Protecting Your Pet: The Importance of Vaccines
As pet owners, we cherish the companionship and joy our furry friends bring to our lives. However, ensuring their health and well-being requires more than just love and attention. Vaccinations play a key role in safeguarding our pets against a range of infectious and life-threatening diseases. Petco Love has declared March as National Pet Vaccination Month to emphasize the importance of vaccinating your pets and remind pet owners about the proactive steps they can take to keep their pets happy and healthy.
Just like in humans, vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against specific viruses and bacteria. By doing so, they provide immunity to your pet, protecting them from serious illnesses.
Preventative Vaccines for Dogs
Rabies Vaccine: This vaccine is not only important for your pet’s health but also mandatory by law in Washington state. Rabies is a fatal virus that can be transmitted to humans, making it vital to vaccinate your pets against it.
Canine Distemper, Adenovirus types 1 & 2, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus (DAPPv): this core vaccine safeguards against five illnesses: canine distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and parvovirus.
All of these can be serious, especially Parvovirus. This highly contagious disease can be deadly and the care for Parvovirus infected pups can be extensive, as the shelter’s team experienced providing around the clock care for puppies abandoned in a gravel pit. Vaccination is vital for protecting your dog from this systemic infection.
Preventative Vaccines for Cats
Rabies Vaccine: Just like for dogs, rabies vaccines are required for cats in Washington state. If contracted, rabies can be lethal.
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia Vaccine (FVRCP): Also known as the “distemper” vaccine for cats, the FVRCP vaccine protects against these three common and potentially deadly viral infections.
Like canine distemper, panleukopenia is highly contagious among cats and is preventable with the FVRCP or HCP booster vaccine.
Our Vaccine and Wellness Clinic
At the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, we understand the importance of accessible veterinary care for all pets. In collaboration with Petco Love, we offer no- and low-cost vaccines, wellness exams, and parasite preventatives to income-qualifying community members at our monthly Vaccine and Wellness Clinic.
Our next Vaccine and Wellness Clinic will be held at the shelter on Saturday, March 23 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
