It’s your responsibility to vaccinate
As a pet owner, you are responsible. When you get your new pet, dog, cat or rabbit (or anything, really), make an appointment with the vet immediately. You need to get your new friend fully checked out, but also, to ensure their vaccinations are up to date.
Your vet will give you a littler booklet specially for your animal. This booklet will have his / her name on it, date of birth, the vaccinations it has already had with the dates, and the future vaccinations and boosters it will need. If you lose it, don’t worry! You can always ask your vet what you need to do next, and a good vet will send you reminders too.
How do I know what vaccinations my pet needs?
Your vet will tell you. It’s pretty simple. Vaccinations will included but not be limited to parvovirus, distemper and rabies. Others can include vaccinations against kennel cough, leptospirosis for dogs and cat leukaemia. Your vet will share the information with you. Your animal will also need to be de-wormed and possibly de-flead, on a regular basis, so you can do these things all at the same time.
Vaccinations do not have side effects
Most pets, when getting vaccinated, will give a teeny yelp or show some discomfort for literally a second or two. And then, it’s over. Animals don’t have side effects to vaccinations, and if they do, it is incredibly rare. Disease in animals happens and you do not want your dog or cat to get anything, or to spread anything. Vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate.
Timeline for vaccinations
On your first appointment, your vet will go through the vaccinations with you. Don’t worry, you don’t need to remember everything, your vet will remind you! Usually, three rounds of vaccinations are needed, spaced out, and then booster shots.
You cannot take your pet out until he is vaccinated
Remember, your pet must be vaccinated before you go on outings, especially where other dogs or animals are going to be present. Your pet is at risk, and other pets will be at risk of catching a disease. Be responsible and do the right thing. Before you get your pet, check in with your vet, get the necessary information, and then, vaccinate, and have FUN!
