Start the New Year Right with Puppy and Kitten Vaccinations!

Start the New Year Right with Puppy and Kitten Vaccinations!

January 11, 2019

At the start of a new year, many of us make resolutions for ourselves to promote happier, healthier lifestyles. But our pets can’t talk, so it’s up to us to make decisions for their health in the new year as well.

One of the ways you can start off the new year on the right foot is to get your puppy or kitten all their necessary vaccinations at a veterinary clinic in Saint Francisville, LA. Vaccines are a crucial part of your pet’s health and protect them from diseases that could threaten their life.

Why are vaccines so important?

Vaccines are important for cats and dogs in general, in case they come into contact with dangerous diseases. They work by stimulating your pet’s immune system to create antibodies that destroy disease-causing pathogens.

It’s very important that all dogs and cats be vaccinated thoroughly to protect them from these illnesses. When pets are vaccinated, they are not only protected themselves, but they help protect other pets by minimizing the spread of the pathogens.

The most important thing about vaccines is that they protect your animal from life-threatening diseases that could seriously reduce your pet’s quality of life or even be fatal. They also benefit you, the pet owner, by minimizing veterinary costs that could be expensive if your pet contracts a disease.

Which pets need vaccines?

At our veterinary clinic in Saint Francisville, LA, we recommend that all dogs and cats get fully vaccinated to protect themselves and other pets from illness. However, certain pets should be more prepared with vaccinations:

  • Puppies and kittens: It is extremely important to vaccinate young pets because their immune systems are not fully developed at a young age. Puppies and kittens are the most susceptible to diseases, and, in most cases, these diseases are fatal for them. Young pets typically require frequent vaccinations in a series to get their immune systems ready for adulthood.
  • Dogs that have playdates: If you like to host playdates or visit the dog park with your four-legged friend to give it opportunities to socialize and have fun, you want to be sure your dog is completely vaccinated. Being around lots of other dogs increases its risk of contracting a disease, because not all dogs will be vaccinated.
  • Pets that are boarded often: If you board your pet at a pet hotel or vet clinic while you travel, you’ll want to be sure your pet is up to date on its vaccines. The Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine, in particular, is important because the disease is so common in boarding facilities. Many facilities will require that your pet be vaccinated before boarding to keep all other pets safe.
  • Cats that go outside: Many domestic cats are indoor-only, meaning they do not go outside at any point. This minimizes their risk of contracting a disease, so they might not need to get all of the available feline vaccines. However, if your cat goes outside to wander around, it should be fully vaccinated. It could easily contract a disease by eating other animals or coming into contact with wild animals that carry an illness.

If you have an animal that needs its vaccines, visit St. Francisville Animal Hospital. Our veterinary clinic in Saint Francisville, LA is an all-in-one resource for your pet’s health and happiness, providing a breadth of vet services including examinations, vaccines and more. Visit us today!

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