Is Your Dog Up to Date on Vaccinations in Ukiah, CA? Here are 5 Reasons Why it’s Important

Do you have a dog? Are you up to date on his vaccinations? Keeping your dog up to date on vaccinations is an important part of pet ownership, but did you know there are a lot more benefits than you might realize?

In this article, we’ll show you five of the most important reasons why you should keep up with your dog’s vaccinations. By the time you finish reading this article, you should have a much better idea of just how necessary vaccinations truly are for your pet.

1. Vaccinations Keep Your Dog Healthy

The first, most important, and most obvious reason to keep up with your dog’s vaccinations is because they help keep him healthy. Your dog will be healthier and potentially live a longer life when you keep up with his regular vaccination schedule, and you’ll be able to prevent or significantly reduce the risk of a wide range of illnesses.

Some of the diseases that dogs are vaccinated for can be fatal, including rabies. This is why it’s so crucial to keep up with your dog’s shots, so you don’t risk losing him to a completely preventable disease.

2. Vaccinations Keep Other Dogs Healthy

Aside from keeping your own dog safe and protected from illness, vaccines also keep other dogs healthy and safe. Your dog will be unable to transmit disease to other dogs when he’s vaccinated, so he won’t be contributing to the spread of illness in your community.

If you have other dogs in your household, this is doubly important. Vaccinating all your dogs makes sure none of them will be able to get each other sick and reduces the risk of disease spreading throughout your household and between your pets, too. If your dog regularly sees other dogs–such as at a dog park or while visiting friends–the same is true.

3. Vaccinations Are Required by Law in Some Places

Depending on where you live, some vaccinations may be required by law. In the United States, the rabies vaccination is required by law almost everywhere, with very few exceptions. In some parts of the country, other shots may be required too, including canine influenza. This is especially true in areas where there have been outbreaks of canine influenza.

Your veterinarian will talk with you about which shots are legally required for your pet and which are just recommended. If you rent your home, you should also check with your landlord about which shots are required for your pet under your lease.

4. Vaccinations Are Required by Boarding Facilities and Dog Daycares

If you plan to board your dog at a kennel, you’ll need to keep up with his vaccinations as well. Any reputable kennel or boarding facility will not allow a dog to stay on site without at least having a rabies vaccination and a Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccination, although most require many more shots than these.

Dog daycares are the same way. If you plan to take your dog to a daycare, you’ll need to make sure he has his shots so he will be safe, and so he won’t get other dogs sick, either.

5. Vaccinations Are Especially Important for Puppies and Senior Dogs

The older your dog gets, the more he will need to be vaccinated, as his immune system may not work the way it once did. The same is true of puppies; if you have a young puppy in your household, it’s crucial to keep up with his vaccinations especially until his immune system is strong.

Your Vet Can Give You More Information About Which Shots Your Puppy or Senior Dog Needs to Stay Healthy

As you can see, there are tons of great reasons why you should keep your dog up to date on his vaccinations. Some pet owners worry about vaccinating their dogs for a variety of reasons, but if you speak to your vet for more information, you can find out whether vaccinating your dog is the right choice.

Your vet will be able to give you specific information about your individual dog’s needs and help you determine which vaccinations, if any, are right for him. The vet will also help you make a vaccination schedule so you can plan your dog shots for now and the future, too. If you have questions about your dog’s vaccination requirements or would like to book an appointment, call our Mendocino Animal Hospital in Ukiah, CA at (707) 462–8833 or use the online form.