When it comes to
your pet’s health and well being, pet vaccinations are one of the best ways to
prevent illnesses and other health-related problems. As an animal hospital that
offers pet
vaccinations in Victoria, we have heard many myths about vaccinating
animals over the years. Here are a few of the ones we hear the most often.
Misconception #1: My pet already got all
of its vaccinations from the breeder or rescue that I got him from.
Truth: Not all
cats or dogs that come from a breeder or rescue has all of its shots. As a
matter of fact, if you adopted your pet before it was 16 weeks old, chances are
it did not get all of its pet vaccinations. Ask the breeder or rescue about
your pet’s vaccination history to make sure your new furry friend has all of
the right vaccines.
Misconception #2: When it comes to pet
vaccinations, they are incredibly expensive and not all that effective.
Truth: These
days, pet vaccinations are affordable and they are a necessity. They don’t just
protect your pet from illnesses like rabies: they also protect you and other
human beings from getting illnesses and viruses that can be passed from animal
to human. It also helps protect other pets in your area too. If your pet is
vaccinated, that means he or she cannot spread these illnesses and viruses to
other animals.
Misconception #3: My dog or cat needs
yearly pet vaccinations.
Truth: This is
not always the case. Your pet’s vaccination schedule will depend on a few
different factors. Our animal hospital can guide you and help determine what
vaccinations your pet needs and when. Most vaccines are needed every few years,
not once a year.
Misconception #4: If my puppy or kitten
was nursed by its mother, it does not need to be vaccinated.
Truth: While a
mother’s breast milk will offer protection by way of antibodies and other
necessary protections like that, those antibodies wear off over time and are no
substitute for pet vaccinations. Plus, there is no way of knowing how long
those antibodies will last.
Misconception #5: Pet vaccinations are
not safe for my pet.
Truth: Pet
vaccines are very safe, and usually any side effects are very rare.
