Dogs, like cats, acquire their initial immune system via breast milk in the first hours of life. This special milk, called “colostrum”, contains molecules (“maternal antibodies”) developed by the mother as a result of her vaccinations and disease exposures. Maternal … [Read more...]

International veterinary panel recommendations distinguish between core and non-core vaccines. The former are recommended for all pets, the latter are recommended only under certain circumstances. Vaccinations are considered core when the disease is life-threatening, if no … [Read more...]

Vaccines stimulate your pet’s immune system in an effort to reduce the risk and/or severity of an infectious disease. This is accomplished by giving a modified, nondisease-causing version of the organism. Vaccines usually guard against viruses such as rabies, parvo and … [Read more...]

Broadly, a vaccine is a modified version of a disease-causing organism intended to stimulate the body’s natural immune system to reduce the risk and/or severity of disease in the future. Most often, vaccines guard against viruses, which cannot be cured by any medications … [Read more...]

Reactions to routine vaccinations for dogs and cats can prevent themselves in varying severity. Mild-Moderate Adverse Vaccine Reactions in Dogs and Cats Vaccination involves the intentional stimulation of your pet’s immune system, and unintended consequences infrequently … [Read more...]