Whether you’re a new or experienced pet owner, you may have asked yourself if your pet really needs to be vaccinated. The simple answer is YES. Vaccines protect dogs and cats against a number of potentially-fatal diseases, and in many states, certain pet vaccines—such as rabies—are required by law. Even if your pet is an indoor pet, they can still be at risk for certain health conditions if they ever come in contact with another animal.

Blue Door Veterinary Services’ very own Dr. Meridith Dawson and Teri Quesenberry had the privilege of being the vaccine clinic providers and pet first aid sponsors at the annual Portland Pet Expo in October. We believe preventative care and vaccinations are the first line against illness and disease, and we were excited to be able to help so many pets during the expo. Couldn’t make it to the expo? No problem! Just give us a call to schedule an appointment.

We recommend that all dogs and cats be evaluated and vaccinated according to their lifestyle and risk on a regular basis. For some pets, this is once a year, and for others, it can be more or less often. We base our vaccine recommendations and frequency on your pet’s age, breed, health, and lifestyle, which we can discuss during their next home visit.

How Do Vaccines Work?

 Just as with human vaccines, animal vaccines are designed to protect against diseases by “teaching” the immune system to fight the illness. The vaccine simulates the real disease in the body but without the full symptoms of the disease. This exposure activates the body’s immune system to produce antibodies, which equip the body to fight off the disease-causing organisms. As a result, if a vaccinated pet were to come in contact with the real illness, its immune system would be more prepared to combat it.

Some of the most common vaccines we recommend for dogs include Rabies (required by law), Bordetella (the kennel cough vaccine), Parvovirus, Distemper and Leptospirosis. For cats, the most common vaccines include Rabies, Herpesvirus 1, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia virus, and Leukemia virus (for outdoor cats).

Is Your Pet Due for Their Vaccinations?

If the answer is yes, or if you’re unsure, schedule an appointment by calling 503-819-8040…and for the month of November, your dog or cat can receive a FREE pedicure during the vaccination appointment. Call or book online at www.bluedoorvet.com today!