It is not hard to love your pet, whether it is a dog, cat, or some other character from the animal world. Pets keep you company, never really disagree with you, and always look cute, and if you are lucky, they will cuddle next to you on the days you need it most. For these reasons and many more, it is important to watch out for the health and welfare of your favorite animal or animals. This includes taking them to the vet for regular checkups and making sure your animals have the immunization protection they need.

At Pet Hospitals of Hawaii, we know how important a pet's health is for the animal and for its owner. A well-cared-for dog or cat or tarantula is more likely to be active and to do the things that make it so endearing. You will be able to tell from its actions that it feels good and enjoys playing with a ball or just staring dreamily out the window thinking profound thoughts. Proper veterinarian attention will lead to a better quality of life for your pet and for you. To make sure your pet is in the best health, it needs dental care, vaccinations, a healthy diet, exercise and even skin care.

Get Immunization for Your Pet's Health

A number of vaccinations are vital to the health of your pet. A few, mainly the rabies vaccine, may be legally required for certain types of animals. Many of these are known as core vaccines, which means all animal of a specific species should have them. Here are some of the most important immunizations for dogs:

•       Canine parvovirus

•       Distemper

•       Rabies

•       Canine hepatitis

Cats also have a few core vaccines. Here is a short list:

•       Feline distemper or panleukopenia

•       Feline herpesvirus Type 1 or rhinotracheitis

•       Feline calicivirus

•       Rabies

It is always wise to consult with your trusted veterinarian about which immunizations your pet should get and when. We can also alert you to any risks associated with the vaccines. In most cases, your pet will experience nothing more than mild discomfort at the injection site and perhaps a small fever. Occasionally, side effects involve other reactions that could require attention by our vets. Overall, though, vaccines save lives and help eliminate serious infectious diseases.

As for non-core vaccines, it is important to talk with your vet if your animal is at high risk for other potential diseases. Some common non-core vaccines for dogs include Borrelia burgdorferi, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and Leptospira bacteria. For cats, non-core vaccines are given depending on the animal's lifestyle and include vaccines for feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukemia virus, Chlamydophila felis and Bordetella.

Do It for Immunization Awareness Month

There are many opportunities to get your cat or dog immunized. Mostly, it will be on the recommendation of your veterinarian. At Pet Hospitals of Hawaii, we keep a record of your animal's needs and will alert you of the optimal time to get your animal taken care of. If you need an extra incentive or a reminder, August is National Pet Immunization Awareness Month. This is a great time to call our offices and make sure your dog or cat is current with vaccinations. Most vaccinations need to be repeated every year or every three years.

In addition to pet immunization awareness, a number of other days or months celebrate certain aspects of pet ownership. Here is a sample of some you might not be aware of:

•       National Bat Appreciation Day (April 17)

•       National Hairball Awareness Day (last Friday in April)

•       World Turtle Day (May 23)

•       Hug Your Cat Day (June 4)

•       National Mutt Day (July 31)

•       World Rabies Day (September 28)

While many of these pet holidays are designed for a little fun and recognition, several also point out important reminders for pet owners to consider the health of their furry or feathered roommates. With so much going on in people's lives, a few timely reminders can only help.

Do It for Your Peace of Mind 

As a responsible pet owner, you want to be sure that you are doing all you can to improve the quality of life of your pet. Immunizations are an important step in accomplishing this goal. They also keep those around you safe from harm, especially when it comes to the rabies vaccine. Most states require proof of a rabies vaccine for your dog or cat, and you could be fined for failure to vaccinate against rabies. Laws in each state differ, but most states require a rabies vaccine either every year or every three years.

Like humans, dogs, cats, and other pets are susceptible to a number of diseases. When your pet feels ill or is lethargic or worse has symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, you cannot help worrying or empathize with its condition. A healthy program of appropriate vaccinations will likely lead to more healthy days for your four-legged friend. It will also help you sleep better at night knowing you have done everything you could to help your pet enjoy its days, whether that is chasing the tennis ball or finding an unusual spot to watch the world go by.

Do It Soon

If you believe your pet is in need of an immunization, contact us soon at Pet Hospitals of Hawaii and schedule an appointment. We have three locations: Wahiawa Pet Hospital, Waipahu Waikele Pet Hospital, and Makai Pet Hospital. We care for your pets as though they were our own.

We treat a variety of different animals, from the feathered to the furry and from the familiar to the exotic. Our experienced staff performs a multitude of services, including wellness exams and immunizations, dentistry, dermatology, surgery, ultrasonography, alternative medicine and more. Our top concern is the health of your pet.