The health of a family pet is universal in many homes across the world. Family pets often become a major part of the family and require ongoing health care planning for a lifetime of wellness. There are a few major vaccinations that can be added insurance for pet owners to ensure a more robust lifestyle for all your furry friends:
Rabies
Rabies is a very common infection found in the wild and should be done in a regular series to prevent future infection. It is contagious among most animals and fatal for both humans and pets. Booster series are usually done after the first year of the initial vaccination.
Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is the equivalent of the FPV vaccination in felines. The vaccination has a wide range of protection against respiratory infection as well as gastrointestinal and central nervous system infections.
Feline Viral rhinotracheitis-calcivirus-panleukopenia (FVRCP)
Don't let the long name of this vaccine deter you. This vaccine is a highly routine vaccine for felines due to the wide range of treatment. One of the most common types of vaccinations to receive at any animal pharmacy in Willoughby or other local areas is one that effectively aid in prevention of multiple viruses in one shot. These can easily be compared to the human version of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine given at birth. Cats receive the FVRCP vaccination for preventing three main virus strains:
- Calcivirus
- Panleukopenia
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
Bordetella
Bordetella vaccination is not as common as others. However, this vaccine should be a part of every preventative arsenal in pets. It is commonly known as "kennel cough" in dogs and can remain dormant in animals until the virus interacts with other animals in closed environments. Consider this vaccine if plans call for boarding or outdoor life.
Leptospirosis
One bacterial infection that is shown to cause a wide range of symptoms that can affect all dogs in particular is Leptospirosis. It can be an insidious disease that goes in hiding during initial infection. Dogs do not necessarily show illness at first. Susceptibility is more common for outdoor pets.
Vaccination is just one component of the healthcare plan of a pet. However, it is probably the most effective early on at preventing more serious illness and healthcare costs. These major vaccinations often work together at preventing more aggressive strains of virus from developing.
Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University where she studied communications. She enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her 3-year-old husky Snowball. If you like Lizzie's writing style, follow her on Twitter @LizzieWeakley or find her on Facebook.
