We know that you love your pet so much and would do anything to make sure it is healthy and safe. As a pet parent, vaccinations are one thing you shouldn't ignore as part of your animal's well-being. Vaccinations protect your animal companion from diseases, some of which are often fatal. If you live in or around Bossier City, contact our veterinarians at Jimmie Davis Highway Animal Hospital to make sure your furry friend is up-to-date on his or her vaccinations.
The Benefits of Vaccinating Your Pet
Vaccinations have been a common practice for decades to prevent diseases in animals. Vaccinations are the introduction of a killed or weakened antigen to your pet's body to prepare the immune system. This will trigger an antibody response and build immunity, making your pet resistant to certain illnesses caused by viruses and bacteria.
Infections from viruses and other infectious pathogens can be prevented through vaccinations. Vaccinations protect pets from diseases such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and feline leukemia. These are transmitted when they come in contact with other animals who already have these diseases. Vaccinations also help protect pet owners from contracting illnesses, because some diseases like rabies can be transmitted to humans.
Core Pet Vaccines Every Pet Should Have
Core pet vaccines are those that protect your animal from the most dangerous and widespread infectious diseases. The core pet vaccinations include:
- Rabies - This protects pets from being infected with one of the world's deadliest viruses. Rabies can cause fatal inflammation of brain tissues in cats and dogs after they have been bitten by an infected animal, usually a wild animal such as bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, or coyotes.
- DAPP (Distemper) - This helps protect animals from canine distemper, a contagious viral disease that causes respiratory problems in dogs and fever in cats. This is very dangerous because it can spread to the brain and nervous system, causing seizures.
- Canine parvovirus - This vaccine protects pets from a highly contagious and sometimes fatal viral disease. Parvo causes severe gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and lethargy.
- Canine hepatitis - This protects dogs against a disease that causes liver damage. Canine hepatitis is mainly transmitted by contact with the urine or feces of an infected dog.
Visit Jimmie Davis Highway Animal Hospital in Bossier City, LA
It is easy to forget about pet vaccinations because you think that your animal is not at risk for these diseases. Your furry friend can catch a disease anytime and anywhere, especially if it is in contact with other animals who have been infected by a virus or bacteria. If you would like to set up a vaccination schedule for your pet, call our team today at (318) 742-5353 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.