CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — As families prepare for back-to-school season and the arrival of fall, local veterinarians are reminding pet owners not to forget about the health of their four-legged family members.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) , a campaign traditionally focused on the importance of vaccines for people of all ages. This year, local experts are encouraging families to extend that awareness to pets, who also rely on timely vaccinations to prevent serious and sometimes life-threatening illnesses.

Core vaccines such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and feline panleukopenia are recommended for all pets, while non-core vaccines — including Bordetella, leptospirosis, and Lyme disease — may be needed depending on a pet’s environment and lifestyle.

“Vaccination

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