Vaccinations
Newborn pets receive essential immunity and nutrients through their mother’s milk. However, once nursing ends, they become more vulnerable to illnesses since their immune systems lack that initial support. As a key element of preventive care, vaccinations help safeguard your pet from potentially fatal diseases.
For most pets, routine vaccinations begin around 6 to 8 weeks of age and continue at regular intervals into adulthood. Some vaccines are conveniently combined into a single injection to minimize the number of shots your pet receives. After vaccination, young pets typically develop protective antibodies within about 5 days, with full immunity achieved after 14 days. Certain vaccines require a series of doses administered over a short period, and booster shots are generally needed every 6 months to 3 years thereafter.
Pets that have been vaccinated hold a significant advantage over those that have not, as their immune systems can respond more quickly to detected diseases, often reducing the severity or preventing the illness entirely. Although rare, some pets may not build full immunity from vaccinations and could still contract the disease. If your pet has received all recommended vaccines, stayed current on boosters, and shown no prior signs of illness, it is likely that the vaccinations have been effective.
Core vaccinations are recommended for all pets, while non-core vaccines are typically reserved for those in high-risk situations. The specific vaccines chosen depend on local regulations, your geographic location, and your pet’s lifestyle habits, and your veterinarian will provide personalized guidance on the best options. Vaccinations are designed to prevent diseases rather than cure them, so if your pet is already ill, a vaccine will not resolve the existing condition.
Cat Vaccines
The vaccines for Feline Herpesvirus, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia are considered core for kittens. These start between 6 and 8 weeks of age, with booster shots given every 3 weeks until the kitten reaches 15 to 17 weeks old. Refreshers are then provided annually or every three years, depending on the cat’s lifestyle.
The Feline Leukemia (FeLV) vaccine is non-core and is typically recommended for cats that spend time outdoors. It begins at 12 weeks of age, with a booster at 15 to 16 weeks, followed by yearly updates during wellness checks.
The Rabies vaccine is also a core requirement for kittens. The initial dose is administered between 12 and 16 weeks of age, with a booster after one year, and then typically every three years thereafter.
Additional vaccines, such as those for Chlamydophila, Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), and ringworm, are options that are only considered for cats facing elevated risks of exposure.
Dog Vaccines
The Bordetella (Kennel Cough) vaccine is non-core and depends on your dog’s risk level. It can be given starting at 8 weeks of age, with refreshers every 6 to 12 months based on potential exposure.
The vaccines for Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus (DA2PP) are core for puppies. They begin between 6 and 8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3 weeks until 15 to 18 weeks old. A booster is given after the first year, followed by triennial updates.
Heartworm prevention is a core measure administered monthly for the dog’s entire life. Routine testing starts at 6 months of age and continues annually, with treatment provided if a positive result is detected.
The Leptospirosis vaccine is considered core in certain areas. It can be given from 8 weeks of age or later, with a booster in 3 weeks, and annual doses thereafter to protect organs from bacterial infections.
The Lyme vaccine is non-core and is recommended for dogs in tick-prone areas. It starts at 12 weeks of age, with a booster at 15 weeks, followed by annual boosters.
The Rabies vaccine is core and often required by law. It begins at 16 weeks of age, with a booster after one year, and triennial doses following that.