Give It Your Best Shot During National Pet Immunization Awareness Month

nationl immunization awareness month

FCVC is concerned not only for the well-being of the pets brought in for our care, but also for the well-being of our pet owners. COVID has certainly heightened the awareness for vaccines. We highlight National Pet Immunization Awareness Month, because staying protected against serious illnesses can be a matter of just getting your pet a shot. It’s a great time to make sure your pets are vaccinated, too. Not sure if your pets’ shot records are up-to-date? We can help you with that. Give us a call at 970-587-5140.

Vaccinations of our pets is a sometimes hotly-contested conversation among pet parent circles. Some pet parents follow their trusted veterinarian’s recommendations on vaccinations, other pet parents request titer testing to see if their pet still has antibodies in his or her system.

In many areas of the country, vaccinations are required by law, and if you want to fly with your pet, take him across the border or even go to a dog park, proof of vaccinations are required. This article is not to tell you how to raise your beloved dog it is being written to highlight what vaccinations are typically “required.” It is up to the pawrent to make his or her own decisions.

National Pet Immunization Awareness Month is a great time to contact your veterinarian about your pets needs. Vaccinations save lives every day – and they make it possible to enjoy the company of our furry friends for longer. Any Gresham pet lover would be eternally grateful for the opportunity to make more and more happy memories with their beloved pets – and it’s pet immunization that makes this possible!

Back To School is Prime-Time for Vaccination Checks

During National Pet Immunization Awareness Month

national pet immunization awareness month

According to the AVMA (Animal Veterinary Medical Association) — giving your pet the proper immunizations can prevent serious (sometimes very preventable diseases) such as:

    • Distemper
    • Hepatitis
    • Rabies
    • Parvo virus
    • Kennel cough and others.

Some of these diseases, if contracted by your pets, can be transferred to other pets or even the humans in your family.

Finding Out What Vaccines Your Pets Really Need

During National Pet Immunization Awareness Month

What vaccinations do dogs and cats require?

There are some core vaccinations that “all” pets should get and there are vaccinations that are required according to species. For example the American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends:

Cats require the following immunizations for core diseases every three years:

  • Rhinotracheitis
  • Calivirus
  • Rabies
  • Distemper

Dogs require the following immunizations for core diseases, every one to three years:

  • Distemper
  • Rabies
  • Adenovirus
  • Bordetella (parvovirus)

There are also other vaccinations for non-core diseases — talk with your veterinarian during National Pet Immunization Awareness Month to discover which might make sense for your canine based on his health and even the area of the country in which you live.

Non-Core Vaccinations For Cats 

  • Leukemia virus
  • Bordetella
  • Chlamydophila/feline chlamydia
  • FIV

Non-Core Vaccinations For Dogs 

  • Bordetella
  • Borrelia (causes Lyme disease)
  • Leptospirosis

Vaccinations require a consultation and discussion with your vet to discover how often they should get them, what factors contribute to these immunizations including (breed, age, health, lifestyle (indoor vs outdoor, foods they eat), and others. Your lifestyle and whether you travel with your pets may also impact the vet’s recommendations on your pets’ vaccinations.

For kittens and puppies, a series of vaccines is typically recommended to ensure that the puppy or kitten receives a vaccine as early as possible after maternal antibodies subside. 

In many instances, the first dose of a vaccine serves to prime the animal’s immune system against the virus or bacteria while subsequent doses help further stimulate the immune system to produce the important antibodies needed for long-term protection. It is most important to finish the series of shots.

If having enough money is a factor in your pet’s receiving the recommended immunizations, we recommend utilizing Care Credit. Ask us for details.

national immunization awareness monthDon’t forget – National Pet Immunization Awareness Month is the best time to check that their vaccinations are up-to-date!

FCVC hopes that this showcasing this information will increase the awareness that immunizations are important in the overall well-being of people and their pets.

Attribution: AVMA

You may also enjoy Tips for Traveling with Your Pet Friends and USDA Pet Air Travel Regulations