It’s an unfortunate fact, but pets who are allowed to go outside on their own have a higher chance of accidental injury, illness, or loss. We do our part to ensure that cats who wander away from home or dogs kept on leash are protected against certain hazards. However, they aren’t the only ones who deserve preventive care. A strictly indoor pet can still stumble upon health risks – but not if we can help it!
All Pets
It’s a common falsehood that pets kept indoors don’t require a proactive approach to disease prevention. After all, they aren’t exposed to potential carriers for disease, right? Wrong. Disease can be transmitted to an indoor pet in a variety of ways, and we’re here to make sure the cycle stops at the front door.
Vaccinations for Indoor Pets
Texas law mandates that all cats and dogs be vaccinated against rabies by the time the animal is four months old. One year later, a booster should be given. There are one year and three year vaccines available. Sometimes, it makes sense to have the one year vaccination because it coincides with your pet’s annual routine wellness exam.
Protecting your indoor pet from a possible run-in with an infected animal (such as a raccoon or a bat that finds its way inside the home) is also a great way to safeguard your family from this dangerous disease.
Highly Contagious
An indoor pet can become a victim of contagious viruses via human shoes, clothing, and skin. For example, canine distemper doesn’t require dog-to-dog exposure but can survive on objects like shoes that pick up the virus in public areas. Since it’s not realistic to protect your pet from visitors entering your home or from occasional trips to the vet or groomer, it’s best to protect him or her with all the available core vaccinations.
Contingency Plans
Against our expectations, sometimes an indoor pet wanders outside. Protect your pet from exposure to sick animals, getting picked up by animal control, or from ending up in a crowded shelter until you’re able to find him or her. An unvaccinated pet can quickly fall victim to a number of harmful diseases.
Maintaining Boosters
Sometimes pets are exposed to illness before getting adopted. These illnesses can become latent, but unless your indoor pet receives annual boosters, they can be triggered by stress or anxiety.
Also, most kittens are dewormed early in life, but some intestinal parasites can emerge in adulthood and cause major problems. With an eye on prevention, your cat will be protected from this.
Not to Mention Parasites
Lastly, although your indoor pet isn’t likely to be found romping through a bug-infested field, he or she can be the target of mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks that find their way into your home on your very own clothing. Be sure to have your pet on a year round parasite preventive to ward off potential exposure to deadly diseases like Lyme or heartworm or allergic reaction to fleas.
An indoor pet still has primal instincts and may try to hunt insects or mice that enter the home. Tapeworms and other parasites can be passed from prey to predator when eaten.
Circle of Trust
We hope you’ll reach out to us with any questions or concerns. We can help you customize a vaccination plan for your pet’s individual needs and lifestyle that will help keep him or her safe.
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