Covering Everything You Need To Know About Pet Vaccines And The Month-Long Holiday That Promotes Them
Vaccinations play a vital role in keeping people healthy and protecting them from harmful diseases and infections. They are also used to help protect our pets from harmful infections and diseases too. Vaccines are so important to our pet’s health, that the entire month of August is widely known and celebrated as National Pet Immunization Awareness Month (NPIAM). Never heard of N.P.I.A.M.? Then you’re in luck because this article will cover everything you need to know about pet vaccinations and the month-long holiday that promotes them.
One Month For Two Holidays
It’s worth mentioning that the month of August contains both National Pet Immunization Awareness Month (for pets) and National Immunization Awareness Month (for people). This is because both people and animals are susceptible to a wide variety of deadly diseases, plagues, and infections. Vaccines help protect both people and animals against these infections and have saved millions of lives in the process. We believe that’s something worth celebrating.
What Are Vaccines And How Do They Work?
Although we are not scientists or doctors, we will break down the basics of vaccinations. Information provided by the World Health Organization (W.H.O.). A vaccine contains an inactive or weakened part of a specific organism (an antigen). This antigen (fundamental part of a vaccine) is then injected into the body which triggers an immune response from the body.
This weakened version will not cause the disease in the person or animal receiving the vaccine. Instead, it will cause their immune system to respond as if it were fighting off said disease/infection. As a result, the person’s or animal’s body will remember the disease/infection and know how to defeat it should they be exposed to it in the future. Essentially, the best way for our bodies to fend off a disease/infection is to build up an immunity first through controlled exposure.
The Importance Of Vaccinations
Vaccines have played an important role in both human and animal health for over 200 years. The first reliable and recorded vaccination was created in 1796 by Edward Jenner to fight off smallpox. Although experimentational, it was overall effective. Then, in 1872, Louis Pasteur created the first laboratory-made vaccine, specifically for fowl cholera. Louis would later go on to create the first rabies vaccine as well in 1885.
These men were the pioneers for immunization research and gave birth to the practice of researching, experimenting, and creating vaccinations. Today we call them virologists. Vaccines, and the men & women who study them, are responsible for saving millions of lives from deadly diseases, viruses, and infections.
Core And Non-Core Vaccines For Pets
When it comes to pet vaccinations, we can break them up into two basic categories. Core vaccines (which are essential) and non-core vaccines (which are optional). Here are a few examples of core and non-core pet vaccines according to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
Core vaccines for dogs include canine parvovirus type 2, canine distemper virus, rabies, and canine adenovirus type 2. Non-core vaccines for dogs include canine, canine leptospirosis vaccine, canine influenza vaccine, Bordetella vaccine, Western diamondback rattlesnake toxoid, and canine Lyme vaccine.
Core vaccines for cats include, feline leukemia, feline panleukopenia, feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus-1. Non-core vaccines for cats include Bordetella bronchiseptica, feline immunodeficiency virus, and Chlamydia felis. Non-core vaccines will only be necessary based upon your pet’s lifestyle, geographic location, and risk of exposure. We recommend always consulting with your veterinarian first to determine what vaccines your pets need and don’t need.
How To Observe This Holiday
We invite you to join us in celebrating National Pet Immunization Awareness Month this August. One of the best ways to observe this holiday is to double check your pets paperwork and make sure they are up-to-date on all core vaccinations. Talk to your veterinarian to make sure that your pets are fully protected.
Additionally, you can also observe this incredible holiday by spreading the word about it on social media. Social media is an excellent way to advertise and promote important holidays like National Pet Immunization Awareness Month. Be sure to use the handle #NationalPetImmunizationAwarenessMonth and share the link to this article as well.
Do You Need A Pet Sitter Or Dog Walker?
If you’re reading this article, then there’s a good chance you’re a pet owner. If you or someone you know is looking for pet sitting or dog walking services, then look no further than Paws & Claws Pet Sitting and Dog Walking. We service the Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Santa Clara, and West San Jose areas. Click here to contact us or give us a call at 408-752-2997. We look forward to hearing from you soon and happy National Pet Immunization Awareness Month!
