Vaccinating your pet can help prevent them from disease and encourages a long and healthy life. While vaccinations are necessary, it is important to consult with your veterinarian about what vaccines your pet needs. Follow these tips from the ASPCA about vaccinating your pet:

Understanding Vaccinations: Vaccines help prepare the body’s immune system to fight the invasion of disease-causing organisms. If a pet is ever exposed to the real disease, his immune system is now prepared to recognize and fight it off entirely or reduce the severity of the illness. It is important to note that not every vaccination is for every pet. 

Core Vaccines: Vaccinations depend on age, medical history, environment, travel habits, and lifestyle. There are, however, core vaccinations that veterinarians recommend for most healthy pets. 

Core Vaccines for Dogs: Canine parvovirus (CPV), canine distemper, canine hepatitis, and rabies

Core vaccines for Cats: Panleukopenia (feline distemper), feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus type I (rhinotracheitis), and rabies

Timing and Frequency of Vaccinations: Your veterinarian can best determine a vaccination schedule for your pet. This will depend on the type of vaccine, your pet’s age, medical history, environment, and lifestyle. Click here to see vaccination timing and frequency by age. 

Local Laws Regarding Vaccines: Each state has its own laws governing the administration of the rabies vaccine. Some areas require a yearly rabies vaccination, while other areas call for vaccinations every three years. In almost all states, proof of a rabies vaccination is mandatory.

Risks Associated With Vaccines: Immunizations mildly stimulate the animal’s immune system in order to create protection against certain infectious diseases. This stimulation can create mild symptoms, ranging from soreness at the injection site to fever and allergic reactions. Click here to see all of the risks. 

Be sure to consult with your veterinarian about what vaccines your pet requires to live a long and healthy life!