Why pets need their vaccinations
Published 7:00 am Friday, April 29, 2016
Just like with humans, pets should be vaccinated or receive shots on a regular basis.
There’s no doubt that vaccines have done great things for society.
From preventing polio to helping protect us from coming down with the flu, vaccines are essential.
The same is true with vaccines for pets. There are diseases and ailments that can cause your pet harm, such as rabies.
And rabies also dangerous to humans, not just in bites, but by being spread to humans as well.
The most important shots your pet can receive are those given when they are puppies or kittens.
After that, the schedule during which subsequent booster shots or other vaccinations should be administered will be addressed by your veterinarian.
For those who may not have the money for a veterinarian on a regular basis, they should take their pet to this Saturday’s shot clinic, to be held at Jack Read Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Other preventive measures will be offered as well, such as heartworm testing.
Since this type of infection is spread by mosquitos, prevention is key. And if an animal is determined to be infected with heartworms, treatment should start immediately.
For pets who may wander off, the event will offer microchipping services.
This procedure involves implanting a small microchip under the skin of the pet.
On the chip, information about the owner is recorded, so if the pet is lost it can be brought to the nearest shelter and scanned.
Microchips are better than tags because they cannot be easily removed.
Pearl River County’s SPCA is offering this service to help the community provide the proper care for their pets, especially those who may have limited income.
Be sure to thank them for all they do.