Why Vets LOVE Vaccines
I’ve been asked multiple times by numerous clients, “Does (my pet) really need that vaccine? Why do they need so many?”. There is a misunderstanding by some that vaccines do more harm than good or are not necessary. These groups think Doctors, Veterinarians, in particular, do them because we are money hungry and believe we are “over vaccinators”. I completely understand clients asking these questions, especially new pet owners. So, when I hear this question, I typically go into a spiel about what each vaccine is for, the prevalence of these diseases, what the diseases look like in a sick pet, why it is important, how the vaccine prevents disease, etc.
The truth? The truth is I don’t want to treat the disease! Plain and simple. If I was in this only for the money, I would be an “under vaccinator”, because you know what, vets would make a lot more money if we didn’t have vaccines. Several days or weeks of hospitalization to treat a puppy who contracted Parvovirus can cost thousands! The vaccine to prevent the disease costs $20-30.
The other real truth is I REALLY REALLY don’t want to see your pet sick. I can easily project my own feelings onto a pet and their family, I see my own heart pet in them. I don’t want to take your brand new puppy and best friend away from you for a week to hospitalize. I really don’t want to tell you your puppy is fighting for its life at 10 weeks old and no matter what I do, he/she may not survive. I don’t want to tell you that your dog has a disease that can not only kill your pet but also make every person in your home seriously ill. I don’t want to see your kitten contract a virus that leads to chronic respiratory infections for the rest of its life. If your cat contracts one of the several viruses that causes respiratory infections, there honestly isn’t much we can do. we will treat your little kitten with all the supportive care, medical knowledge, and resources available but once they have that virus, it’s not going anywhere.
Yes, their immune system will get better over time and defend off diseases like a champ but a vaccine is a leg up on the competition. It is the safest and most controlled way we can expose our pets to a pathogen so they can learn to fight against it on their own when they inevitably encounter it in real life. It’s like training for a boxing match before the big fight. The vaccine shows the body what it’s up against first, to practice and get ready, and then they’re much more prepared for the real fight.
I love vaccines because they keep pets healthy, including my own. Of course, there are ethics behind the use of vaccines. We don’t vaccinate a pet when it is already sick. Not every pet needs every vaccine and they should only be given necessary vaccines based on regional risk and lifestyle. Some pets have allergic reactions and this cannot be predicted. There are also vaccines that have come and gone over time and protocols are changed but it is 100% in the best interest of our furry family members. I will treat the disease if I have to and I will give it all I’ve got but I’d much rather prevent it. Vaccinate your pets!
Please consult your local veterinarian about which vaccines are appropriate (or required by law) for your pet.
