Importance of Vaccinating Your Pets

He's your baby, your best buddy, and you can't sleep without him sprawled over the bed. You give him only natural, organic food, and make sure he sees the vet quarterly. Since you take such good care of your furry friend, doesn't it make sense to get him vaccines from the veterinary doctors at TLC For Pets in Reisterstown-Owings Mills?

The Importance of Vaccinations

Vaccinations are shots of a substance that stimulates the immune system to fight off incoming diseases or infections. The immune system then produces antibodies that search and destroy alien organisms causing complications in the body. These substances can decrease the severity of or prevent certain diseases.

Puppies and kittens are wide open to disease and infections, because their bodies aren't yet completely mature. They can't fight off disease and infections yet, so the vaccine must do it for them. What antibodies they get in their mother's milk don't last long. The milk antibodies may stop protecting them while their immune system is maturing, leaving them unprotected.

What About Side Effects?

It isn't uncommon for pets to endure some side effects from vaccinations. They usually last a couple of days with the pet in some discomfort. He'll feel:

• Some pain and swelling at the site of the vaccination
• Perhaps a mild fever
• Little appetite or desire to move
• Sneezing, coughing, runny nose or trouble breathing could happen following an intranasal vaccination

Some reactions are allergic and could happen within hours to several days of the shot. Take your pet to the veterinary professional immediately if your pet shows signs of vomiting or diarrhea that don't stop, itchy skin, swelling of his face and neck, severe cough or trouble breathing, and collapse.

Which Vaccinations Should He Get?

Aside from the basic vaccinations like rabies and distemper, your pet should receive vaccinations according to his travel habits and lifestyle. Your vet should know what areas the pet is entering and its threats, so he can give the pet the proper vaccinations.

Contact TLC For Pets in Reisterstown-Owings Mills to ensure your pet's overall health and immune function through vaccines.