Your pets are more than just animals to you. They are your furry family members. At Animal Hospital of Lynnwood, serving Lynnwood, WA, we understand how important your pets are to you. That is why we are here to help support you in providing excellent care for them. One of the most important ways we can help support your pet’s health is through immunizations. Keep reading to learn what you need to know about this important aspect of preventative pet care.
Why Are Pet Immunizations Important?
Immunizations are important tools used to prevent sickness in your pets. When dogs and cats are not vaccinated, they are susceptible to many diseases, some of which can be life-threatening.
Vaccinations are developed to engage an animal's adaptive immune system, enabling it to fight against specific pathogens. Once the immune system is aware of these pathogens, it kicks into high gear to develop antibodies to fight them off. These antibodies remain as part of the immune systems arsenal against future illness. If the animal comes into contact with the disease in the future, its body will be able to fight the virus or infection, thus preventing the animal from getting sick.
A vaccine literally teaches the body how to fight off invading viruses and bacteria.
Which Vaccines Does My Pet Need?
There are many vaccinations available, but that does not mean your pet needs every one of them. Your pet’s vaccine schedule will be dependent on many factors. Your pet’s age, size, and living arrangements are all important things to consider when deciding which vaccines are necessary.
Your veterinarian can discuss these factors with you and help you develop an immunization schedule that is appropriate for your pet.
Dr. Tejinder Sodhi and Dr. Rupali Sodhi recommend a set of core vaccines for most pets. These are immunizations which are useful for most every healthy cat or dog. Core vaccines were developed to deal with diseases which are dangerous to pets or highly transmittable to humans.
Are Vaccines Dangerous?
Vaccines are not dangerous. While some mild symptoms such are soreness or a rash can sometimes be caused by vaccines, an encounter with any of the diseases vaccines protect against is far deadlier to pets. Vaccines are also painless for your pet. Very few animals suffer any adverse reaction at all. Some dogs or cats may experience a reaction. It is important that you discuss these reactions with your vet, so that you will know what you should look for and what the risk factors are.
If you would like to learn more about pet vaccines, please contact our office at the Animal Hospital of Lynnwood, serving Lynnwood, WA. We will be happy to answer your questions. Give us a call today at (425) 771-6300.