As pet parents know, vaccinations are one of the best ways to protect our furry friends’ long-term health. Not only do they prevent the spread of potentially life-threatening diseases, but they can also limit the transmission between humans and animals.
To help you make informed decisions, let’s break down why Bayside Animal Hospital recommends core vaccines and what that means for you and your pet.
#1: What Are Core Vaccines
As experts research and monitor emerging diseases, they may advise changes to core vaccine guidelines, most recently including the leptospirosis vaccine in 2024. Such changes aim to better protect pets, wildlife, and humans while limiting the spread of these diseases throughout our communities.
Core vaccines apply to all dogs and cats. Some, like rabies, are required by state law, while others may be more specific to your pet’s lifestyle.
Bayside Animal Hospital is an AAHA-accredited clinic. Therefore, all our guidelines for canine and feline vaccinations are based on the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
#2: Vaccines Are Safe
Vaccines work by triggering the immune system to generate antibodies to recognize, detect, and fight certain disease-causing bacteria. This teaches your pet’s body how to fight off illnesses that may otherwise be fatal.
For most dogs and cats, vaccinations are perfectly safe and don’t come with many short- or long-term side effects. Most often, pet parents report occasional swelling at the injection site, lethargy, or upset stomach following routine vaccination appointments. On rare occasions, your veterinarian may advise against certain vaccines based on your pet’s health history.
#3: Booster Schedules May Vary by Vaccine
Core vaccines are not just one-and-done shots: Some require annual renewal, while others may remain active for several years. The industry standard is moving to require renewal every three years for most vaccines, but you should discuss the timeline with your veterinary team.
If your pet requires lifestyle vaccines or is receiving their first leptospirosis vaccination, please follow the recommended booster schedule in order to get the best protection for your fur baby.
#4: Vaccinations = On-Going Preventative Health
Regardless of your chosen four-legged companion, vaccinations should be part of their preventative health plan…forever. However, which vaccines your pet needs will be based on a variety of factors, such as life stage, environment, and how they spend their time. Lots of outdoor time and interaction with other animals may mean more preventive measures are needed to keep our furry family members safe and healthy.
By following Bayside’s vet-recommended and AAHA-approved vaccination guidelines, you help protect your entire family—both two- and four-legged—from potentially life-threatening illnesses. Staying on top of routine wellness and preventative care is key to enjoying long, happy lives together.
If you have questions about your pet’s vaccination records or would like to schedule their next wellness visit, please contact us today.
Leave a Reply