Although we all wish they were invincible, pets can become infected by various viruses and diseases, just like humans can. Plus, some illnesses can be transferred from animals to humans (zoonotic diseases), potentially putting the human members of your family at risk. That’s why it’s so important to vaccinate your pets. Furever Family Veterinary Care Center provides vaccinations for dogs and cats of all ages in East Moline, IL.
A vaccine exposes the body to a small amount of an antigen, or foreign substance (germ), to teach the body how to recognize it as a dangerous pathogen. That way, the immune system will be prepared to fight that same pathogen, should it ever come in contact with it again.
Core and Lifestyle Vaccines
At Furever Family Veterinary Care Center, we separate our vaccines into two categories: core vaccines and lifestyle (non-core) vaccines. Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs and cats, regardless of their lifestyle. The American Animal Hospital Association’s (AAHA) vaccine guidelines considers a core vaccine one that protects against diseases that are endemic to the region. A lifestyle vaccine, on the other hand, is optional and dependent on your pet’s lifestyle and risk of exposure.
Can pets have negative reactions to the vaccines?
On rare occasions, some animals may react to a vaccine. This could cause a low-grade fever or muscle aches. It is more common in young and toy breed dogs and may manifest as a decrease in appetite or increased sleepiness for a day or two. Some components that may produce a strong reaction can be left out of future vaccines. If your pet has had a vaccine reaction in the past, don’t skip future vaccinations but do discuss it with us so that we can prevent a recurrence.
