Why Vaccinations are Important
Vaccinations are crucial for maintaining your pet’s health and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. They work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and combat specific pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria. By vaccinating your pets, you not only protect them but also help to safeguard other animals and people in your community.
Core Vaccinations for Dogs
- Rabies
- Importance: Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. Vaccination is required by law in many areas.
- Schedule: Typically given as a single dose at 12-16 weeks of age, followed by a booster one year later. Subsequent boosters are administered every 1 to 3 years, depending on local regulations and vaccine type.
- Canine Distemper
- Importance: A highly contagious and often fatal disease affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
- Schedule: Administered as part of a combination vaccine (DHPP) starting at 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks old. An additional booster is given one year later, followed by boosters every 1-3 years.
- Canine Parvovirus
- Importance: A highly contagious and potentially fatal virus causing severe gastrointestinal illness.
- Schedule: Included in the DHPP vaccine, with the same schedule as for distemper.
- Canine Adenovirus (Hepatitis)
- Importance: Causes infectious hepatitis, which can lead to severe liver damage.
- Schedule: Also part of the DHPP vaccine series.
Core Vaccinations for Cats
- Rabies
- Importance: Similar to dogs, rabies is a fatal disease and vaccination is often legally required.
- Schedule: First dose at 12-16 weeks of age, with boosters as required by law (usually every 1-3 years).
- Feline Panleukopenia (Distemper)
- Importance: A highly contagious and often fatal viral disease affecting the gastrointestinal tract and immune system.
- Schedule: Administered as part of the FVRCP combination vaccine starting at 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16-20 weeks old. An additional booster is given one year later, followed by boosters every 1-3 years.
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus
- Importance: Both viruses cause respiratory infections, which can be severe and lead to chronic health issues.
- Schedule: Included in the FVRCP vaccine series, with the same schedule as for panleukopenia.
Non-Core Vaccinations
Non-core vaccines are recommended based on your pet’s lifestyle, geographic location, and risk of exposure. Consult your veterinarian to determine if these vaccines are appropriate for your pet.
For Dogs:
- Bordetella bronchiseptica: Prevents kennel cough, recommended for dogs that are frequently boarded or attend doggy daycare.
- Leptospirosis: Protects against a bacterial infection that can affect the kidneys and liver, often recommended for dogs in rural or semi-rural areas.
- Lyme Disease: Recommended for dogs in areas where ticks are prevalent.
For Cats:
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): Recommended for cats that go outdoors or have contact with other cats, as it can cause severe immunosuppression and is often fatal.
Vaccinations are a vital part of your pet’s healthcare regimen. Keeping up with the recommended vaccination schedule ensures your pet remains protected against serious diseases. Regular visits to the veterinarian will help you stay informed about which vaccines are necessary and when they should be administered. By vaccinating your pets, you contribute to their long-term health and well-being while also helping to prevent the spread of contagious diseases in the community.
