Due to the stressors of life, it can be easy to forget to take pets to the vet for yearly vaccinations. Keeping a pet up to date on vaccinations may seem unimportant, or even unnecessary for some – especially if that pet is old or lives indoors. However, keeping a pet vaccinated every year is an important part of providing that animal with a healthy, happy life.

On April 21, the Pearl River County SPCA will hold its annual wellness clinic at Jack Read Park in Picayune. This clinic will provide pet owners with the opportunity to vaccinate their cats or dogs at a low cost.

Vaccinations help animals in a variety of ways.

According to the Animal Health Institute’s website, “Vaccinating animals reduces animal suffering, reduces the transmission of microorganisms in the animal population and is often more affordable than paying for the treatment of sick animals.”

Vaccines are necessary for every cat and dog – whether they are an inside or outside pet. Despite common belief, keeping an animal indoors does not provide adequate protection. Take heartworms, for instance. Heartworms are transmitted via mosquitoes. Heartworm larvae attach themselves to a mosquito when an animal is bitten, and cling to the insect until they are carried to a new host. Because mosquitoes are so common – especially in the warm, wet region of Pearl River County – any animal is at risk of contracting heartworms.

As medicine has advanced over the years, vaccinations have become cheaper and easier to access. The American Veterinary Medical Foundation states on its website, “Widespread use of vaccinations within the last century has prevented death and disease in millions of animals.” While some vaccinations have the potential to protect animals for more than a year, it is important to speak to your veterinarian to determine how often a pet needs. to be vaccinated.