What You Need to Know About Core Vaccines for Dogs and Cats: Why Regular Vet Visits Are Essential
Keywords Used in the Article: core vaccines, dog vaccinations, cat vaccinations, essential vaccines for pets, puppy shots, kitten vaccinations
As a responsible pet owner, ensuring your petās health is paramount, and one of the most crucial components of that is vaccinations. Vaccines protect your pet from potentially dangerous and deadly diseases. In this blog, we will discuss the core vaccines that every dog and cat should receive, the typical vaccination schedule, and why regular veterinary visits are necessary for your petās ongoing health.
What Are Core Vaccines for Dogs and Cats?
Core vaccines are necessary for every pet, regardless of their lifestyle. These vaccines are essential for your petās health and help prevent the spread of serious, sometimes fatal diseases. Core vaccines provide your pet with the protection they need from infectious diseases and help ensure that they stay healthy for years to come. Letās take a closer look at the core vaccines for both dogs and cats based on the latest protocols.
Core Vaccines for Dogs
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal. It can be transmitted to humans, making it a zoonotic disease. Vaccinating your dog against rabies is typically required by law in most areas. The rabies vaccine is given to puppies at 12 weeks of age and only once. Rabies boosters are then required based on local laws (usually every 1 to 3 years). If youāre unsure about your petās rabies vaccination status, itās important to schedule a checkup with your veterinarian to ensure they are fully protected.
Canine Distemper (DHPP)
Canine distemper is a contagious viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It can be fatal without proper treatment. Puppies should receive their first DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) vaccine at 6ā8 weeks of age, followed by boosters at 12 and 16 weeks.
Canine Parvovirus
Parvovirus attacks a dogās gastrointestinal system, causing severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Puppies are especially at risk, and this virus can be fatal if not treated in time. The parvovirus vaccine is part of the DHPP combination and should be administered starting at 6 weeks of age, with boosters at 12 and 16 weeks.
Canine Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
The Bordetella vaccine protects against kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection. Dogs that spend time in boarding facilities, dog parks, or other high-density dog environments should receive this vaccine. It is typically administered at 12 weeks and boosted at 16 weeks.
Leptospirosis (Lepto)
Lepto is a bacterial disease transmitted through contaminated water or soil, primarily from wildlife like raccoons and rodents. Lepto is only recommended for dogs that have regular exposure to wildlife or contaminated environments, especially if your dog goes on walks or spends time in areas with standing water. It is not a routine vaccine for every dog but is added based on risk assessment.
Canine Influenza (Flu)
For dogs at risk, the Canine Influenza vaccine is recommended, particularly for those that frequent dog parks, shelters, or other areas with large dog populations. The vaccine is typically given starting at 12 weeks, with a 3-week booster after the initial vaccine, followed by annual boosters for continued protection.
Rattlesnake Vaccine
For dogs living in areas with rattlesnakes, the rattlesnake vaccine is administered starting at 12 weeks. A booster dose is given 3 weeks after the initial vaccine, and then annual boosters are required for continued protection. This vaccination helps protect your dog from rattlesnake venom in case of a bite, especially in high-risk areas.
Core Vaccines for Cats
Rabies
Just like with dogs, rabies vaccination is essential for cats. Rabies is transmitted through saliva and bites, and vaccination is required to prevent the spread of this fatal disease. The rabies vaccine is administered at 12 weeks of age and only once for kittens, with boosters every 1 to 3 years.
Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia)
Feline distemper, also called panleukopenia, is a severe viral disease that affects a catās gastrointestinal and immune systems, often leading to death. The feline distemper vaccine (part of the FVRCP combination) is given starting at 6ā8 weeks, with boosters at 12 and 16 weeks. It is crucial for kittens, especially those that may be exposed to other cats in shelters or other public spaces.
Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
The FeLV vaccine is recommended for kittens that go outdoors or may be exposed to other cats in unvaccinated areas. FeLV is given starting at 12 weeks and boosted at 16 weeks.
Feline Herpesvirus (Rhinotracheitis) and Calicivirus
Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus are common causes of upper respiratory infections in cats. Both are included in the FVRCP vaccine, which is administered at 6ā8 weeks, with boosters at 12 and 16 weeks.
Vaccination Schedule for Puppies and Kittens
To ensure your pet is fully protected, puppies and kittens follow a vaccination schedule that includes multiple visits for booster shots. Hereās the vaccination schedule based on the updated protocol:
Puppy Vaccination Schedule:
6ā8 weeks: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
12 weeks: DHLPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza), Bordetella, +/- Rabies
16 weeks: DHLPP (Booster), Bordetella, +/- Rabies (Final booster)
Annual boosters: DHPP, Bordetella, Canine Influenza, Rabies (and Lepto if applicable)
Kitten Vaccination Schedule:
6ā8 weeks: FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
12 weeks: FVRCP (Booster), FeLV, +/- Rabies
16 weeks: FeLV, +/- Rabies (Final booster)
Annual boosters: FVRCP, Rabies, FeLV (if needed)
Why Regular Vet Visits Are Essential for Vaccinations
Vaccines provide temporary immunity that wears off over time, which is why regular vet visits are crucial. Hereās why keeping up with your petās vaccinations is essential:
- Monitoring Your Petās Health Routine vet visits allow your veterinarian to check your petās overall health and make sure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations. These visits also provide an opportunity to catch any potential issues early, ensuring that your pet stays happy and healthy.
- Ensuring Timely Boosters Vaccines wear off, and without timely boosters, your pet may lose their immunity to certain diseases. Regular visits ensure that your pet stays fully protected by receiving necessary boosters.
- Improving Immunity Each booster shot strengthens your petās immunity, ensuring they stay protected year-round. Regular visits help to keep your petās immunity at its peak, reducing the risk of diseases.
- Preventing Disease Spread Vaccinated pets help prevent the spread of infectious diseases to other pets and humans. By keeping your pet up-to-date with their vaccines, you ensure they are not a source of infection to others. What Happens if You Miss a Vaccination? If you miss a vaccination or delay a booster, your pet becomes vulnerable to diseases. Itās important to schedule an appointment immediately if youāve missed a vaccination. Our team at Kainer Veterinary Hospital will help you get your pet back on track with their vaccination schedule. Final Thoughts Vaccinations are an essential part of your petās health and well-being. They provide protection from dangerous diseases and ensure a long, healthy life. Regular vet visits ensure that your pet stays up-to-date with their core vaccinations and provides a chance for your vet to monitor your petās overall health. If you're unsure about your petās vaccination status or need to schedule an appointment, contact us or call (936) 321ā2000 today. Our team is here to provide the best care for your pet.
Top comments (0)