As dog owners, we all want what’s best for our four-legged friends so they can enjoy their lives to the fullest!
Keeping our dogs happy and healthy isn’t all about squeaky balls and tasty treats, though; it’s also about ensuring they’re up-to-date with their annual vaccinations.
In this guide, we explain the reasons why it’s so important to take your dog for their vaccines each year and what can happen if you delay or miss them entirely.
Just like humans, dogs can fall victim to various diseases. Annual vaccinations provide a strong defence against potentially life-threatening illnesses like rabies, parvovirus, leptospirosis, kennel cough, and distemper; all of which are highly contagious.
Vaccines equip your pup's immune system to recognise and fight off these diseases should they ever come into contact with them.
Annual vaccinations don't just protect your dog; they also help prevent the spread of diseases within the doggy community. Just like children need vaccinations to attend school or nursery safely, dogs need vaccinations to stay safe when at daycare or playing with other dogs in the park.
Unvaccinated dogs can carry infections and pass them on to others, spreading potentially fatal illnesses without even realising! By ensuring your furry friend is up-to-date with their shots, you're contributing to the overall health of other dogs in your local area.
Some owners think that getting their dogs vaccinated every year is an unnecessary expense, but it’s actually the opposite! While vaccinations do come at a cost, the bill will be a fraction of what it could cost you if your dog falls ill with a preventable disease.
Vet fees (including medications, overnight admissions, consultations, surgeries, and more) can all stack up astonishingly quickly, even if they’re just to treat one condition. In the longer term, prevention is always cheaper than cure, and annual vaccines play a vital role in keeping your dog healthy and your wallet happy.
We all want our dogs to live long, happy lives by our side. Regular vaccinations significantly increase their chances of doing just that. Vaccines help protect your pup from debilitating diseases that can drastically shorten their lifespan or worse. By investing in their annual shots, you're investing in more tail wags, belly rubs, and joyful moments together.
Moreover, keeping your dog healthy will save you a whole load of stress and heartache, too! No one likes to see loved ones (whether they’re two- or four-legged) in distress, so keeping your dog’s vaccinations up-to-date can give you the peace of mind you need to enjoy their company.
Many places have legal mandates for dog vaccinations, particularly rabies shots. These laws aren't just formalities, they're designed to safeguard public health and make dog ownership easier for all. Rabies, for example, can be transmitted from dogs to humans and is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear.
By complying with all relevant vaccine regulations and keeping your dog’s shots up-to-date, you're not only protecting your pet but also your wider community.
Remembering to take your dog for their annual vaccinations can be tricky, especially when life’s many other responsibilities get in the way! Here at MorePaws, we’re making it easier for dog owners to keep up-to-date with their pet’s vaccines by sending our users email reminders when they’re due.
Sign up to MorePaws, join our community of dog owners, and start making life easier for you and your dog!
Yes, absolutely! Getting your dog vaccinated protects them against potentially life-threatening illnesses and also ensures they don’t spread viruses amongst their furry friends whilst playing together. Also, keeping up with your dog’s vaccines will likely end up saving you money in the long run, as the vet bills to treat any conditions they pick up can be incredibly high.
If you delay getting your dog vaccinated, you may end up needing to restart the entire program from scratch. Each year, your vet will administer a booster shot of the vaccine to keep your dog protected. If you miss the due date for this, the booster dose may not be effective, and you’ll likely need to pay to restart the vaccination program as if they were a puppy. This is why it’s so important to act promptly when your dog’s vaccinations are due!