QUINCY, Mass., June 3, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willard Veterinary Clinic is working to raise awareness about the importance of routine pet vaccinations. Routine vaccinations not only protect pets against serious illness, but also prevent the spread of communicable diseases between pets and their owners. According to the South Shore veterinary team, diseases like Giardia and Leptospirosis can be spread between pets and humans. Regular immunizations can prevent the spread of these diseases, keeping pets and their owners healthy.
Quincy veterinarian Dr. Meg Connelly is urging South Shore pet owners to vaccinate their pets against infectious and easily communicable disease. Together with animal clinic veterinarians Dr. Sarah Lentini and Dr. Jesse McVicker, Dr. Connelly has launched a vaccination awareness campaign targeting the Greater Boston area, including Dorchester and Milton.
"Pets can easily contract Giardia and Leptospirosis from standing water or damp grass," said Dr. Connelly. "Many dogs love swimming in water, sniffing around in the mud or rolling in the wet grass. Unfortunately, without immunization protection, these pets are at risk for contracting a serious or even fatal illness that can easily be spread to humans."
Williard Veterinary Clinic provides routine vaccinations for dogs and cats, including the new puppy and new kitten shot series. Canine vaccinations include Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, Coronavirus and Bordetella, also known as Kennel Cough. Feline vaccinations include Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, Chlamydia and Feline Leukemia.
The animal clinic's veterinary care team emphasized that Quincy pet vaccinations do more than just protect pets.
"Vaccine protocols also keep humans safe and protected against communicable disease," said Dr. Lentini. "While the importance of rabies vaccination is well known, many pet owners do not realize that other diseases can also be spread between pets and their owners."
According to the animal clinic, leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that occurs when a dog comes in contact with the bacteria in moist environments, like contaminated water in streams or lakes. Many wild animals, including skunks, foxes, and raccoons, can carry the bacteria without getting sick. If a pet is not vaccinated against this illness, the pet may also spread it to other humans. While pet meds can treat the illness if caught early, the veterinary care team cautioned that treatment can be expensive.
"Vaccinations are the best gift that a pet owner can give his or her pet and family," said Dr. McVicker. "An essential part of pet wellness care, immunizations cost very little, and may not only save your pet from an expensive trip to the emergency veterinarian, but they may even end up saving your pet's life."
The South Shore veterinary team is encouraging pet owners to not only vaccinate their pets, but also to keep these vaccinations up to date.
Pet owners with questions about standard canine and feline immunization protocols, including the safety of these vaccinations, may contact the pet veterinary clinic for more information.