4 Dangers Of Not Vaccinating Your Pet

Pet vaccination is a crucial part of preventive healthcare for your four-legged friend. Vaccinations offer cost-effective ways to enhance your pet's lifespan, health, and quality of life. If you don't vaccinate your pet, you put your pet in one or all of the risks discussed below.

1. Lower Quality of Life

Vaccination failure exposes your pet to various illnesses. For example, unvaccinated dogs are prone to rabies, hepatitis, canine influenza, Lyme disease, and kennel cough. On the other hand, unvaccinated cats may acquire feline distemper, chlamydia, calicivirus, feline leukemia, etc.

Pets can survive illnesses but suffer lifelong effects. For example, puppies and kittens usually experience poor development or an inability to thrive. Also, pets with a history of chronic diseases tend to be more vulnerable to illnesses. Conversely, vaccinated pets enjoy robust health and resilience against diseases.

2. Weaker Immunity

Vaccinated dogs and cats give birth to puppies and kittens with natural protection against infections. However, the immunity lasts 10-15 days in puppies, after which your pet becomes open to infections you can prevent through vaccination.

Pet vaccination shots contain inactivated viruses. After pet vaccination, your four-legged friend's immune system develops antibodies without the threat of an illness. Therefore, the pet's immunity recognizes and responds to the pathogens upon exposure.

3. Higher Disease Contraction and Transmission

Pets are vulnerable to various naturally occurring transmittable pathogens. Pet vaccination is the ideal way to prevent illnesses caused by natural pathogens. Failure to vaccinate your pets also puts other pets that interact with your four-legged friend at risk of infections. In addition, you may have to provide proof of vaccination whenever you take your pet to a care center.

Your pets can also transmit zoonotic illnesses such as rabies and leptospirosis, some of which are catastrophic. For instance, rabies is 100% fatal once the signs appear. However, with pet vaccination, the risk of widespread human outbreaks declines. As a result, you protect your household, especially in cases where your pet spends time with children or the elderly. 

4. Higher Legal Consequences Risk

If the benefits of pet vaccination don't push you to vaccinate your pet, maybe the law will. Dog vaccinations are mandatory in most state regulations. Also, your pet needs core vaccines based on your geographical location. Therefore, ask your local veterinary clinic about the required vaccinations.

Failure to vaccinate your pet according to your state's laws could attract fines and penalties. For instance, if your unvaccinated dog bites or scratches someone, you may be liable for the associated medical bills.

The diseases against which your pet gets vaccinated can be fatal. Even if death isn't a consequence, your pet can experience extreme pain and suffering. Also, humans can be victims of zoonotic diseases. Therefore, opt for pet vaccination the earliest you can to prevent the above risks.


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