HEALTH DEPARTMENT REMINDS RESIDENTS TO VACCINATE THEIR PETS AND KEEP THEM SAFE FROM DISTEMPER, RABIES & OTHER HARMFUL DISEASES

HEALTH DEPARTMENT REMINDS RESIDENTS TO VACCINATE THEIR PETS AND KEEP THEM SAFE FROM DISTEMPER, RABIES & OTHER HARMFUL DISEASES

The Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) wants to remind residents that vaccinating their precious furry friends can save their pets lives from many deadly diseases such as canine distemper and rabies. “We have recently seen an increase in canine distemper cases in raccoons here in Ocean County so now is a good time to urge all cat and dog owners to vaccinate their pets with age appropriate vaccines as recommended by their veterinarian, said Ocean County Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little, Liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health.

Pet vaccines exist to prevent your pet from falling ill. They provide immunity from a range of infectious diseases that can affect both humans and animals. Daniel Regenye, OCHD Public Health Coordinator reminds us, “Living in Ocean County, many of us share our surroundings with wildlife. Sometimes animals such as raccoons, skunks and opossum may have an unexpected encounter with a family pet so it’s best to be protected from any of the diseases those animals may potentially be carrying. And you can never forget that rabies can be passed on from animals to humans so keeping vaccinations up-to-date is crucial in maintaining not only your pets health, but your own.”

Tips to keep your pets safe from wildlife:

Keep your dogs on a leash while on walks or at the park

Keep your cats indoors

Do not catch or remove wildlife form their homes

Don’t feed wildlife on your property and don’t feed your pets outside