Every pet owner wants the best for their pet, no matter what breed they are. Whether you have a common pet like a cat or a dog, or an exotic pet like a ferret or a chameleon, getting your pet properly vaccinated at an exotic animal vet is the best way to protect them and ensure they stay healthy.
Most Common Vaccinations for Exotic Animals
One of the first questions exotic pet owners ask is what vaccinations are most common for their exotic pet. Of course, because every animal is different, the answers will vary based on what kind of pet you have, where you bought them, and their age.
In summary, there are several vaccinations that are highly recommended and given, regardless of the type of your pet:
Rabies
It is generally assumed that exotic pets have a higher risk of rabies, so rabies vaccinations are highly recommended. Like cats and dogs, there are rabies vaccines available for ferrets. All outdoor primates must be vaccinated. Other species we vaccinate against rabies include skunks, coatimundis, foxes, and raccoons.
Distemper
Distemper disease usually occurs in carnivorous pets. It is caused by paramyxovirus (RNA virus). Even if it is safe and in your home, there is a risk that they will catch it. Certain exotic pets have a higher chance of catching it, such as black-footed ferrets, red pandas, and foxes.
Pet ferrets receive a specific distemper vaccine made for them. For pets that get this disease, it is, unfortunately, almost always fatal.
Tetanus
As with humans, it is recommended that your exotic primates and pigs get regular tetanus shots. The initial vaccination requires three doses, and after that, your pet should get a booster once a year or every five years, depending on the species.
Parvoviruses
Parvoviruses such as panleukopenia, canine parvovirus, and raccoon parvovirus can be fatal to any pet that gets it, so vaccinations are highly recommended.
Vaccinating your pet against these diseases will reduce the chance of them getting them, but most vaccinations are designed for common pets and may not be as effective for an exotic animal. That doesn’t mean these vaccinations won’t help protect your pet, although they are still highly recommended.
How Do I Know Which Immunizations Are Necessary?
In general, if your pet is at risk for a particular disease and there is a vaccination against it, it is worth it. When you’re looking at which vaccinations are available for your pet, there are a few things to keep in mind that will help you determine if a vaccination is needed:
- How contagious the disease is
- How severe the disease is, if your pet catches it
- The vaccination success rate
- The risk of adverse effects that vaccination may have
It can be difficult to find a veterinary clinic that offers the necessary vaccinations for your exotic pet, so if your clinic offers certain vaccines, it is almost always recommended that you give them to your pet. animal Even if you don’t think the risk of your pet contracting the disease is very high, it can only protect them and help put your mind at ease.
Get Your Exotic Pet Vaccinated by Exotic Animal Hospital of Orlando
Every pet deserves to live a happy and healthy life, and vaccinations ensure this. It is very important to find a unique vet that you trust and feel confident about which vaccinations to give your pet, so take the time to research before making your decision.
If there are certain vaccinations you know you want your pet to have, don’t hesitate to contact us. Being well informed is the best way to make sure your pet gets the care it deserves.
