58% of Canadian households report owning a cat or a dog. For these households, pets are like furry family members. As a loved one, it is important to make sure that your pet gets the medical care they deserve. It is not uncommon for Canadians to spend more on pet care than they do their own health care. This includes critical vaccinations that help pets avoid major illnesses. Following the recommended vaccination schedule can help extend your pet’s life expectancy. Read on for everything you need to know about pet vaccinations. Explore why you should be going to the vet to talk about what vaccinations are needed.
What Are Mandatory Pet Vaccinations? Vaccinations are crucial to general pet health. It protects your dog or cat from viruses and other ailments that threaten pet safety. The rabies vaccination is one of the most common. Most local governments require your pet to receive a rabies vaccination. This is because pets could spread rabies to humans. Also, there is no treatment for rabies, so your pet may die if he or she contracts it. For these reasons, pets receive the rabies shot around three months old. Hepatitis is another common vaccination type. Pets that contract hepatitis usually become lethargic. Other common symptoms include vomiting, fever, and tonsil inflammation. In the worst cases, your pet experiences liver failure. Distemper and canine parvovirus (CPV) are two other important vaccinations. These are designed to protect your pets against dangerous viral threats. Both of these viruses are highly contagious. What Are Optional Vaccinations? Some vaccinations are only necessary for certain situations. Lyme Disease is a perfect example. This vaccine is only required when pets live in certain areas and spend a lot of time outdoors. For starters, it protects your pet from ticks. It also provides your family indirect protection as Lyme Disease is transmissible from pets to humans. Your veterinarian reviews your pet’s history and habits to determine whether this vaccine is necessary. Canine Bordetella and Leptospirosis are two other optional vaccines to discuss with your veterinarian. Where Can My Pet Get Vaccinations? A veterinary hospital is the best place to take your pet for vaccinations. They have the expertise and environment to assess your pet vaccination status. The sterile environment and processes in place ensure your pet has a positive experience. The hospital’s veterinarians are using modern technology to support their evaluations and treatments. In addition, they are trained to use the most effective techniques to work on your pet. Veterinary hospitals also treat a wide variety of pets. At Amherst, they treat everything from ferrets to reptiles. Know the Importance of Getting Your Pet Vaccinated You are now ready to get your pet vaccinated. There are many different vaccinations out there, and they all serve a useful purpose. The primary objective is to extend your pet’s life and keep them healthy. Vaccinations protect your pet from life-threatening sickness. If you are interested in pet vaccinations, schedule an appointment today with Amherst Veterinary Hospital to protect your pet.