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Why Should You Vaccinate Your Pet?

When it comes to pet vaccinations, it’s simple: better safe than sorry. The sole purpose of vaccinating is to prevent your furry friend from contracting a contagious disease. It’s essential as a new puppy or kitten owner to make sure you’re providing them with love, affection, and their shots.


The fact is, many contagious diseases are airborne. Taking your pet to a kennel, the salon or the park ultimately means exposing them to diseases. In some cases, certain kennels will not even allow animals to stay without having their up-to-date shots. Pet owners should always keep in mind that preventative diseases are highly transmittable and can end up costing thousands of dollars in treatments later on. Pet vaccinations are essential to keeping your animal, and other animals they encounter, safe. 

What about my indoor cat?

When it comes to cats, many owners prefer to keep them inside. So why should you vaccinate a cat who remains indoors? Cats by nature can slip into unimaginable places and find ways to escape. Even if your cat is loyal and makes their way back, they could have encountered other animals in that short time away from home: a stray cat, a rabid wild animal, etc. That leaves your cat open to diseases that are easily preventable.


If your cat doesn’t manage to ever escape the home, lifestyle changes are another risk. Moving, divorce, death – all things we don’t want to think about, but should always keep in mind. In those cases, you’ll want to be prepared. Keeping your cat indoors at all times does not ensure that they will never come in contact with another feline in their lifetime. When that time comes, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing you vaccinated your cat to begin with.


On the other hand, some cats are exposed to diseases that can lay dormant in their system and flare up at times of extreme stress or when their immune system is weakened. Some cats contract viruses such as the feline herpesvirus at a young age or even in utero. When it flares up, it affects their eyes and face and can even cause respiratory issues. Vaccines do not cure the disease, but they can help keep it under control. 

At Companion Animal Hospital, we always recommend that pet owners vaccinate their animals. Annual vaccines and physical exams can ensure the safety of your dog or cat and can help avoid illnesses that would need to be treated in the long run. To learn more about our preventative care or to schedule an appointment, contact us today!

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