Share:

If you have pets, you make sure your furry family members are cared for: you get the best kibble, make sure they’re getting enough exercise, and have plenty of toys to play with. As the caring staff of HI’s Kapolei Pet Hospital would tell you, the most important thing you can do for them is to make sure they’re up-to-date on their shots. Pet vaccinations should be a top priority when you’re a dog or cat owner.

This Oahu-based veterinarian shares five reasons pet vaccinations are necessary: 

  • Keeping Cats Safe: For cats, vaccines protect against debilitating and often deadly conditions, including feline distemper, herpes, and rabies. In many cases, especially for those spending more time outdoors, leukemia, Bordetella, and feline immunodeficiency virus vaccinations are also recommended.
  • Disease-Free Dogs: Along with neutering or spaying, pet vaccinations are essential for dog health. As with cats, deadly conditions include distemper, herpes, and rabies, which are a constant threat, as well as parvovirus, Bordetella, and others. 
  • imagePreventing Outbreaks: By keeping your pets properly vaccinated, you are also doing your part to prevent the outbreak of contagious diseases among animals. It’s a morally responsible thing to do as it benefits the community.
  • Risk-Free: Sometimes, side effects like sluggishness, fever or loss of appetite are associated with vaccinations since they involve stimulating your pet’s immune system. These are usually mild and short-term, and overall, it’s safe.
  • Legal Matters: There are usually laws governing which vaccines are required for animals; in Hawaii, you need to prove your dogs or cats are up-to-date on rabies shots. These laws are necessary because rabies not only hurts animals, but it is also dangerous to humans.

If you haven’t already, you should bring your dog or cat in for shots; opting out of pet vaccinations can be dangerous. If you’re in western Oahu, the team at Kapolei Pet Hospital is ready to help. To learn more about the services available, visit the website. Stay up-to-date with the pet care crew by liking them on Facebook; if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call (808) 462-8040.   

tracking