Most of us know what vaccines are. We’ve had them. Our kids have had them. But what do vaccines actually do?
What does a vaccine do?
The easiest way to think about it is that a vaccine acts like a practice round for your immune system. A vaccine helps your body make a “memory” of a particular invading germ (virus or bacteria). The next time you encounter that germ, your body will remember it and will respond quickly to prevent more serious infections from occurring.
Why does my pet need vaccinations?
Just like in human medicine, we want to protect our animal patients from illnesses that could be life-threatening. Vaccinations give pets the antibodies they need to fight off diseases. Additionally, many boarding and grooming facilities require pets to be vaccinated to prevent the spread of disease between animals.
How many vaccines does my pet need?
As a veterinarian, I strongly believe in looking at your pet as an individual and administering only the vaccines that your pet needs. Giving vaccines that fit your pet’s lifestyle helps to reduce the risk of over-vaccinating your pet and reduces the risk of vaccine sensitivity. And as an added bonus, you save money by not paying for vaccines that your pet doesn’t actually need.
We recommend rabies and distemper vaccines for both dogs and cats, regardless of lifestyle. Both of these diseases are highly contagious, and rabies can be transmitted to humans.
Keep in mind that if your pet’s lifestyle changes, you may need to update the vaccines. If you have specific questions regarding what vaccines are best for your pet, ask your veterinarian. Together, you can determine the best vaccine plan for your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors.
Do some vaccines have mercury in them?
Indeed, some veterinary vaccines still have small amounts of thimerosal (a mercury-based preservative) in them. Rest assured, Countrycare Animal Complex does not use any vaccines with thimerosal or mercury in them. Our goal is to provide the safest possible vaccines for your pet.
What if I don’t vaccinate my pet?
Did you know that the rabies vaccine for dogs is actually required by law? In many areas, it is also required for cats.
If your pet doesn’t have a current rabies vaccine and it bites someone, you could have to quarantine your pet at an officially designated isolation facility (like a vet clinic) for 10 days at your expense. A veterinarian must then examine your pet three different times within those 10 days. This can not only be pretty expensive, but it can also be stressful for your pet (and you).
Additionally, not vaccinating your pet can put your pet at risk for diseases that are very difficult to treat or have no cure. One such example is parvovirus. Parvovirus in dogs can be a very serious illness, causing severe bloody diarrhea, and can lead to death. There is no magic pill to treat this condition, but a vaccine can help keep your pet protected.
Are there any other ways to keep my pet protected?
Great question! One option is to do vaccine titers. With vaccine titers, we take a blood sample from your pet and test it to see if protective antibodies are present for certain diseases. Your vet will be able to see if your pet still has protection for that particular disease or if they need to be revaccinated.
If the titer is low or at unprotected levels, we would recommend boostering the vaccine at that time. It is important to note that not all the vaccines have a titering option. And not all vaccine titers are recognized by law enforcement or by all boarding/animal care facilities.
Ask your vet about titer options, and check with your boarding or grooming facility to see if titers satisfy their vaccine requirements.
Your veterinarian can help guide you to the vaccines that are right for your individual pet. The doctor knows your pet’s health history and risks. If you have any questions or concerns, discuss them openly with your veterinarian to help set your mind at ease.
