Our dogs are a part of the family. Without their happy, wagging tails and unconditional love, our house just does not feel like a home. That’s why it’s so important to ensure they are in great health by pursuing preventive healthcare, and one of the most critical components of preventive healthcare is your dog’s vaccinations. As August is National Pet Immunizations Awareness month, now is the perfect time to dive into a quick conversation about immunizations and vaccines and why they’re so important in your pet’s life.
Prevent Disease
The leading reason many pet owners choose pet immunizations and vaccines is to protect their pet from harmful pathogens that they may come into contact with just about anywhere. Vaccinations work to strengthen your dog’s immunity, allowing them to fight off illnesses more efficiently, promoting long-term health and happiness.
Mitigate the Risk of Spreading Disease
While it’s essential to ensure your dog is protected from harmful diseases, it’s equally as important to ensure other pets and family members are also safe and out of harm’s way. Many diseases that dogs can contract when they are not properly immunized are highly contagious and may be transferred to other animals and humans that interact with your dog. By pursuing immunizations and vaccines starting from the time your dog is just a puppy, you can mitigate the risk of spreading disease.
When to Pursue Vaccinations
Vaccinations for dogs begin when they are just eight weeks old. After their initial round of vaccinations, they will then need booster shots to strengthen their immunity, every four weeks until they are 20 weeks old. Once the puppy vaccinations have concluded, your dog’s veterinarian will discuss the various immunizations they recommend for your dog. These recommendations are typically based on the region you live in, the dog’s age, and several other important factors that make certain dogs more at-risk to specific diseases.
To learn more about the different immunizations for dogs and the importance of vaccinating your pet, contact your trusted veterinarian today.