Pets offer companionship and are loyal when well taken care of by their owners. Like many other newborns, puppies are born with an underdeveloped immune system and are susceptible to various diseases. Thankfully, the immune systems of pets receive a boost when their mothers transfer part of their body defence elements through colostrum. However, this is not enough, and the administration of vaccine therapy is required to ensure pets are resistant to common ailments. The following is a list of critical factors to observe regarding puppy vaccination services.
1. Core and Non-Core Vaccines
While all vaccines are essential, some might be foregone if no serious risk exists. Pet vaccines are divided into two categories: core and non-core drugs. Core vaccines are aimed at protecting pets against ailments that are likely to cause severe illness or even death. In contrast, non-core vaccines are meant for pets whose lifestyle or geographical location predisposes them to particular maladies. For example, Lyme Canine Influenza is an immunity booster developed against Lyme disease. When taking your pets for vaccination sessions, ask a veterinarian about core and non-core vaccines to enable you to make the right decision.
2. Statutory Requirement
As mentioned earlier, vaccines can either be mandatory or optional. However, in most states, depending on disease severity, authorities might require pet owners to administer particular vaccines. For instance, in Australia, a dog must be vaccinated against canine distemper with the vaccine lasting for three years. Moreover, if a pet comes from an area that is prone to rabies, it must be treated before being allowed into the country since the disease is highly infectious and dangerous to both animals and people. Public health authorities require proof of vaccination, and failure to provide the same can result in hefty fines or have your pet quarantined. Review what the law says about pet vaccination in your state to ensure compliance.
3. Frequency
The number of times that your pet should be vaccinated is another vital consideration since shots are costly. For example, in Australia, pets are usually vaccinated after 6–8 weeks based on the type of disease and other risk factors. However, new evidence suggests that some immune boosters can last for more than a year; therefore, it is not necessary to administer the vaccine annually. It is essential to check with your pet vaccination service provider on what the law says about the frequency of administration.