Pet Sitting and Dog Walking in Summerville SC
August is National Pet Immunization Awareness Month. Now is a great time to make sure your pet is up to date on their vaccines! Just like with humans, it is very important to keep your pets up to date on their vaccinations. This is their best protection against the many illnesses your pet can get.
Especially during the summer in the Lowcountry, we tend to be on the go with our families and furry loved ones. But, even just enjoying some dog park fun can put your pup in danger if they aren’t up to date on their vaccines. For example, canine influenza, otherwise known as the Dog flu, spreads quickly and easily. All it takes is a sneeze, sharing toys, even sharing a water bowl at the dog park to spread dog flu. Dogs that get the flu remain contagious for 26 days and 25% infected with the flu show no symptoms but continue to spread the virus. This can slow your pup down and make her feel miserable with lethargy, fever, and difficulty breathing but is easily preventable by keeping up on immunizations.
Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or a new proud owner, here is a list of the common vaccines that you should ensure your pets are up to date with every year:
CORE IMMUNIZATIONS
CANINE VACCINES:
• Rabies
• DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Para-Influenza, Parvo virus)
• Leptospirosis
• Bordetella
• Influenza
• Lyme
FELINE VACCINES:
• Rabies
• FVRCP (Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calici virus, panleukopenia)
• FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus)
• Feline Bordetella
NON-CORE IMMUNIZATIONS
CANINE:
- Bordetella
- Borrelia (causes Lyme disease)
- Leptospirosis
FELINE:
- Leukemia virus
- Bordetella
- Chlamydophila/feline chlamydia
- FIV
As we mentioned earlier, vaccines are your pets best protection against a variety of illnesses. It’s must easier and less costly to prevent these illnesses from the start than treating them. They also give pet parents peace of mind knowing their pet won’t contract a contagious disease from wildlife. Deciding on which vaccines your pet needs can vary based on medical history, age, breed, lifestyle, and travel habits. Also, some states and cities require specific vaccinations by law. South Carolina requires all dogs, cats and ferrets are kept up to date on rabies vaccinations. Talk to your local veterinarian to help decide what is best for your pet based on these factors.
Remember that vaccinations are most effective when they are given to puppies and kittens before they are exposed to possible illness and when given in the correct intervals. It’s always best to avoid gaps to keep your pet protected.
If you’re new to the Lowcountry or maybe even just a new pet owner, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with some recommendations on low veterinarians and pet clinics to help ensure your furry loved ones stay up to date.
Local Veterinarians (in no specific order):
Sangaree Animal Hospital in Cane Bay
Local Clinics: