Warning from a veterinarian: Vaccines are essential even for pets that don't go outside!

You cannot save money on vaccines!

Vaccines are essential even for pets that don't go outside!

Low-income citizens, whose purchasing power has declined due to economic problems, are struggling to cover the vaccination costs of their pets. The rising costs of veterinary services, vaccines, and medications are putting pet parents in a difficult position. Warning that pet owners should not delay routine health care and should not try to save money on vaccines, Veterinarian Uğur Selin Çelikten draws attention to the importance of vaccination with these words: “The cats, dogs, birds, and other pets we keep in our homes are beloved members of our family. The importance we place on the health of our little friends is a fundamental requirement for them to lead long and happy lives. At this point, it is necessary to vaccinate them regardless of the season to protect their health. Even if pets do not come into contact with infectious diseases, they can be exposed to various potential dangers in the home environment. For example, parasites (such as worms, ticks, and fleas) can be transmitted even indoors.”

Reminding that many people who did not leave their homes during the pandemic still contracted COVID-19, Veterinarian Uğur Selin Çelikten stated that our little friends can become infested with parasites or contract diseases even if they have no contact with the outside world at all.

Emphasizing the importance of regular vaccinations regardless of the season, Çelikten warned pet owners:

“Vaccines administered to our beloved friends not only protect the animal's own health but also affect public health. We can carry a flea that jumps onto us while walking on the street even on our clothes into our homes. Cats entering the apartment building, birds coming to our balcony, someone else's pet in the building, or other animals in the garden can also be a source of danger for the beloved friends we care for at home. If fleas settle in your home, it is not enough to just apply drops to your little friend to get rid of them; you also need to have the house sprayed multiple times. And at this point, the problem is no longer just fleas; infections such as blood parasites carried by fleas are also important for your little friend's health. Thanks to vaccines, you can also prevent internal parasites that could be transmitted from your little friend to you.” 

VACCINES SAVE LIVES

“Apart from parasitic diseases, there are also viral infections. While you could protect them from these with a vaccination that takes 5 minutes, if you do not vaccinate them, you could even cause your little friend's death if they catch one of these diseases. There are vital diseases such as feline panleukopenia (cat distemper) and Calicivirus for cats, and canine parvovirus (bloody diarrhea) and distemper for dogs. Regardless of whether it is summer or winter, and whether they go outside or have no contact with the outside at all, getting your little friend's vaccines done protects both them and you. Furthermore, many health problems that your veterinarian might notice during the examination while vaccinating can be diagnosed early. Let's not neglect our regular vaccinations and check-ups for our furry friends.”

HAPPY PET, HAPPY HOME

“Regular vaccinations for pets ensure they lead a healthy and comfortable life. Animals protected from diseases can be more energetic, happy, and full of life. The importance of vaccination in pets is an issue that affects not only animal health but also human health. Therefore, pet owners should take their pets for regular veterinary check-ups and have the necessary vaccinations done. It should not be forgotten that a healthy pet forms the foundation of a happy home life.” 

Providing information about the side effects that may be seen after vaccination in cats, Uğur Selin Çelikten continued his words as follows:

“Especially in cats, lethargy and sleepiness can occur after vaccination. Injection sites may rarely be painful, just as in humans. In cases of regional swelling, you may need to consult your veterinarian and apply massage with or without special gels. Very rarely seen vaccine allergies manifest themselves with symptoms such as swelling in the facial area, redness, persistent itching, and coughing. If you encounter these reactions, you should quickly apply to a veterinary clinic. If your little friend has a history of vaccine allergies, waiting at the veterinary clinic for a while after the vaccination procedures will be good for your furry friend's health.”