Vaccinating your pet is a relatively inexpensive but very important way to protect his or her health. In addition to preventing many life-threatening illnesses, vaccinations can keep your pet and family safe from diseases prevalent in wildlife and those that can be passed to humans. Scientific evidence proves that the widespread use of vaccines in the last century has prevented death and disease in millions of animals.
Vaccinations work by exposing the pet’s immune system to an inactive or small amount of a particular form of bacteria or virus, and are particularly important to young animals that have immature immune systems. Vaccinations generally begin at 6-8 weeks of age and are given every three to four weeks until the series is completed. Our doctors will help you decide which vaccines are appropriate for your pet’s risk factors.
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we get about vaccinations:
Q: Are vaccines safe?
A: There is a risk associated with all medical procedures, but serious reactions from vaccines are rare. Given the fact that vaccinations have protected millions of animals from illness and death caused by disease, the benefit far outweighs any risk. At Hickory Veterinary Hospital, we have seen VERY FEW adverse reactions.
Q: Which vaccines does my pet need?
A: “Core” vaccines are those recommended—and possibly mandated by law—for most pets. Core vaccines include:
- Rabies (dogs and cats)
- DA2PPV – Distemper, Hepatitis, Adenovirus 2, Parvo and Parainfluenza (dogs)
- FVRCP – Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (cats)
Other non-core, but highly suggested vaccinations for outdoor cats include FIV for feline immunodeficiency virus and FeLV to protect against feline leukemia. For dogs, bordetella and canine influenza (CIV) shots are a must if they frequent dog parks, boarding kennels, or any place where they’re socializing with other canines. Your Hickory Veterinary Hospital doctor may also recommend leptospirosis and Lyme disease vaccinations depending on your dog’s lifestyle.
Q: How often does my pet need to be vaccinated?
A: Annual vaccinations had been the rule for veterinarians, but they are now learning that some vaccines provide less than a year’s worth of immunity while others last well after a year has passed. That’s why most hospitals, including Hickory Veterinary Hospital, customize vaccination plans based on the needs of their patients.
Q: What kind of reaction should I watch for after my pet is vaccinated?
A: It’s pretty common for pets to experience some mild side effects after getting their shots. These include localized swelling, itching, sneezing, lethargy, and decreased appetite. You should make a call to the vet immediately, however, if your pet exhibits any of the following symptoms:
- Chronic vomiting or diarrhea
- Itchy skin that develops into hives
- Swelling of the muzzle and around the face, neck, or eyes
- Severe coughing or difficulty breathing
- Collapse
Q: What about titer testing? Can it prove immunity and eliminate the need for a vaccination?
A: Tests that measure antibody response, aka serologic titer tests, can help vets determine the need for revaccination in limited cases. Unfortunately, the tests don’t tell us if the specific concentration of an antibody is protective or that a lower concentration means an animal is unprotected. Also, titer tests are not accepted as establishing immunity anywhere in the U.S. and cannot be used as proof of immunity.
Have more questions about vaccinations or want to set an appointment for your pet? Call us at (410) 838-7797 ext. 2.