Pets, like people, can be protected from diseases by vaccination from your mobile vet in Los Angeles. Vaccines are products designed to trigger protective immune responses in pets and prepare them to fight future infections from disease-causing agents. Vaccines can lessen the severity of future diseases and certain vaccines can prevent infection altogether. Today, a variety of vaccines are available for use by veterinarians. Some vaccines are administered via injections using a syringe and needle, and others are administered into the animal’s nose or directly into the skin.
Is it important to vaccinate?
Yes! Pets should be vaccinated to protect them from many highly contagious and deadly diseases. Experts agree that widespread use of vaccines within the last century has prevented death and disease in millions of animals. If an unvaccinated pet develops one of these diseases, treatment can become very expensive and many of these diseases can be fatal despite treatment. Even though some formerly common diseases have now become uncommon, vaccination is still highly recommended because these serious disease agents continue to be present in the environment.
It is also important to remember that pets can be vaccinated for diseases that can spread from animals to people. For example, rabies is a serious, often fatal, disease that spreads from infected animals to people. By vaccinating your pets for rabies, you are protecting your family as well as your pet.
Does vaccination ensure protection?
For most pets, vaccination is effective in preventing future disease. Occasionally, a vaccinated pet may not develop adequate immunity and, although rare, it is possible to provide optimal protection against disease for the first few months of life. It is important to remember that although breakdowns in protection do occur, most appropriately vaccinated pets are able to successfully fight off disease confirming the importance of vaccines in your pet’s preventative health care program.
What are the risks?
Any treatment carries some risk, but these risks should be weighed against the benefits of protecting your pet from potentially fatal diseases. Most pets respond well to vaccines. The most common adverse responses are mild and short-term, including fever, sluggishness, and reduced appetite. Pets may also experience temporary pain or subtle swelling at the site of vaccination. Although most adverse reactions will resolve in a day or two, any excessive continued pain or swelling should be discussed with our mobile vet.
Rarely, more serious adverse reactions can occur. Allergic reactions appear within minutes or hours of a vaccination and may include repeated vomiting or diarrhea, whole body itching, swelling of the face or legs, difficulty breathing or collapse. Contact us immediately if any of these symptoms are seen. Our veterinarian comes to you in case of such emergency.
Many factors are taken into consideration when establishing a pet’s vaccination plan. Your mobile vet in Los Angeles will tailor a program of vaccinations and patient health care that will help your pet maintain a lifetime of protection. We make it easier than ever to keep your pet happy and healthy by vaccinating them right in the comfort of your home. Call us for your appointment!