Exploring the Importance of Pet Vaccinations!

Vaccinations do a lot of important things to protect your dog, and are an important part of being a responsible pet owner. August is National Immunization Awareness Month, so we wanted to cover a few important reasons why vaccinating your pet is so important.

Prevent Sickness In Your Pet With Vaccines

Vaccines are an important part of keeping your pet safe. Vaccines prepare the immune system to fight any real diseases if they are present in the body. This means that if your pet is ever exposed to the real deal, their immune system will already be prepared to fight off the illness better than if they had not. 

Not every pet needs every vaccine. It’s important to talk to your veterinarian about what is worth giving your furry friend. Certain factors will determine what is the correct protocol for your pet. 

Prevent Spread Of Sickness In Other Pets And Animals With Vaccines

As with many vaccines, regular vaccination against the most common illnesses can protect not just your pet, but other pets in your home or in your neighborhood. You know your pet won’t be able to pass illness to other pets, and your pet is far less likely to catch anything!

Keep Yourself From Getting Sick

Vaccinating your pet is an important part of keeping you and your family members safe. Especially if you have immunocompromised individuals in your home, vaccinating your pet against things like rabies and leptospirosis can protect you or your family from potentially contracting anything from a pet. 

Required Vaccinations For Pets 

Every state has different requirements for vaccines. In the United States, most states require an up to date rabies vaccination for the pets in your household. Each state is different, and some even require all vaccines to be up to date for your fur baby. 

In the United States, pet boarding facilities will require you to have updated paperwork proving your pet is vaccinated. This is to prevent any illnesses being spread by your pet, or being spread to your pet!

The Risks Of Pet Vaccination

Although it’s rare, there is a possibility that your pet could experience side effects from their vaccine. Some of the less serious, more common side effects usually appear soon after getting the vaccination. 

Usually these side effects aren’t serious, but if they last longer than a few hours it might be important to reach out to a veterinarian. 

• Swelling or pain where the vaccine was administered
• Mild fever
• Sneezing or sniffing after intranasal vaccination 

More severe side effects typically will look like an allergic reaction, and will likely occur within a few minutes of getting the vaccine. If you notice these more severe reactions it’s important to reach out to a veterinarian and receive attention as soon as you can. 

• Swelling around the face area. Eyes, neck, face, and muzzle are places to look out for.
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea that doesn’t stop
• Difficulty breathing 
• Collapsing 
• Swelling near the injection site is normal, and usually will go away within a day or so - sometimes up to a week or two. If the swelling does not go away after three weeks or gets bigger, reach out to your vet. 

Caring For A Pet 

Whether or not your pet has a reaction to their vaccine, keeping them safe and comfortable afterwards, and making sure to keep a close eye on them, is important.
Why not treat them to a new toy, blanket, or even a bed? They’ll likely want to cozy up and lay low for the day, and a snuggly new bed is just the place to do it!

Ensure Your Pet Travels In Comfort

Our friends at Sherpa make pawsome products for traveling in safety and in style. Your furry friend will be sure to get home from the vet safe in this Travel Bag Pet Carrier.

Cozy Up With Company For Your Pet

 

Don't cuddle alone! Why not comfort your dog with a brand new cuddly toy. These goDog Playclean Germ Toys stay are antimicrobial, and they're an adorable looking germ - the perfect company!

Give Your Pet A Place To Cuddle

Give them a spot to cuddle up with and recover. Our Velvet Waves Perfect Comfort Bed is a favorite among dogs, and the reason why is all in the name. Perfect Comfort!