Pet Vaccinations

Pet Vaccinations

A vaccine helps to prepare your pet’s immune system to fight disease-causing organisms. The vaccines contain antigens that resemble disease-causing pathogens and mildly stimulate the immune system. If your pet is ever exposed to the real disease, the body’s immune defenses will respond faster and protect them from the disease.

Vaccinations are critical to the health of both humans and animals. They prevent diseases that can be passed between animals and also from animals to people. Leptospirosis may be transmitted to people through wild animals, pets, or the environment. Diseases found in wildlife, such as rabies and distemper, can also infect unvaccinated pets.

Numerous vaccines are available for use in dogs and cats, but not every creature needs every vaccine. Certain vaccines are considered core vaccines and should be given to all pets, but others are optional and may be given to pets based on various circumstances, such as their risk of disease exposure. Core vaccinations against rabies for your dog or cat are required by law in all states. Vaccination recommendations may also change throughout a pet’s life as travel habits and other factors change. These characteristics will be considered when determining which immunizations your pet should receive.

It is especially important to vaccinate kittens and puppies. Puppies and kittens are born with an immune system that is immature, so they are very susceptible to infection with common diseases. When puppies and kittens are not properly or fully vaccinated, they are at risk of infection from these life-threatening diseases that are easily prevented with proper and timely vaccination. Please talk to your vet about when it is safe to socialize your kitten or puppy with other pets.

Veterinary Services in Greer, SC 29650