The Importance of Immunizations

By Jenny Anderson

Special to Today’s News-Herald

Vaccinations are an important part of our companion animal’s health.   Some of the most commonly recommended immunizations include rabies, bordetella, and DAPP (a combination vaccine for distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and parvovirus).  There will be a rabies clinic co-sponsored by the Western Arizona Humane Society and the Lake Havasu City Police Dept. on Saturday January 17, 1014.  This clinic will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 1100 a.m. at the Aquatic Center 100 Park Ave. Lake Havasu City, AZ   There will be one vaccinaton offered: Rabies $15.  Each vaccine is administered subcutaneously (just below the skin).   Dog licenses will also be available at that time.  All dogs must be leashed and cats should be in carriers. CASH ONLY Please.

• The Rabies vaccine is required by state and local ordinance and needs to be administered by a veterinarian before a dog license can be issued.  All dogs residing within city limits must register dogs with the local police dept.  Residents living in the county, but outside Lake Havasu City limits, register with the Mohave County Sheriff’s office.  Rabies is a fatal virus found in the saliva of mammals throughout the world and is generally caused by a bite from an infected animal.  The most common carriers of the rabies virus in this country are bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes. Rabies is preventable with the use of the readily available vaccine, but once symptoms appear it is always fatal. Cats should also be vaccinated and kept indoors to avoid contact with these wild animals.

The vaccinations provided offer protection as long as dogs receive boosters on a regular, recommended schedule.  This preventative step is invaluable in protecting the health of your companion animal because so much disease can be avoided with a simple vaccine. If you’re unable to attend this low-cost clinic, the vaccines are always available through your personal veterinarian.

The Western Arizona Humane Society is open Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., with kennel hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 855-5083 for details. For found or lost pets, call 855-4111. View animals found at www.lhcpd.com.