How Vaccines Protect Your Pet

Our pets are constant wonders. They make us laugh, love us unconditionally, and provide faithful companionship. One of the most important things you can do for your dog or cat in return for all the affection is to protect her, at all cost, from contagious diseases. The most reliable way to accomplish that is through regular vaccinations.

Routine vaccinations provide your pet with protection against potentially deadly diseases. Even pets that spend most or all of their time indoors can be at risk for acquiring certain illnesses. The recent catastrophes caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, for example, are a reminder that it is wise to make sure your pet is prepared for any situation. “It is extremely important that pets be appropriately vaccinated, so that if a natural disaster strikes and the pet winds up roaming the streets or is taken to a shelter, the chances of its staying healthy are much better,” says Dr. James Richards, co-chair of the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the Academy of Feline Medicine (AAFP/AFM) Advisory Panel, which recommends vaccination protocols for cats.

How do Vaccines Work?
Infectious diseases are caused by microscopic organisms in the form of viruses and bacteria that invade the body and cause illness. Viruses and bacteria are all around us, but not all of them harm our pets. Some viruses and bacteria are only transmitted between members of the same species, and others can be transmitted from one species to another, including from animals to humans (this is called zoonotic disease).

When your pet is under attack by an invading organism, his immune system creates mini–attack units called antibodies along with specialized cells from the bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes, liver, and lungs to fight the infection. The presence of these antibodies and special cells helps the animal recover from infection. After recovery, the immune system may “remember” the invasion and continue to protect the animal against reinfection. This process is called immune memory, and the animal’s resulting immunity against the particular organism is said to be naturally acquired.

Vaccination stimulates immunity by purposely introducing into the body substances that, to the immune system, “look like” disease-causing agents (or pathogens). When immunity is achieved through vaccination, it is called artificially acquired immunity.

Immunity may decline over time, so vaccinations must be repeated at regular intervals. These “booster shots” help to continue the protection. The duration of immunity varies, so some vaccinations may need to be given more often than others.

Why All the Fuss?
Vaccines protect your pet from a variety of diseases, many of them common and some of them deadly. “Vaccines have done a tremendous job in preventing disease in pets,” says Dr. Daniel Aja, president of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). “Once you experience an epidemic, you learn that vaccines are necessary.”

What diseases to vaccinate a cat or dog against, and how often to vaccinate, are questions best answered by your veterinarian. Most pets respond favorably, but some animals may experience side effects—usually mild—caused by a vaccine-associated reaction (similar to the reactions some people experience after receiving a flu vaccine). The symptoms of a reaction, such as fever, soreness, stiffness, decreased appetite, mild lethargy, or discomfort, generally only last for a day or two.

The AAFP/AFM Advisory Panel and the AAHA Canine Task Force strongly recommend that certain vaccines be administered to all dogs and cats. The diseases these vaccines protect pets against are contagious, and most are fatal or potentially fatal. These diseases include:

• Rabies, a fatal viral infection that attacks the central nervous system of warm-blooded animals, including dogs, cats, and humans. Rabies vaccinations are required by law throughout the country, although the specific requirements vary by locale.
• Canine distemper, a highly contagious, often rapidly fatal disease that attacks the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and nervous systems.
• Canine parvovirus (CPV), a highly contagious, sometimes fatal disease that attacks the gastrointestinal system.
• Severe respiratory diseases, including bronchitis, pneumonia, and tonsillitis.
• Infectious canine hepatitis, a potentially fatal disease that attacks the liver.
• Feline calicivirus (FCV) and feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), which together account for the majority of infectious upper respiratory tract infections in cats.
• Feline panleukopenia, a potentially fatal disease commonly known as distemper.

Your veterinarian may also want to vaccinate your pet against other diseases, such as kennel cough, Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and feline leukemia virus, depending on your pet’s risk.

Doctor Knows Best
Vaccinations are a key component of your pet’s regular veterinary visits. Discuss with your veterinarian which vaccinations are most appropriate for your pet and how often booster shots may be needed. To determine the best schedule for your pet, you will be asked about factors such as:

• Your pet’s overall health
• The presence of and exposure to certain diseases
• Stress in your pet’s environment
• Boarding
• Other pets in the household
• The acquisition of any newly adopted animals with unknown health status

Your answers will help your veterinarian come up with a vaccination schedule based on your pet’s needs and lifestyle.

Vaccinations are one of the cornerstones of preventive health care. Keeping your dog or cat up-to-date with regular vaccinations will protect him from diseases and leave you safe in the knowledge that you are giving as much back to your pet as he gives to you.

Your Little Ones Need Vaccinations, Too
Although kittens and puppies are highly susceptible to disease, they receive antibodies from their mother’s milk that provide them with natural immunity. As this naturally acquired immunity wears off, however, they should receive a series of kitten and puppy vaccinations several weeks apart. Talk with your veterinarian about which vaccinations your kitten or puppy needs.