Vaccines have been saving lives for hundreds of years! They were invented in the late 1700’s to help solve a problem: contagious diseases. Contagious diseases spread from one animal to another – and very easily. Some can even be passed through inanimate objects, like a dog bowl or chew toy. And often, pets are contagious before we even see any symptoms.

The immune system

Thankfully, all cats and dogs have an immune system! Think of an immune system like the body’s very own military defense team. When a virus or bacteria invades, the body uses “soldiers”, called antibodies, to fight off the invader.

So, how do vaccines help? Just like with real soldiers, the immune system needs training. It all starts when their mother’s body sends experienced antibodies directly to

the puppy or kitten through their milk. But these antibodies only last a few weeks. This is where the vaccine comes in.

By giving them a tiny sample of a virus or bacteria in a vaccine, the dog or cat’s immune system is put into action! Immediately, the defense forces are alerted, organized, and sent out to investigate. When the antibodies realize that a threat has entered the body, they are intent on destroying it. This is when the antibodies learn and remember. The next time this organism invades, the body knows exactly what to do, and faster. The vaccine has successfully trained the antibodies.

Can your pet still get sick?

Yes. No vaccine, or medication for that matter, has a 100% guarantee of success. The pet’s immune system might not react as thoroughly as we expect, or the pet could be exposed to a sickness that the vaccine does not prevent. The good news is that a vaccinated pet will have far fewer and less intense symptoms than an unvaccinated pet!

Why do we need to give vaccines more than once?

Multiple vaccinations are needed since the ‘experienced’ antibodies do not live forever. Young antibodies come into circulation and need to be trained to fight against the same viruses. And the types of vaccines your pet needs are dependent on the areas you live in or travel to.

So the next time you consider whether to vaccinate your furry friend or not, remember – leaving them unvaccinated is like a military without soldiers: defenseless.

Source material:

https://www.who.int/news-room/spotlight/history-of-vaccination/a-brief-history-of-

vaccination

https://www.technologynetworks.com/immunology/articles/antigen-vs-antibody-what-

are-the-differences-293550

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/currentprodcodebook.pdf

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=6726102

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951406