Are you planning to adopt a dog soon, or have you just brought home a new family member? Do you find yourself wondering just how important it really is to have your dog vaccinated in Chicago, IL? If so, you are not alone. Many pet owners wonder if dog vaccinations are necessary, especially if their dogs only go outdoors while supervised.
Why Dog Vaccinations in Chicago, IL are Important
In this article, we’ll explain the reasons why dog vaccinations are so important and just what their purposes really are. With this information, you can make an informed decision about which vaccinations are right for your pet and their lifestyle.
Health and Wellbeing
First and foremost, your dog’s health and wellbeing will benefit from regular vaccinations. Your dog will be at a very low risk for contracting any disease for which they have been vaccinated. This means she will be less likely to become sick and may even be able to live longer thanks to your choice to vaccinate her.
Many dog ailments are especially common in puppies and in older dogs. However, all dogs are always at risk of catching these diseases if they have not been vaccinated. The only way to protect your dog from these very common preventable diseases is to be sure to keep up with her vaccinations and have them updated regularly per manufacturer guidelines.
Dog Boarding and Vet Stays
If your dog is not vaccinated against Bordetella and the other viruses and bacteria that can cause kennel cough, she will not be allowed to stay at a boarding facility or kennel. Kennel cough is extremely contagious and transmission of this disease requires very minimal contact between pets. It can quickly spread between dogs in close contact with one another. For this reason, boarding facilities always require vaccinations to prevent dogs from being able to contract kennel cough.
If you are looking into a kennel or boarding facility that does not require these vaccinations, then this should be a red flag and you should look elsewhere. A boarding facility that does not try to prevent its dogs from contracting kennel cough does not prioritize the health of its clients and is not a good choice for you and your pet. The same is true of any location intended to keep your pet for you along with other dogs.
Safety of Other Dogs
One of the biggest benefits of having your dog vaccinated is to protect other dogs. Since some puppies are too young to receive vaccinations and some older dogs have health problems that prevent them from being able to be safely vaccinated, it is important to create herd immunity for those dogs.
When you have your pet vaccinated, you are doing your part to help keep other dogs from contracting deadly illnesses. This helps prevent the spread of those illnesses as well. Having your dog vaccinated against these common ailments will not only keep your dog healthy and safe, but other dogs as well. You will be doing your part to eradicate these dog diseases.
Dog Vaccination Rules and Regulations
Finally, rules and regulations may mean you need to have your dog vaccinated regardless of any other conditions involved. For example, if you are trying to rent an apartment or home, your landlord will likely require you to have your dog’s vaccinations up-to-date before considering you as a potential tenant. If you are buying a home that is covered by a Homeowner’s Association, the HOA may also require up to date vaccinations for dogs who live in the community.
Depending on where you live, certain vaccinations may be required by law as well. For example, in the United States, rabies vaccinations are required for dogs. Other vaccinations may also be required by certain states, including areas where canine parainfluenza is extremely prevalent, or Lyme disease is common. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you more about the requirements in your area and should also give you information regarding registering your dog if necessary in your city.
Talk With Your Vet About Dog Vaccinations in Chicago, IL
As you can see, there are many reasons why you should have your dog vaccinated. These benefits far outweigh any slight risks that may exist, and in almost every situation, dogs are not at risk from their vaccines. Your vet will be able to give you more information about your dog’s specific needs and let you know if there are any vaccinations she can skip—or, conversely, if there are any she absolutely must have right away.
Be sure to call (312) 753-5551 and talk to your vet at South Loop Animal Hospital for more assistance in determining which dog vaccinations are right for your pet moving forward. Working with your vet is the best way to ensure you and your dog have a long, happy, healthy life together and that you protect other dogs from illness at the same time.
