Safeguarding Your Pets with Vaccinations
August is National Immunization Month, a reminder of the critical role vaccines play in public health. While this month typically focuses on human health, it’s an excellent opportunity to highlight the importance of immunizing our furry friends, too.
Vaccinations are a cornerstone of preventative care in veterinary medicine, crucial for protecting pets from serious and life-threatening diseases. For both dogs and cats, routine vaccinations are essential for a pet’s health and longevity. With an estimated 40% of dog owners hesitant to vaccinate their pets, it is crucial to spread awareness about the importance and purpose of vaccinations in promoting pet health.
Preventing Disease
Vaccines are designed to protect pets from a range of dangerous diseases.
- For dogs, vaccines are available for illnesses such as parvovirus, rabies, distemper, hepatitis and leptospirosis, among others.
- For cats, essential vaccines include those for feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline herpesvirus and many more. These are diseases that can cause severe health issues and – in some cases – lead to death. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of these diseases, ensuring your pet remains healthy, vibrant and in your loving arms!
Protecting Public Health
Some pet diseases can be zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans. For example, rabies, which affects both dogs and cats, is a fatal disease that can be easily passed to humans through bites or scratches. Vaccinating pets against rabies is not only a legal requirement in many areas, but also a crucial step in safeguarding public health for humans.
Avoiding Outbreaks
Vaccination is key to preventing outbreaks of infectious diseases. When a high percentage of the pet population is vaccinated, it creates herd immunity, reducing the overall prevalence of disease. This community protection is vital in keeping outbreaks at bay and ensuring the health of all pets, including those who may not be vaccinated due to medical reasons.
Reducing Veterinary Costs
Preventative care is generally more cost-effective than treating diseases after they occur. Many vaccine-preventable diseases require extensive and expensive treatments upon diagnosis, and in some cases the costs of treatment can be astronomical. By vaccinating your pets, you are not only safeguarding their health but also potentially saving on future veterinary expenses should they develop these diseases.
Vaccination Schedules
Pet vaccination schedules can vary depending on age, health status and lifestyle. Puppies and kittens typically start their vaccination series at a young age, with booster shots administered at regular intervals. Adult pets also need booster shots to maintain immunity. It’s essential to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations regarding vaccination schedules to ensure optimal protection.
Omaha Vets Group offers the veterinarian-designed Pet Prime® Memberships, care plans that provide comprehensive wellness services and aid in early disease detection for pet preventative care at any age. These Pet Prime® Memberships can be used at our hospital or any of the Omaha Vets Group hospitals, helping you get your pet vaccinations on schedule.
Ready to kickstart your pet’s health and get them the vaccinations they need? Call (402) 704-7304 to make an appointment to review your pet’s vaccination needs and ensure they are up-to-date. By taking this proactive step, you are investing in a healthier, happier life for your furry companions!
