Immunizations for your Pet

Did you know August is National Immunization Awareness Day? Deciding which immunizations to give your pet is an important decision between pet-parent and Veterinarian. Being knowledgeable about all vaccinations available and what diseases they are designed to prevent is key to making an informed decision.

Most veterinarians make a distinction between “core” and “non-core” vaccines in accordance with the American Animal Hospital Association’s vaccination guidelines. Vets universally recommend core vaccines and administer them regularly. Non-core vaccines are optional depending on certain factors that may impact your pet, such lifestyle and location.  

A Look at Parvovirus / Panleukopenia

For dogs, parvovirus is a major disease that can cause vomiting, diarrhea and white blood cell destruction. The parvovirus vaccine is core and should be administered between 6 and 16 weeks at various intervals, with boosters and revaccinations occurring periodically, according to WebMD. Without the vaccine, parvovirus is life-threatening for puppies and has a very high mortality rate.  For cats, panleukopenia, the feline form of parvovirus, is a major disease and vaccination should occur as early as six weeks of age.

Because vaccines stimulate a pet’s immune system to protect against future infections, mild reactions such as soreness at the injection site, fever and allergic reactions are common side effects. Contact your veterinarian immediately if symptoms worsen or don’t dissipate with time. Ensure your pet is in optimum health before receiving vaccines, by providing a high quality, nutrient-rich diet of meats and vegetables, such as Evanger’s Grain Free Hand Packed Dinners for dogs or Super Premium Dinners for cats.