Bringing home your new pet is quite exciting, isn’t it? As a responsible pet owner, vaccinating your dog or cat is an essential part of the preventive health measures you can take for your new furry family member.
There are quite few vital reasons in vaccinating your pet. Just like children, your dog or cat will be immunized by its mother’s milk in the very first weeks of its life. However, in most cases, stray dogs are deprived of this opportunity because they are often separated from their mother at an early age. Yet, vaccinations remain one of the most important aspects to consider as responsible pet ownership and when thinking of adoption.
Vaccines are known to be the most effective preventive method to protect pets against potentially infectious viral diseases by creating a defensive level of antibodies to boost immunity. These life-threatening, environmentally prevalent diseases in Mauritius, are commonly gastro, distemper and canine parvovirus infection amongst others1.
Pet’s vaccinations can improve public health. Not only can vaccinations prevent the transmission of disease from one pet to another, but also from animals to humans. For e.g., leptospirosis, a bacterial disease affecting the liver and kidneys, and Rabies, an alarming virus that can be transmitted from an infected dog’s bite. In over 150 countries, rabies is estimated to kill approximatively 59,000 people each year, with 95% of cases occurring in Africa and Asia2.
Vaccination starts at 6 to 8 weeks, upon recommendation from the Veterinarian. Thereafter, your four-legged friend should receive its annual vaccination and a visit to the veterinarian for booster shots is also an opportunity to perform a complete check-up3. Vaccines can take days or even weeks to be fully effective. Until they are not, you will not be able to take your pet for a walk outside, as it is better to keep it away from rivers, stagnant water and stray dogs to reduce the risk of infection. However, maintaining your pet’s healthy lifestyle is a plus.
Moreover, vaccinations can help extend your pet’s life, avoid costly treatment for diseases that can be prevented earlier, and keep your pet social, well-behaved, and well-cared for.
No medication is without risk, but the benefits of pet vaccination outweigh the risks. It is recommended that you speak to your vet about best time to vaccinate your pet, as the dosage depends on the animal’s weight.
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