Vouching for Vaccines for your furry friend’s health and safety

Vaccination is a medical procedure that involves the administration of a vaccine to stimulate the immune system and provide protection against specific diseases. Vaccines are typically composed of weakened or inactivated forms of pathogens, such as viruses or bacteria, or parts of these microorganisms, like proteins or genetic material. When a person is vaccinated, their immune system recognizes these harmless components of the pathogen as foreign invaders and produces an immune response, including the production of antibodies and memory cells. The same holds true for our pets as well. It is an essential strategy for preventing and controlling the spread of various diseases.

The noble shield for your furry friend

The key purpose of vaccination is to train the immune system to recognize and remember the pathogen so that if your pet is exposed to the actual, disease-causing pathogen in the future, their immune system can quickly mount a strong defense and prevent or mitigate the illness. This helps to reduce the severity of the disease, lower the risk of complications, and contribute to herd immunity, which can protect those pets who cannot be vaccinated, such as those with certain medical conditions or weakened immune systems.

Understanding vaccine alchemy for health and wellbeing

Vaccination is critically important for several reasons discussed below.

• Disease Prevention

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent infectious diseases. It helps to protect your pet from potentially severe or life-threatening illnesses caused by various viruses and bacteria, including Canine distemper, Canine parvovirus etc.

• Herd Immunity

When a significant portion of an animal population is vaccinated, it creates herd immunity, which provides indirect protection to those who cannot be vaccinated, such as individuals with certain medical conditions or weakened immune systems. Herd immunity reduces the overall spread of diseases, making outbreaks less likely.

• Public Health

Vaccination is a fundamental tool in public health, as it helps to control and even eliminate certain diseases.

• Reduced Healthcare Costs

By preventing diseases, vaccination reduces the economic burden on healthcare systems. Fewer cases of illness mean fewer hospitalizations and medical expenses for your furry friend.

• Prevention of Complications

Vaccination not only prevents diseases but also reduces the risk of complications associated with these diseases which is critical for certain pets like those with low immunity or a chronic illness.

• Preventing Outbreaks

Vaccination can prevent outbreaks of diseases, which can be especially important where animals are in close contact with each other.

• Safe and Well-Regulated

Vaccines undergo rigorous testing for safety and efficacy before they are approved for use. They are continually monitored for safety, and any potential adverse effects are investigated and addressed. So, you can trust your vet to recommend the best vaccine for your pet.

Canine Vaccine Schedule

The art of protection – Keep these guidelines in mind

• Vaccine should be given only to healthy dogs.
• Deworm and detick your pet before vaccination.
• Pet parents should not put their beloved pooches under any stress like vigorous exercise etc. for at least 3 days after the vaccination.
• Don’t bathe your pet the day before and for 3 days after the vaccination.
• Don’t feed your pet a heavy diet like eggs, meat, beef etc. and try to give light food like rice or bread for 2 – 3 days after the vaccination.

(Dr. Ankur Pandey – M.V.Sc Scholar – Department of Veterinary Anatomy; Dr. Abhinov Verma – Assistant Professor – Department of Veterinary Anatomy; Dr. Shri Prakash Singh – Associate Professor – Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Duvasu, Mathura)