VEN announces - National Immunization Awareness Month - It's a matter of life or death for your pets

DALLAS - Aug. 5, 2013 - PRLog -- Veterinary Education Network (VEN) Announces August is

National Immunization Awareness Month

August, 4, 2013, Dallas, TX - August is National Immunization Awareness Month. This observance offers the opportunity to remind the community of the importance of immunization. Immunization is one of modern medicine's most significant public health achievements. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tens of thousands of people in the United States still die from vaccine-preventable diseases every year. Numerous animals also succumb to vaccine-preventable diseases. Make sure that your family, including your pets, is up-to-date on their immunizations.

Giving your regular vaccination is the secret to a healthy dog's life. Immunizations will keep your pet healthy and strong by protecting and preventing awful diseases like, Rabies, infectious Hepatitis, Canine Distemper, Canine Parvovirus, and Corona Virus from affecting your dog. These diseases are capable of paralyzing the nervous system of a dog, most are lethal and if the rabies disease is not treated it can be transferred to human beings through saliva. Rabies is a highly fatal disease in human beings. Dogs have been receiving these vaccines for years and this has lead to a decline in the total number of canine infectious cases.

As stipulated by the National Health Department, keeping your dog’s vaccinations current is one of the necessary responsibilities of a dog guardian. After receiving the initial series of vaccinations for puppies or older dogs with unknown vaccination history, revaccination is recommended every 3 years thereafter. Too much vaccination leads to suppression of the immune system and can lead to serious health problems so only inoculate for diseases that are prevalent in your geographical area. Keep vaccination records and schedule regular wellness checks with your family veterinarian who can help monitor your individual dog’s needs.

Immunizations also apply to cats as well. Every cat, regardless of whether he or she lives indoors at all times, should be vaccinated based upon guidelines recommended by the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Kittens should be vaccinated as early as six to eight weeks of age with what veterinarians call core vaccinations that are given in a series:


Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV), a.k.a., Distemper is a potentially fatal virus in young cats. FPV causes vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, fever and/or sudden death. Kittens born to mothers with FPV can suffer permanent brain damage if they survive.
Feline Viral Respiratory Disease Complex (FVRDC), a.k.a., Feline Herpes Virus and Calicivirus; Rhinotracheitis affects a cat’s airways, causing runny eyes and nose, sneezing, ulcers in the mouth, trouble eating and possible blindness. It is spread very easily from cat-to-cat. While the vaccine doesn’t prevent infection, it has been showed to reduce the severity of the disease.


Rabies: Signs of rabies are different in each animal, but the disease is almost always fatal and can be spread from animal to animal and to humans. Rabies cases are on the rise in indoor cats in the United States and some localities and states mandate that all cats be vaccinated against rabies. Rabies vaccinations may be given annually or once every three years.

·         Generally, a series of four FVRCP injections (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis Calicivirus Panleukopenia) is given beginning at the age of six to eight weeks, three weeks apart with an annual FVRCP vaccination given annually thereafter. Some veterinarians may recommend non-core vaccinations, such as Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).

Medical needs for cats over the age of six are different from their younger friends; therefore, many veterinarians recommend cats over six years of age have two medical checkups per year screen for and catch many common problems early. Cats of that age are susceptible to diabetes, renal (kidney) failure, arthritis and joint problems, thyroid problems, dental diseases and/or hearing and vision issues. Many problems older cats develop as they age may be managed if caught early and treated.

Cats are living longer due to advances in technology, improved medical treatments and greater awareness in the pet-loving community.

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VEN's mission is dedicated to helping DVM's achieve their professional goals while improving the quality of life for people, the planet and pets through quality education and industry.   Go to www.VeterinaryEducationNetwork.com for more information.

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