As a pet owner, nothing is more important than your pet’s health and longevity. Staying up to date with your pet’s vaccinations is one of the most important parts of keeping your pet’s health in check. Vaccination protects pets against infectious diseases, some of which can be fatal as described by a veterinary hospital in Woodbridge. In this article, we will discuss what common pet vaccinations are, their importance, and what you need to know as a pet owner in Woodbridge, ON.
The Importance of Vaccinations
Vaccines are an important part of preventive health care for our pets. They help to:
- Prevent Disease: Vaccinations help prevent pets from getting diseases that can be life-threatening or fatal.
- Community Protection: By vaccinating your pets, you prevent the potential spread of infectious diseases to other animals and to people.
- Legal Requirement: Some vaccinations are mandatory by law in some areas (for instance, the rabies vaccine)
Core Vaccinations for Dogs
Core vaccines are recommended for every dog as they protect against life-threatening diseases that are often found in the environment.
Rabies
Rabies is a lethal viral disease of the nervous system. It can be passed to humans and other animals through bites from infected animals. Puppies are vaccinated against rabies for the first time at 12 to 16 weeks old and again one year later. After that, boosters are typically administered every one to three years, depending on local policy and types of vaccines.
Distemper
Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. The distemper vaccine is typically part of the DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) combination vaccine and is given at six to eight weeks of age, with boosters every three to four weeks until 16 weeks of age, followed by a booster at one year and then every three years.
Parvovirus
Parvovirus is a highly contagious and potentially fatal virus that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract of dogs, particularly puppies. The parvovirus vaccine is part of the DHPP combination vaccine.
Adenovirus (Hepatitis)
Canine adenovirus type 1 is responsible for infectious canine hepatitis, a severe liver infection. Adenovirus is included in the DHPP combination vaccine.
Core Vaccinations for Cats
Since the diseases these vaccines prevent are serious, core vaccines are an essential preventive health measure that should be considered for all cats, no matter their lifestyle.
- Rabies: Likewise rabies in dogs is a deadly illness and it can also be transmitted to human beings and other animals. Cats generally get their first rabies vaccination when they’re 12 to 16 weeks old and a booster one year later, followed by boosters every one to three years.
- Cat Distemper (Panleukopenia): Feline distemper is a highly contagious and often fatal viral infectious disease affecting the blood cells in cats. The distemper vaccine is typically administered within the FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia) combination vaccine; usually given at six to eight weeks of age, with boosters every three to four weeks until age 16 weeks, then a booster at one year and every three years from then on.
- Feline herpesvirus (rhinotracheitis): Feline herpesvirus (FHV) is a respiratory pathogen of cats and is incorporated into the FVRCP combination vaccine.
- Feline Calicivirus: Infective at both the respiratory and gastrointestinal levels, calicivirus is included in the FVRCP combination vaccine.
Vaccinations are an important aspect of keeping your pet healthy and preventing infectious diseases. Keeping your pet’s vaccinations current can ensure they lead a long, healthy life. If you reside in Woodbridge and are unsure about your pet’s vaccination schedule or if you want to make an appointment for your pet, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local veterinarian for assistance. By going to the vet regularly and being proactive in your pet’s healthcare, you can ensure a long and happy life for your furry friend!
