While virtually everyone is familiar with the concept of vaccinations for humans, and many people get new vaccines every year, a lot less realize that there are such things as pet vaccines, and these are just as important for your beloved animal's health as they are for yours. If you have never had your pet vaccinated, or are unsure if they were vaccinated before you got them, then you might want to visit a vet that offers pet vaccinations to double-check. Here are a few reasons why pet vaccinations are so extremely vital to your pet's ongoing health.

Worldwide Vaccines Your Pet Must Have

Just like for humans, vaccines are often categorized into two different types for animals: worldwide and regional. Worldwide vaccines are important because they prevent diseases and viruses that have spread to every corner of the globe, such as canine distemper virus, feline herpesvirus, and both canine and feline parvovirus. These are the non-negotiable vaccines that your pet really must have to ensure a chance at a healthy life. Without them, they can be in extreme discomfort and potentially violent or angry towards you as their owner as well, so it is vital they have these important vaccines if nothing else.

Case By Case Basis

On the other hand, there are quite a few vaccines out there that exist to help treat diseases and viruses that only exist in certain pockets of the world. These diseases can still be deadly, but they may simply have not spread beyond the borders of your area, so your pet is not at risk for all of them. That is why visiting a local vet to ask them about pet vaccinations is so important, as they will have up-to-date information on what vaccines your pet specifically needs to ensure they are happy and healthy. 

How Do You Know If Your Pet Has Been Vaccinated?

If you aren't the first owner of your pet, or you got them from a breeder or pound and are simply unsure of whether or not they were vaccinated, then there is a simple solution: a titer test. These tests are conducted by your vet and test to see what vaccines your pet has or has not been vaccinated for. It is very easy to do and quite affordable, so there is no reason to not try and find out this important information that could save your pet's life in the future. 

For more information about pet vaccines, contact a local vet.