Pet Vaccinations: Why Are They So Important?

Vaccines have been a hot-button topic in the media over recent years, but few people talk about vaccines in terms of how they relate to your pet's health. In fact, in some places, pet owners can be fined if they do not have a record of current immunizations for their pets. So, why are vaccinations for your pet so important that there are legal ramifications for not getting them? Keep reading to learn more about the importance of pet vaccines.

Prevent Spread to Other Animals

One of the primary reasons to vaccinate your pet is to prevent them from contracting animal-borne illnesses. Many diseases vets vaccinate against are highly contagious between animals, and can even be deadly to those exposed. A few of the most common illnesses your pet can be vaccinated against include the following:

• Rabies
• Distemper
• Leptospirosis
• Parvovirus
• Bordetella (kennel cough)
• Lyme disease
• Feline leukemia

These illnesses can spread quickly in any environment where animals come into close contact with one another, such as at a dog park, in a pet boarding facility, at a groomer's, or even at the vet clinic. Vaccinating your pet against these diseases is the best way to protect them and prevent these illnesses from spreading and becoming an epidemic.

Prevent Spread to Humans

Certain diseases are not only passed from one animal to another, but are also passed from animals to humans. This is the case with both rabies and leptospirosis, which can make humans seriously ill. So, when you vaccinate your pet against these types of diseases (known as zoonotic diseases), you're not just protecting your pet—you're potentially protecting your human family as well.

Keep Your Pet Healthy

Your pet is a member of your family. And, much like children, they need you to be responsible for making important decisions that impact their health and well-being. That includes the decision to have your pets vaccinated.

As mentioned earlier, there are many different types of vaccines, so you should talk to your vet about which vaccines your pet needs, and get them on a regular vaccination schedule. However, any vaccine you choose to give them will help to keep them healthier and prevent them from contracting serious and potentially fatal diseases.

Additionally, vaccinating your pet can actually give their immune system an overall boost. This means that your pet will be less likely to catch other illnesses as well, even if a vaccine is not available for it. By vaccinating your pet against certain diseases, you can give them an overall healthier life.

To learn more about pet vaccines, visit Forever Vets Animal Hospital website or call. We can help you to better understand the best vaccination schedule for your pet based on age, species, exposure to other animals, and current health status. We can also help you to schedule your pet vaccinations in Jacksonville, FL, so your beloved furry friend lives a long and healthy life.

Forever Vet Animal Hospital is open 7 days a week with extended hours. 8 locations in the Florida area. Serving: Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, St. Johns, St. Augustine, Orlando, Pet Resort at Nocatee and more. Schedule an appointment today.