Why Do Pets Need Vaccinations?
Pets need vaccinations for the same reason humans do, to strengthen their immune systems so that they are better able to fight off disease. Many pets are diagnosed with illnesses every year that could have been prevented by vaccinations. Additionally, many areas around the country require that your pet receive certain vaccinations annually.
Benefits of Vaccinating Your Pet
When it comes to vaccinating your pet, many veterinarians recommend it because the benefits greatly outweigh the risks. Some of the benefits of vaccinating your pet include:
- It helps protect other animals- If your pet has close contact with other animals it can help protect those animals. Vaccinating your pet ensures you that your pet will not get a horrible disease from the other animal and will not transmit a disease that they have to another animal.
- It saves their life- There are many deadly diseases that your pet can contract that can otherwise be avoided or prevented by a vaccine. It is best to keep your pet up-to-date with their vaccines and make sure that they are fully protected from every disease possible.
- It is financially responsible- When your pet gets sick, vet bills can get expensive. Vaccines do have a cost, however, they cost significantly less than prolonged treatment for your pet’s illness. Vaccines are a sort of investment into their health that will save you money in the long term.
- They also keep you safe- Humans and animals can transmit diseases to each other. If your pet is sick there is a likelihood that you can also get sick. Vaccinating them prevents this spread of germs and assures you that you and your loved ones will not catch whatever they have.
Vaccinating your pet will not prevent them from developing diseases or illnesses over time but it will, instead, give you peace of mind knowing that their immune systems are well-equipped to handle these diseases. The exposure that vaccines provide to your pet allows their bodies to prepare for handling the disease and will likely be less sick than they otherwise would have been.
Will My Pet Experience Side Effects After Their Vaccination?
Some pets are sensitive to vaccines and can experience side effects after a vaccination. If you’re not sure how to determine if your pet is experiencing discomfort after their vaccination, look for these signs:
- Mild fever
- Discomfort
- Swelling at the injection site
- Decreased appetite
- Decreased activity
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Limping
These side effects should only persist for about a day after the vaccine. If your pet is still experiencing strange reactions after that it may be a good idea to contact your veterinarian so that they can figure out what’s going on.