Do senior pets still need vaccines?
A lot of things change as our pets age. They transition to senior food, often spend more time at home, and probably catch more zzz’s than zoomies. And one of the most common questions we’re asked about aging pets is if they still need vaccines.
As pets age, changes in immune function and the development of chronic conditions can affect their ability to fight infection, which can make some of our senior pets more vulnerable to illness. This makes staying current on recommended vaccines especially important. Because when our senior pets do become sick, their risk for complications and prolonged recovery can be much higher.
In Hampton Roads, even mostly indoor pets can be exposed to disease. The risk for exposure, while lessened, persists through contact with other pets, grooming, boarding, wildlife, and even things we accidentally track inside.
While senior pets still need vaccines, the specific vaccines they need and how often they receive them can be tailored to their individual health, lifestyle, and exposure risk.
As our pets age, they may experience:
- Changes in immune function
- The development of chronic conditions
- A potentially greater risk of complications from illness
- Changes to lifestyle and exposure risk
Caring for a senior pet isn’t one-size-fits-all. You can work with your veterinarian to balance your pet’s health, lifestyle, and potential exposure risks to create an individualized preventive care plan.
Have questions about senior pet care? Schedule a consultation today by booking online or giving us a call at 757-956-1110.