All you need to know about: Vaccines and vaccinations
All you need to know about
Vaccines and vaccinations
Almost all pet owners have heard about vaccinations for their pets. Still, there are many misconceptions about what vaccines are, how they work, and when they need to be given. With this article, we hope to answer some of the questions people might have.
What are vaccines, vaccinations, and how do they work?
Vaccines contain an antigen, adjuvants, preservatives, and stabilizer. Adjuvants help boost the immune response, preservatives are used to keep the vaccine effective, and stabilizers protect the vaccine during storage and transport. The antigen is a virus or bacteria in live, weakened, or killed form, or the toxins and proteins from an organism. When the contents of the vaccine enter the body, it activates the immune system. Once activated, the immune system will start producing antibodies, which will attack the microorganism. During this process, the immune system will build up resistance to the specific infection and “remember” the specific organism. Due to the fact it remembers the specific organism, the immune system can respond quicker, and more efficient, when you encounter that specific organism again. Because the vaccine only contains small amounts, weakened, or killed parts of the virus or bacteria, they do not cause the disease, and usually only give mild symptoms. More severe side effects are possible, but rare.
The process of administering a vaccine to help the immune system develop immunity from a disease is called vaccination. Another term often used is immunization.
When should my dog or cat be vaccinated?
Vaccinations can be divided in two categories. The core vaccines and non-core vaccines. The core vaccines are highly recommended by most vets, and all pets should receive them even if they are an indoor pet only. The non-core vaccines, also referred to as lifestyle vaccines, can be recommended to you depending on the lifestyle of your pet
Core vaccinations
The general advice is to vaccinate puppies and kittens at 6 to 8, 10 to 12, and 14 to 16 weeks old. After these initial vaccines, they should be given a FVRCP(cat) or DHPP (dog) either annually, or every 3 years depending on lifestyle, laws, and brand of vaccine. They also should have their rabies vaccine every 3 years, unless laws, or the specific brand of vaccine, instruct otherwise.
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Non-core vaccinations
Non-core vaccinations are to be considered if they would benefit your pet because of a certain lifestyle, or are needed in a certain situation. Discuss this with your vet and follow their vaccination schedule. An example of a non-core vaccine is the FeLV vaccine for cats. An example of a vaccine that might be needed in a certain situation, is the Bordetella/Kennel Couch vaccine, which is often needed if you wish to board your pet.
Which diseases do the core vaccines cover?
FVRCP
DHPP
Rabies
Advice for new puppy and/or kitten owners.
Congratulations on your new family member. It’s always advised to take your new pet to a reputable vet for a health check. They can measure and weigh your puppy or kitten for their records, do basic checks on their health, and give you any advice you need. It’s also always advised to let them check the vaccination record/passport of your new puppy or kitten. Sadly, in some cases, vaccinations are given incorrect, or get falsified, leaving your new pet unprotected against fatal diseases. Your vet will be able to determine by the passport, and some questions, if the vaccinations given till date are correct. And if there is any doubt, they can advise on further steps.
For puppies, the advice is to avoid places where other dogs walk and gather until fully vaccinated. Ideally, only use your yard or balcony for potty breaks. If there is no other way, pick a spot where little to none other dogs come. Take into consideration any stray animals that might eliminate in the area too. The same advice applies to kittens, though the yard should be avoided as outdoor cats might have entered.
By UAE law, dogs need to have their DHPPI/L and Rabies vaccine yearly. For cats this is the Flu/Enteritis and Rabies vaccine.