IMPORTANCE OF IMMUNIZING YOUR DOG

AND SOME SIDE EFFECTS TO WATCH OUT FOR AFTERWARDS

One of the reasons it is important to get your dog immunized is in order to protect them from a variety of diseases and illnesses. Vaccines help to prevent your dog from catching highly contagious illnesses, some of which have been known to be fatal.

Another reason is that immunizations create a herd immunity, this means by immunizing your pet, you are not only helping to keep them healthy, but also helping to keep other animals around them healthy as well.

According to the (AVMA) the American Veterinary Medical Association, possible side effects of dog immunizations can include mild and temporary reactions such as fever, swelling, loss of appetite, and lethargy. More serious side effects are rare and can include anaphylactic shock, allergic reactions, and seizures, and in some cases, even death. It is best to consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns before administering a vaccination.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of pet fatalities due to immunizations is extremely low. The CDC estimates that fewer than 1 out of every 10 million doses of vaccines has a fatal outcome.

The American Animal Hospital Association considers Leptospirosis a "non-core" vaccine for dogs.That is to say, that they do not recommend administering it unless there is a good chance your dog will be exposed to Leptospirosis.

In conclusion, after reviewing the available information it becomes clear that considering in a very large percent of the time, if a pet has a reaction to an immunization, it is mild and temporary.This leads me to believe that the benefit greatly outweighs the risk. The old saying that 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure', really applies here.

Wouldn't you agree that it makes a lot more sense to spend a little money once a year at a planned interval and gain peace of mind that your pet is covered, than to risk the health of your pet and the possibility of spending even more money at an unplanned time?

disclaimer: it is my goal to bring attention to the subject of pet immunizations, I am not a veterinarian, and I don’t play one on TV. If you feel that your pet is in need of professional care for any reason, or having a reaction to an immunization or any other substance, please contact a pet care professional.