A soothing Sir David Attenborough voiceover: “Observe the canine pack leaders circling each other, growling fiercely in a menacing attempt to assert their territory; the last bastion of the unclaimed kingdom.
The backyard is a tense battlefield. Stalking. Sniffing. They pounce, ready to strike. It’s hard to decipher which of the two has drawn blood. One hopes they are vaccinated against rabies.”
The animal kingdom is a vicious circle of life. One scratch or bite could be fatal. We’re not talking about the Serengeti plains or the untamed Amazon. No, this hits close to home. Your beloved pets are the prime target.
Understanding Pet Vaccine Reluctance
Vaccine hesitancy was a hotly debated topic during COVID-19. More alarmingly, it spilled over into pet owners refusing to vaccinate their furry friends.
According to the American Journal of Veterinary Research, the doubt affected people’s decisions to vaccinate their pets. Lead researcher Simon F. Haeder found that 22% of dog owners and 26% of cat owners were vaccine-hesitant regarding their pets.
In the same study, more than half of the pet owners questioned the effectiveness of vaccines.
Choosing not to vaccinate your pet can have far-reaching complications. Below, we’ll explain why you should vaccinate your pet against contagious diseases.
#1. Lower Risk of Illness and Death
Haeder, associate professor of Public Health, at Texas A&M University, says that unvaccinated pets are at higher risk of falling sick or dying from preventable diseases.
The financial and emotional strain takes its toll on pet parents. That’s not to say that vaccinated dogs and cats are immune, he adds. However, vaccinating your pet protects them from serious illness and reduces the spread of diseases.
Besides vaccinating your fur baby against core diseases, ensure their pet food diet is nutrient-rich. If in doubt, consult your veterinarian or a pet pharmacy near you.
#2. Stimulates the Immune System
Vaccines are your pet’s first line of defense against specific diseases. They stimulate the immune system to fight viruses.
Be aware that immunity can wane, so you must take Fido for his annual booster shot. Also, vaccines don’t stimulate immunity immediately, explains Teva Vet Clinic.
In most cases, protection only occurs five days after the shot. Citing new evidence, Teva recommends vaccinating puppies and kittens from six to eight weeks of age and every three to four weeks up until 16 weeks.
#3. Cost Effective
Although standard pet insurance plans don’t cover vaccines, PetRx suggests customizing health insurance for your pets by selecting a comprehensive or basic package.
This route is more cost-effective and helps cushion the high price associated with vaccines. It trumps the alternative of treating a sick puppy with emergency and vet care.
Remember, preventative care is less expensive than corrective care.
#4. Required by Law
Local laws require pet owners to vaccinate pets against certain diseases depending on which state they’re in.
Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs. These are:
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Hepatitis
- Parvovirus
- Parainfluenza
Core vaccines for cats:
- Feline viral rhinotracheitis
- Feline calicivirus
- Feline panleukopenia
- Rabies
- Feline leukemia virus
- Feline immunodeficiency virus
- Bordetella
- Chlamydophila felis
#5. Public Health
Rabies is a serious public health concern. The CDC claims about 4,000 rabies cases are reported annually in the U.S.
While the disease is uncommon in humans, being bitten by an infected animal requires immediate medical attention.
Haeder is especially worried about the low pet vaccination rate across the U.S. From a public health perspective, he believes humans can be directly affected, but offers a simple solution.
He says a comprehensive public health strategy must address the growing concerns among pet owners regarding vaccines.
Side Effects
There’s been some unease surrounding the DHPP vaccine. The five-in-one shot for dogs protects against multiple diseases, including distemper and canine adenovirus-1.
Like other vaccines, it uses weakened viruses to trigger the immune system to produce antibodies.
Typically, side effects can occur. These are normal symptoms, from pain and swelling on the injection site to a mild fever.
Serious side effects are rare and your pup or kitty could have an allergic reaction. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet experiences difficulty breathing, hives, vomiting, facial swelling, itching or diarrhea.
Nonetheless, you must maintain your pet’s vaccine schedule and ensure they get their booster shots.
Core vaccines are required by law while non-core vaccines are administered based on your pet’s lifestyle and risk of exposure.
You want the best for your pet baby. And sometimes, it can be daunting, given all the information out there. However, you have to make informed decisions.
Regular vet check-ups and vaccinations are the key to their health and well-being. Show them you love them by being a responsible pet parent.
