Pet Vaccinations in Fishers: Facts vs. Fiction

Having your dog or cat vaccinated is one of the best ways to prevent illness and ensure their long-term health. Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths circulating that, sometimes, prevent loving pet parents from doing what’s right for their furry friends. At PetVet Animal Hospital, we believe that vaccines are crucial components of wellness care and would like to debunk some of the most common myths about pet vaccinations in Fishers. Keep reading to learn the truth regarding some of the most common myths. 

Fact: Pets Should Be Vaccinated Even if They Stay Inside

A common misconception is that indoor pets do not need to be vaccinated - especially indoor cats. The truth, though, is that all pets should receive core vaccines regardless of whether they spend time outdoors. Your veterinarian can help you determine which non-core vaccines your pet should receive based on several factors, including whether they go outside or spend time with other pets. 

Fact: Vaccines Do Not Cause Illness

In some cases, puppies get parvovirus after receiving the parvo vaccine. This has, naturally, lead to the myth that vaccines can cause the illness. In reality, this simply is not true. Young pets are highly susceptible to illness. They are protected to some degree by antibodies from their mother. Unfortunately, these antibodies can also lower the efficacy of vaccines and allow your pet to contract an illness even after being vaccinated. This is why puppies and kittens receive vaccines several times over the first few months of the lives. Vaccinating in a series helps keep them protected. 

Fact: Pet Vaccinations in Fishers are Generally Safe

Over the last several decades, pet vaccinations have saved millions of lives. They are highly effective in preventing several serious illnesses, and the risk of serious side effects is extremely small. While there always is some degree of risk, the vast majority of patients do not experience anything worse than minor temporary side effects, like slight swelling at the injection site or mild diarrhea/vomiting. 

At PetVet Animal Hospital, we strongly recommend having your pet vaccinated. Doing so protects them against a wide range of preventable illnesses and helps protect your community. To schedule an appointment for pet vaccinations in Fishers, contact us today!