All about your Pet’s Vaccinations

We at Al Barsha Veterinary Clinic would like to make sure that we have together with you, protect your pet and educate you, as a pet owner, about the why and hows. Learn all about the vaccinations your pet needs.

If you are a new pet owner, you may not be aware of how vaccines work to protect pets. In a simplified explanation, the vaccine introduces a small, made harmless piece/strain or look-a-like strain of the disease to your pet’s immune system. In response, the immune system will develop antibodies to the particular infection. These antibodies will circulate in your Pet’s body for a certain amount of time,  so if your pet encounters the same disease later in life, his/her immune system is now prepared to recognize, fight and expel the disease. Different infectious agents call for different exposure to build up antibodies, hence combined, or multiple vaccinations are given. Antibody build-up will last for a certain amount of time. This period can be prolonged using specific carrier agents of the vaccine. However, all will need an initial booster vaccination to ensure high enough antibody levels are reached to start from and will require a regular repetition (yearly, 2 yearly or 3 yearly most of the time) to regain immunity

Will the Shot Hurt My Pet? Are There Any Side Effects?

Most of the pet vaccines are given subcutaneously (under the skin) and in general, they are painless. Mild vaccinal reactions such as low-grade fever, pain, swelling, redness, and irritation can sometimes be seen/experienced. Most of these side effects occur within 30 minutes to 1 week of the vaccination. If you think your pet needs veterinary attention after receiving a vaccination, please contact us directly by phone (emergencies) or via email (nonurgent problems).

What Vaccines Does My Pet Need?

All pets should receive “core” vaccines. Core vaccinations are vaccines against the most common, dangerous, and contagious diseases. Not all are in the interest of your pet only, Rabies is e.g., important for human health matters as well and therefore mandatory in most countries.

Non-core vaccines such as:

• Bordetella (kennel cough (KC) for dogs) is essential but not necessary, unless your dog attends dog daycare, goes to a boarding facility, or attends training classes.
• Leukemia vaccines for cats are usually only given if the cat was previously living outdoors, rescued, or for cats who live indoors and outdoors.

Core Vaccines for Dogs:

• DAPPL (DHPPL) – Vaccines against, Distemper, Hepatitis (Adenovirus), Parvo-viruses, Parainfluenza, and Leptospirosis.

Core Vaccines for Cats:

• FVRCP (TRICAT) – Vaccines against, Panleukopenia, Herpesvirus, Calicivirus.
• RABIES vaccination should be given to both cats and dogs. In Dubai, Rabies vaccination is mandatory and required to be given yearly.

Do you have further questions about vaccinations? Are you ready to have your pet vaccinated?

CONTACT US TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Email frontdesk@abvc.ae
Call 04-3408601
WhatsApp 050-3440987