinations?

The core vaccinations protect your pet from dangerous viral diseases common to dogs and the vaccinations also protect you, as well.

Let’s take a look at some of these viruses.

Parvovirus: Deadly Dog Virus

pet vaccination

You should know (and you can research about it) that one of the main causes of puppy deaths is Parvovirus. Research shows that 91% of untreated puppies with parvovirus lead to death because the immune system cannot handle the attack.

The only way to protect your pet from this virus is through vaccination.

Even though parvovirus cannot spread from dogs to humans, this condition is contagious among dogs. This is typically contracted from the feces of an infected dog.

When a dog has parvovirus, they can contaminate the neighborhood dogs as even the soil that touches the virus can be a contaminant. If your dog is recovering from this disease, it can still shed this virus and be present in their feces.

Parvovirus vaccination is usually given as a one shot with the other core vaccinations. This vaccination can be given to your puppy as early as 6 weeks old.

Rabies: Main Cause Of Deaths from Animal Bites

pet vaccination

Rabies is a major cause of deaths from animal bites in the country.

With a not too strict implementation of the law on pet care, there are a number of strays that can be found anywhere. And that’s where the danger of contracting the rabies virus lies.

What the government provides is a mandate that dogs should be given the rabies vaccination to each dog every year.

And if any case that you or your loved one is bitten by a dog especially a dog you do not know the owner, go to the nearest bite center in your area.

Early medical care given to a dog bite is the best way for cure.

Once the bitten person shows symptoms of the presence of rabies virus, then it becomes a fatal disease.

Be sure to keep your dogs within your property and be mindful of the dogs they interact with.

Pet Vaccination: Best Care For Your Pet

pet vaccination

Do your due diligence and understand why Pet Vaccination is imperative to your pet’s health.

Most veterinary clinics have a vaccination program for your pets, so it will be easier for you to keep track of the vaccination schedule of your pet. Ask your veterinarian about Pet Vaccination on your next vet visit.

And please, do not hesitate to ask. Veterinarians would be glad to answer your queries no matter if you think how trivial they may be.

 

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

“The St. Luke’s of Pet Hospitals” – from a Happy Client

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