Vaccines and Pets: Why It’s Important and Which Ones They Need

Like humans, your pets need certain vaccines to remain healthy and thrive. You’ll want to work closely with your trusted veterinarian to vaccinate your pets and follow any specific recommendations for your cat or dog. In this simple guide, we’ll show you the standard vaccines that all cats and dogs should get according to their age brackets.

Dog Vaccines

You’ve probably heard of some of these because your state may require them. Others may not be as familiar but could be equally important to prevent illnesses. There are core and non-core vaccines, which means those are optional.

Rabies

You’ve likely heard how important it is that your dog has a rabies vaccine. Rabies is a viral disease that is fatal when not treated within hours of the infection. This viral strain attacks your pet’s central nervous system and can cause hallucinations, paralysis, and death. Rabies is one of the most critical vaccinations your dog can have.

DHPP

This is a core vaccine that every dog should get. It is a combination vaccination and the letters stand for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. Puppies can get the vaccine at 6 weeks of age and then will need a booster every two to four weeks until they reach four months old. Your dog will need a DHPP booster one year after the initial puppy vaccines. From that point, he will need another booster shot once he is two years old. Then the vaccine will only need to be given every three years. The reason this is a core vaccine is that it prevents four different dangerous viruses that can attack your pet’s body. These viruses can be fatal, so it’s crucial to remain updated.

Bordetella

The Bordetella vaccination protects your dog from the kennel cough virus, which can spread easily from other dogs in a boarding or daycare setting. This is not a core vaccine because the illness isn’t typically life-threatening, but it can make your pup feel lousy, so many pet parents include it in their vaccination routines. Ask your vet when to get the Bordetella vaccine. The frequency is typically six to twelve months but varies depending on lifestyle factors.

Lyme vaccine

This is an optional vaccine, which may help protect your dog from Lyme disease. This disease spreads through tick bites and can affect your pet’s heart, joints, and kidneys. Left untreated, it can cause severe neurological issues. This may be an appropriate vaccine if your pet spends a lot of time outdoors and you feel your flea and tick prevention isn’t enough protection. Your vet will make recommendations based on your dog’s lifestyle. Your puppy can get this vaccine as early as 9 weeks, then a second dose two to four weeks later. Once your dog is an adult, it’s usually given annually, just before tick season begins.

Leptospirosis

This is sometimes called the Lepto vaccine. It’s given to prevent the Leptospira bacteria from infecting your pet. This infection is carried by rats, raccoons, squirrels, and other wildlife. Any place an animal can urinate is a likely spot for these bacteria. Any canine spending lots of time outside may be susceptible to this bacterial infection. Although it’s not considered a core vaccine, many vets recommend it because the symptoms of the infection can be quite severe. Often, you’ll notice your dog vomiting, refusing to eat, having watery diarrhea, and an inability to move easily. High-risk dogs are recommended to have this vaccine each year and can get the first dose at 8 weeks.

Canine Coronavirus

This is a more recent, optional vaccine. It can prevent your dog from getting coronavirus. In dogs, this virus typically affects the gastrointestinal systems and may cause respiratory infections. This vaccine is not recommended for all dogs, so you should talk to your vet about if your pet needs it and when to get the vaccine.

Feline Vaccines

If you have a kitten, it will need several vaccines during the first year of its life to prevent serious infections and diseases. From there, your feisty feline will need vaccines that are boosters every one to three years, depending on your cat’s lifestyle.

Rabies

This vaccine is required for cats and dogs. Your kitten can receive the vaccine at 8 weeks of age and then can either get a vaccination annually or every three years. There is no treatment for rabies if your feline gets the virus and it is always fatal.

FVRCP vaccine

The FVRCP vaccine is critical for your feline’s health. This combination vaccine protects your cat from deadly airborne viruses. Rhinotracheitis is a herpes virus that leads to severe upper respiratory problems. It attacks your cat’s pulmonary defenses and can cause bacterial pneumonia, or calicivirus. Calicivirus will cause oral ulcers and upper respiratory tract disease. It can also lead to feline distemper (panleukopenia). This is extremely contagious and is often fatal. Kittens will need their first vaccines from 6 to 8 weeks old, then annual booster shots.

Chlamydia

This is not a core vaccine, but it can protect your cat from Feline Chlamydophila. It can appear like conjunctivitis, showing inflammation around the inner eyelids and tissues. It can also lead to upper respiratory infections. While it is not life-threatening, if your cat visits groomers or spends time around other cats, it may be a wise decision to get the vaccine. Kittens can receive the first vaccine at 9 weeks, then a second dose three to four weeks later. If your cat has risk exposure, your vet may recommend annual boosters.

Feline Leukemia Virus Vaccine

This is not a required vaccine, but we consider it a core vaccination. Feline Leukemia Virus is fatal and there is no treatment for the virus once your cat has it. It will attack the immune system and cause vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and ultimately will lead to death. Kittens can get the FeLV vaccine at 8 weeks and then get a second dose three to four weeks later. Vets will typically test cats for FeLV first, then give the booster at one year old. If your feline doesn’t go outside, there is no need to continue getting the vaccine.

An Ounce of Prevention

You’ve probably heard the adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you’ve ever had sick pets, you know how hard it is to watch them suffer. Sometimes illnesses are not in our control, but with the proper vaccines, many diseases can be prevented. Talk to your vet about the vaccines recommended for your pet. These may vary depending on age, breed, health status, and lifestyle. Together, you and your vet can develop the appropriate vaccine protocol for your pet to have a healthy, happy life.