August is National Pet Immunization Awareness Month. Pet owners should check in with their veterinary care providers to assure that their pets have all necessary immunizations to keep their pets healthy.

Puppies and Kittens Must Be Immunized

Immunization is especially critical for young pets. Puppies and kittens have immune systems that are easily compromised. They have a somewhat high mortality rate because they are extremely susceptible to life-threatening transmissible illnesses.

Parvovirus

One of the most common and virulent infections affecting younger pets is parvovirus. Over the past year, there was an epidemic of parvovirus across the country because a lot of people were getting new pets and not getting them vaccinated.

Parvovirus is transmitted through fecal matter. Puppies can get very sick by coming into contact or smelling an unvaccinated dog’s feces. It cannot be transmitted between species.

When pet owners immunize their puppy against parvovirus, they are safeguarding their own dog as well as other animals against this potentially deadly illness.

Distemper

Both dogs and cats need immunization against distemper. This illness attacks the respiratory, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems. 

After the initial series that animals receive when they are puppies and kittens, they will need a booster one year later. Thereafter, they will need a booster every three years.

Rabies

One of the vaccinations that pet owners are most familiar with is rabies. Both animals and people can acquire this illness after sustaining a bite from an infected animal. 

Many counties require a proof of rabies vaccination in order to obtain a license for a pet. Animals will require revaccination between every one and three years.

Adenovirus

Puppies may require two vaccines for two different types of adenovirus. Type 1 is commonly known as “kennel cough.” This is an illness that puppies can develop when they are kept in close proximity to sick animals. Type 2 is a form of canine hepatitis that can be fatal.

Non-Core Vaccinations

Pets may require vaccinations because of a high-risk level for certain types of illness. For example, dogs that will be in frequent close contact with other dogs may need immunity against canine influenza or bordetella, which are both respiratory illnesses. Outdoor cats may also need immunity against bordetella as well as feline chlamydia. Your veterinarian can help you determine what non-core vaccinations are right for your pet based on your geographic location and your pet’s lifestyle.

Immunizing your pet is one of the most important ways that you can care for his or her health. Remember that when you get a young pet, taking care of his or her vaccinations is the most vital thing that you need to do in order for your pet to have a healthy start. Stay attentive to your pet’s immunizations throughout his or her life. During your regular checkups, your veterinarian can verify that your pet has every immunization that he or she needs in order to stay happy and healthy. Get in touch with Pet Hospitals of Hawaii to schedule your pet’s next checkup or immunization.