Dog Vaccinations

          What are vaccines, and why do they matter?

 

Vaccines are products designed to trigger protective immune responses and prepare the immune system to fight future infections from disease-causing agents. Vaccines stimulate the immune system's production of antibodies that identify and destroy disease-causing organisms that enter the body.

Vaccines provide immunity against one or several diseases that can lessen the severity or prevent certain diseases altogether.

Experts agree that widespread use of vaccinations within the last century has prevented death and disease in millions of animals. Vaccinations protect your pet from highly contagious and deadly diseases and improve your pet's overall quality of life.

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                      5 reasons to vaccinate your pet

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1. Vaccinations prevent many pet illnesses.

2. Vaccinations can help avoid costly treatments for diseases that can be prevented.

3. Vaccinations prevent diseases that can be passed between animals and also from animals to people.

4. Diseases prevalent in wildlife, such as rabies and distemper, can infect unvaccinated pets.

5. In many areas, local or state ordinances require certain vaccinations of household pets.

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                    Do vaccinations ensure protection?

 

For most pets, vaccination is effective in preventing future disease and only rarely will a vaccinated pet have insufficient immunity to fight off the disease. It is important to follow the vaccination schedule provided by your veterinarian to reduce the possibility of a gap in protection.

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                 Are there risks to vaccinating my pet?

 

Any type of medical treatment has associated risks, but the risk should be weighed against the benefits of protecting your pet, your family and your community from potentially fatal diseases. The majority of pets respond well to vaccines.