Vaccines
Why vaccinate a pet?
To protect him from serious, life-threatening, or severely disabling illnesses for which there is no treatment.
To protect humans from certain zoonotic diseases.
Allow travel outside of France.
Comply with regulatory requirements for dogs classified in specific categories.
Vaccination: What Is It?
A mother's first milk, called colostrum, is very rich in antibodies, which provides temporary protection against diseases against which the mother herself was immune. Over time, the young animal builds and strengthens its own immune system throughout its life, particularly in two types of situations:
1. When an animal gets sick: If it survives the illness, the antibodies retain a memory of the disease. If the animal encounters the same pathogen again, the immune response will be faster and more effective. This memory may be time-limited; antibodies have a limited lifespan.
2. The animal is vaccinated:This mimics an initial, harmless infection (though side effects are still possible). It allows the body to build up antibodies without the animal becoming ill. Booster shots stimulate the immune system to ensure it remains effective over time.
Vaccines:
Vaccines are not mandatory in France, but they are important for your health!
Dogs:
CHPPI: protects against distemper, parvovirus, Rubarth's hepatitis, and kennel cough (viral component)
L: leptospirosis
Leish: leishmaniasis
BB: kennel cough (bacterial form)
Dirofilariasis
Piro or Bab: piroplasmosis or babesiosis
Lyme or Borrelia: Lyme disease or borreliosis
Tetanus
A: rage
HV: Canine herpes
Cats:
CRP: panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus infection
FELV: feline leukemia
A: rage
Chlamydia: Chlamydial infection
Rabbits:
Myxo-RHD: myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD)
Pasteurellosis and Clostridiosis, which are primarily encountered in industrial livestock farming.
Ferrets:
Squares disease
Rage
Be careful if you're going on vacation outside France (not including the French overseas departments and territories): all countries require rabies vaccination. And of course, other vaccines, antiparasitics... Ask your vet for the right information.
Even if you're staying in France and taking a plane, train or boat, check with the company as well.
If you leave your pet in a boarding kennel, they may ask you for certain vaccinations, anti-parasite treatments...
Depending on where you're going, certain diseases may be more or less prevalent in the north or south. Ask your vet if you need to be vaccinated.
