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August is Immunization Awareness Month

Aug 08, 2016 10:09AM ● By David Norby

Sponsored content courtesy of Veterinary Healing Center Folsom - Folsom, CA

August is Immunization Awareness Month! Read below to become a pro on vaccines—

How Do Vaccines Work?

Vaccines introduce a small amount of antigenic material from an inactivated infectious organism into your pet’s system. Your pet’s immune system is then stimulated to produce antibodies to that particular disease. After the proper intervals and boosters, your pet will be equipped to fight off the illness should the real disease ever affect them later in life.


What Vaccines Does My Pet Need?

All dogs and cats need “Core Vaccines,” which are given to protect against particularly contagious and/or dangerous diseases. Core vaccines for dogs include Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, and Rabies. Core vaccines for cats include Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, and Rabies.  Depending on an animal’s exposure potential, age, and health status, they may benefit from receiving “non-core” vaccines.  In dogs, these include Bordetella, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis and Lymes disease.  Feline Leukemia Virus is the only necessary non-core kitty vaccine.  


What About Side Effects?

Much like human vaccinations, discomfort from the shots is usually transient.  Vaccines are administered as a subcutaneous injection using a small gauge needle.  A low-grade fever, soreness, or inflammation at the injection site may occur for 24 hours post vaccination.  A majority of these reactions resolve on their own.  If they persist, let your veterinarian know promptly. More severe side effects are uncommon, but can occur.  If your pet ever starts vomiting, becomes severely lethargic, or develops hives or facial swelling, they should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately.  In order to minimize these reactions, it’s best to try to split up multiple vaccines so as not to overload your pet’s immune system too much in one day.  In addition, it is important to customize each patient’s vaccine protocol based on your veterinarian’s recommendations.   

Call today to schedule an appointment to get your furbaby’s vaccines up to date.  It’s one of the easiest things you can do to maintain their health and happiness for years to come!


Sponsored content courtesy of Vet Healing Center 

Veterinary Healing Center Folsom - Folsom CA

Veterinary Healing Center Folsom - Folsom, CA

At Veterinary Healing Center of Folsom, we want to change the way animal health care is delivered. Our focus is on treating each animal as an individual, and aiming for complete wellness ... Read More »