August is pet vaccination month

August is National Immunization Awareness Month and we cannot stress enough how important it is to keep your pets up to date on their vaccinations. The best way to keep your pet(s) healthy is for them to regularly visit their Veterinarian who will ensure they receive the necessary vaccinations based on their activities, where you live and new & emerging diseases they may be aware of.

There are some vaccinations that are considered CORE Vaccinations and absolutely should be done to provide protection from life threatening diseases. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends the following as core vaccines for dogs: rabies, parvovirus, distemper, adenovirus & parainfluenza. For cats they recommend rabies, feline panleukopenia, feline calicivirus; feline herpesvirus-1 & feline leukemia.

Rabies vaccination of dogs, cats and ferrets is LAW in most states since rabies is a disease that can also kill humans. The threat of rabies to humans in the USA is relatively rare BECAUSE pet vaccination is required. But rabies is here and found in many wildlife species so we must stress how important it is for your pet(s) to be kept current on their rabies vaccination. And, yes, there have been cats and dogs positive for rabies in Alabama. By law, Rabies vaccinations can only be done by licensed Veterinarians for very good reasons. These trained professionals will ensure the source of their vaccine is good, they will ensure the vaccine is stored properly and administered properly. That is why you get a certificate with a date, vaccine manufacturer, lot number and the Veterinarian's signature, and why many counties will offer rabies clinics once or twice a year so as to protect both animals and humans. Be grateful we have a way to protect our pets and humans from this very ugly disease.

Other vaccinations might be necessary based on where you live geographically, if your pet is exposed to diseases based on activity, or if your pet is going to be boarded in a commercial facility around many other pets. In some parts of the United States, Lyme Disease is a greater threat than in other areas. Leptospirosis can be a bigger concern with hunting dogs or dogs that roam woods and around bodies of water, and most all boarding facilities require Bordatella vaccination for dogs. Canine Influenza is something our Shelter dealt with last year and many boarding facilities also require that dogs be vaccinated for this as well. If you travel with your pet, tell your veterinarian as your travels may necessitate additional vaccines to protect your pet(s).

Puppies and kittens generally get their first vaccinations at 8 weeks old but your Veterinarian may alter this based on history of the mother dog and her vaccination status. ONE set of puppy vaccinations is also not enough and your Veterinarian will tell you when to bring them back for follow-up vaccinations. It is vital that puppies and kittens get all of the vaccinations according to your Veterinarian to fully protect them. Once they complete all their vaccinations as puppies and kittens, they then may be able to go to vaccinations just once/year or perhaps even every three years based on many factors like known vaccination status, age, overall health, lifestyle, future plans, legal requirements, etc. Your Veterinarian knows best so please follow their advice – your pet(s) will live longer and healthier lives as a result.