Column: Vaccinating pets is a wholesome transfer for them and the neighborhood, too

Sadly, it’s that point of 12 months once more — flu season. My husband Pierce is at all times on prime of getting his vaccines as quickly as they’re accessible, however then he has to maintain reminding me. If (like me) you missed the advisable months of September and October for vaccination, it’s nonetheless not too late.

Whereas I could also be gradual in getting my very own vaccines, I’m at all times certain to maintain our canine Sueshi updated on hers.

At Pasadena Humane, we’re proud to supply a weekly low-cost vaccine and microchip clinic for canine and cats of all ages dwelling in our service space.

Earlier this fall, we additionally hosted a vaccine clinic on the Pasadena Buddhist Temple the place we offered vaccines for 75 pets in just some hours. This clinic was particularly essential for bringing vaccination providers to members of the neighborhood who might not be capable to simply get to our shelter. We look ahead to internet hosting extra offsite clinics subsequent 12 months.

Our chief veterinarian, Dr. Maria Pyrdek, DVM, is right here to reply some frequent questions on vaccinating your pets.

Why ought to I vaccinate my pet?

Vaccines assist forestall your pet from contracting probably lethal ailments, and vaccinations assist all pets locally by lowering the incidence of illness. Fewer sick pets imply fewer viruses and ailments being unfold and contaminating the areas the place our pets spend time.

How do vaccines work?

Vaccines current the physique with a small quantity of a virus or micro organism that’s unable to trigger the precise illness. The immune system acknowledges this as a pathogen and creates a light immune response. The immune system then “remembers” the pathogen in order that the following time it’s encountered, the response is fast, and the illness shall be both fully neutralized or have a really delicate impact.

Are vaccines painful?

Most pets don’t discover vaccines being administered in any respect, particularly once we distract them with some ear scratches or treats. Not all vaccines are injections. Some are just some drops of liquid on the nostril; others are oral vaccines flavored like treats.

Will my pet expertise any unwanted side effects?

The most typical unwanted side effects embody a small swelling on the injection web site that subsides after per week or so. Some pets may be somewhat drained, not need to eat fairly as a lot, or be somewhat tender on the web site of the injection. On uncommon events, pets might expertise a extra critical allergic response.

How typically do I must vaccinate my pet?

This is dependent upon the age of the pet and the pet’s way of life. Kittens and puppies needs to be vaccinated each 2-3 weeks till they’re 4-5 months outdated. Whereas some vaccines in adults (corresponding to rabies or distemper) can typically present immunity for 3 years, others, corresponding to kennel cough or influenza, might should be repeated as typically as each 6 months, relying in your pet’s way of life. And it is very important bear in mind, the influenza vaccine requires a sequence of two vaccines given 2-4 weeks aside.

In the event you reside in Pasadena Humane’s service space, which incorporates Altadena, Arcadia, Bradbury, Glendale, La Cañada-Flintridge, La Crescenta-Montrose, Monrovia, Pasadena, San Marino, Sierra Madre and South Pasadena, please go to pasadenahumane.org/vax to make an appointment for Pasadena Humane’s weekly low-cost vaccine clinic.

Dia DuVernet is president and CEO of Pasadena Humane.

This weblog publish initially appeared as a column within the Pasadena Star-Information on November 2, 2024.