As with humans, animals can be vaccinated against contracting infectious diseases. Some people are unsure whether they should vaccinate their babies, believing that the process can sometimes cause the disease, and possibly the same would apply to animal owners. In essence, when you vaccinate your dog or cat, you assist its immune system to produce antibodies. Thus, if a disease is contracted, the animal has strong resistance and can much more easily fight off the virus or bacteria that spread it. It stands to reason then that you would need to vaccinate an animal before it contracts the disease. If an animal is already sick, the vaccination will not help as it will simply weaken it.
Knowing when to vaccinate your pet
Again, just like humans, puppies and kittens are more vulnerable than adults because their immune system isn’t yet well developed. When animals are still feeding from their mothers, they will receive antibodies directly into their system and this should protect them at an early age. However, it is still advisable to vaccinate these animals early. In some cases, the antibodies from the mother can interfere with the response to the vaccine, which is why puppies and kitten often have to be vaccinated a few times during their early months. However, this is a conversation that you should have with your local vet as there are different opinions on the matter. Visit here for more information.
Vaccinations also don’t last forever. The protection provided by a vaccine can diminish over time and this is when a booster vaccine is required to ensure that your animal is protected. You would normally vaccinate against a very contagious disease such as distemper, which is most often fatal for a dog. You can rest assured that few pets have an adverse reaction to a vaccination. If they do, the effect is usually minimal and short-lived.
Choosing a vet for vaccinations in Durham
If you have a new kitten or puppy and live in the Durham area, it will be best to find a local vet who can administer vaccinations. Having a new animal will involve your caring for it throughout its lifetime and thus the sooner you establish a relationship with a nearby vet the better. It is always advisable to find a vet close-by so that you have someone to call in the event of an emergency. Many animals remain relatively healthy during their lives, but most will contract an illness at some point, and sometimes there is an unavoidable accident that requires immediate treatment. In this type of situation it is most helpful to have an established relationship with a vet. You should keep emergency numbers close to hand and should be happy in the knowledge that the vet knows your animal and its history of health so will be able to respond to the crisis situation without needing a run-down of the animal’s background.
All pets and livestock will require vaccinations in Durham to protect them against disease. Contact Ashfield Veterinary Surgery for advice as to when to vaccinate and against which diseases.