VACCINES... DO OR DON'T
Pet vaccines work by introducing a harmless version of a virus or bacteria (antigens) to train your pet's immune system, prompting it to create antibodies without causing illness. This "practice run" teaches the body to recognize and quickly fight off the actual, full-strength disease if encountered later, preventing severe illness or even infection.
How the Immune System Responds
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Exposure: The vaccine introduces weakened, killed, or partial germs (antigens) into the pet's system.
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Recognition: The immune system identifies these as foreign invaders and begins producing protective antibodies, much like it would for a real infection.
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Memory: Once the threat is gone, memory cells remain, holding the "blueprint" for that specific pathogen.
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Rapid Response: If the pet is exposed to the actual disease, these memory cells trigger an immediate and strong immune response, neutralizing the threat before it can cause serious illness.
🐶🐱 Vaccines Save Lives
A Message from Four Legs and Fur
At Four Legs and Fur, we believe prevention is one of the most important ways to protect the animals we serve. Vaccinations help dogs and cats fight off serious—and often fatal—diseases by strengthening their immune systems.
✅ Core Vaccines (Essential for All Pets)
These vaccines protect against highly contagious and deadly illnesses:
Dogs: Cats:
• Rabies • Rabies
• Distemper • Panleukopenia
• Parvovirus • Herpesvirus
• Calicivirus
➕ Non-Core Vaccines
Some vaccines, such as Bordetella or Lyme disease, may be recommended based on a pet’s:
• Age
• Lifestyle
• Environment
• Exposure risk
Not every pet needs every vaccine, which is why individualized care is so important.
💉 Vaccination Schedules Matter
Puppies and kittens require a series of initial vaccines to build proper immunity. After the first year, booster shots are typically needed every 1–3 years, depending on the vaccine and your veterinarian’s recommendation.
🐾 Every pet is unique. We strongly encourage working with a veterinarian to develop a vaccination plan tailored to your pet’s specific needs.
By keeping pets vaccinated, we help ensure healthier animals, stronger communities, and fewer lives lost to preventable disease.
💙 Thank you for helping Four Legs and Fur protect the animals of Hickory County.
Side Effects.What are the side effects of pet vaccines?
What is considered NORMAL after vaccination?
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Soreness at the injection site.
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Mild fever (shivering/ trembling)
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Lethargy or reduced appetite.
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Reluctance to play, reduced activity.
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Sneezing/ reverse sneezing after a nasal vaccine.
Serious & Rare Side Effects (Requires Immediate Vet Care)
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Anaphylaxis: A severe allergic reaction, often appearing soon after vaccination.
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Facial Swelling: Puffy face, muzzle, or around the eyes.
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Hives: Bumpy, itchy skin.
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Breathing Difficulty: Severe coughing or shortness of breath.
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Vomiting/Diarrhea: Persistent or severe.
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Collapse: Weakness or sudden collapse.
Serious side effects from vaccines are rare, while the protection they provide can save lives.
The benefits of vaccinating your pet far outweigh the risks.
💙 Thank you for helping Four Legs and Fur protect the animals of Hickory County.