By Mary Nee
A healthy diet, plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and love – these are the everyday ingredients for happy and healthy pets. However, preventative care, particularly vaccinations, are a step that some overlook, but it cannot be overstated how important it is to have animals up-to-date on their vaccines.
Just like vaccines for humans, they are preventive measures that help improve immunity to a specific disease. While they are not foolproof, vaccines do go a long way in fighting disease.
So, what vaccinations should your pet be up to date on? This begins with a conversation with your veterinarian. Most veterinary hospitals will send you reminders of what vaccinations your animal needs and when.
Let’s start with the rabies vaccine. In Massachusetts, every dog, cat, or ferret over the age of six months is required by law to be vaccinated for rabies and to be in possession of a certificate, tag, and proof of vaccination. Any animal moved into Massachusetts must be vaccinated for rabies within six months.
Because this vaccine is state mandated, there are programs available to ensure your animal is vaccinated.
The Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Wellness Waggin’ offers low-cost pet wellness services in Dorchester, Roxbury, and, starting in August, Mattapan.
For $10, the clinic includes a veterinary exam, vaccines (including rabies and distemper), among other preventive services. Log onto arlboston.org for locations, appointments, and more information.
And yes, even if you have an indoor-only animal, they still need to be vaccinated for rabies!
For dogs, the canine distemper vaccine is perhaps the most important and is considered a core vaccine.
Canine distemper is a serious virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems in dogs and puppies. There is no cure for this disease, making this vaccination crucial. This vaccination also typically includes protection against hepatitis, and parvovirus, among others.
Additionally, pet owners should consider vaccinations for canine influenza and kennel cough, particularly if you plan to bring your dog to a boarding or day care facility – most facilities require a kennel cough vaccine.
For cats, core vaccines include feline distemper and leukemia vaccines.
Again, the distemper vaccine includes protections against other viruses including rhinotrachetis, feline herpes, and panleukopenia. Owners also need to strongly consider the feline leukemia vaccine, a disease which is the second leading cause of death in cats.
These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to vaccinating your pet, but these core vaccines and regular veterinary care are essential in keeping your pet safe and healthy.
If vaccination costs are an issue, talk with your veterinarian to see what programs or services may be available in your area.
Pet ownership is a life-long commitment, and prevention now not only deters costly medical care down the road, but it also reduces the risk of your beloved pet suffering or succumbing to disease. So please make sure your pet is up-to-date on their vaccinations and help them live a long and healthy life!
Mary Nee, a Dorchester resident, is the president of the Animal Rescue League of Boston. Pet questions? Email ARL at press@arlboston.org.
