As a responsible pet owner, you want to provide the best love and care for your four-legged friend. Maybe you’ve invested in a comfortable dog bed, an impressive cat tower, or enough specialty treats to rival the aisles of a pet store. While all of those items are wonderful for your pet’s happiness, animal vaccines are an even bigger part of their overall health and wellness. Here’s what you should know.

Why Are Animal Vaccines Important?

Animal vaccines, also known as immunizations, protect your pet from potentially dangerous diseases. Vaccines contain disease antigens that stimulate your pet’s immune system. Your pet’s body creates antibodies in response, which help fight off diseases. Immunizations also prevent your pet from passing the disease to other animals.

Here’s an example: If your dog is not vaccinated and spends time at the dog park with other unvaccinated pets, there’s a chance they might contract a disease like canine distemper, an often-fatal infection. Distemper is notoriously difficult to treat; in fact, the best treatment is immunity. By vaccinating your pet, you’re protecting them from the pain and suffering that is associated with preventable diseases.

Which Vaccines Do My Pets Need?

Immunizations can vary depending on your pet’s species and age and your location. Ask your vet for a full list of required vaccinations and an immunization schedule. You can expect your pet to need a few core vaccines. Core vaccines for dogs include rabies, canine distemper, canine parvovirus, and adenovirus (hepatitis). For cats, expect vaccines for rabies, feline herpesvirus (rhinotracheitis), feline calicivirus, and panleukopenia (feline distemper). Noncore vaccines include feline leukemia virus, Bordetella, Chlamydophila felis, and feline immunodeficiency virus.

Ask your trusted veterinarian for additional information about animal vaccines and how they can protect your pet. Pets are part of the family, which is why the team at Animal Health Center treats every patient with love, care, and compassion. Based in Enterprise, AL, this animal hospital offers comprehensive veterinary services, including animal vaccines, pet boarding, and emergency vet services. To schedule an appointment for your pet, call (334) 347-0544, or visit them online to read their glowing testimonials.