Pet Vaccines | Why Are Vaccines Important for Dogs and Cats?
Vaccines are one of the most important aspects of a pet wellness plan. Dangerous bacteria and viruses exist everywhere in the world around our pets, many of which pose a major threat to their health.
As pet parents, It’s up to us to make sure they not only have ample protection against these common health threats, but that their defense against these agents stays strong for years to come! Let’s break down everything you need to know about vaccines for pets, and why keeping them boosted is so important.
Pet Vaccines - What Are They & How Do They Work?
Vaccines are designed to protect humans and animals alike against harmful agents that exist in the world around us. Vaccines work the same way in pets as they do in people by arming their immune system with the tools needed to fight off dangerous illnesses.
Pet vaccines introduce versions of the infectious agent, known as antigens, that will not make your pet sick. These antigens will stimulate an immune response in your pet, and will ensure that they can fight off the infectious agent if they’re ever exposed in the future!
Agents that can make our pets sick often exist in areas with the most animal traffic, and these are typically some of our pet's favorite places! Examples Include:
- Dog parks
- Pet daycares
- Public outdoor spaces
- Meetups with other pets
- Pet stores
- Grooming facilities
With infectious diseases present in all the locations we mentioned above, it's very likely that your pet will have a run in with harmful agents at some point. Vaccines will give them the tools needed to stay strong and healthy.
Core Vaccines vs. Non-Core Vaccines - What’s The Difference?
There are an array of vaccinations available to pets, some of which are more important than others based on their exposure risk. Pet vaccines are divided into core and non-core vaccines to ensure your pet’s protection against the most dangerous illnesses, so let’s break down what this means.
Core vaccines in pets are vaccines that are required by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) due to the prevalence and severity of the diseases. These diseases are either commonly diagnosed in pets around the world and pose a significant threat to their health, or they pose a significant risk to the public.
Non-core vaccines in pets are strongly recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) to pets that live in high-risk areas or participate in activities that put them at risk of exposure. Examples of exposure risk activities include regular time outdoors, utilizing boarding or daycare facilities, or going to a groomer.
Core vaccines in dogs:
- Rabies virus
- Canine distemper virus, adenovirus-2, and parvovirus +/- parainfluenza (DAPP)
Core vaccines in cats:
- Rabies virus
- Feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus-1, feline panleukopenia, (FVRCP)
- Feline leukemia (in cats under 1 year of age)
Non-Core vaccines in dogs:
- Bordetella
- Leptospirosis
- Lyme Disease
- Rattlesnake Toxoid
- Canine influenza
How Often Should My Pet Be Vaccinated?
Vaccine schedules will vary based on your pet's age, the type of vaccine, and exposure risk, but let's break down some averages to expect.
Most puppies and kittens will need an initial vaccine series of 3 to 4 vaccines stretched out over a 12-16 week period. Most vets will recommend waiting until your pet is 6 to 8 weeks old to vaccinate them, as they will often have maternal antibodies in their system that can impact the effectiveness of the vaccines until this point.
Once your pet has completed their initial vaccine series, they will only need to be boosted ranging from annually to once every three years. Your vet will let you know what's needed for your pet's vaccine type.
Vaccine Renewals & Boosters - Why Are They So Important?
Pets are most at risk of catching infectious diseases when they are under one year of age, but this does not mean they are in the clear as they grow older. Pets can still fall victim to contagious illnesses into their adulthood, so they need vaccine boosters to maintain their immunity as the years pass.
A pet’s immune system defenses weaken over time after a vaccine, so their initial puppy or kitten vaccines are simply not enough to protect them as they age. As stated above, most vaccines will need to be given every one to three years to offer your pet adequate protection. Your vet will let you know how often your pet needs a vaccine renewal based on the vaccine type, their age, and their exposure risk.
My Pet Needs Vaccines - Where Do I Start?
Are you on the hunt for the best vet near you to get your pet vaccinated? Vetted can help if you are in the Chicago, New York City, or Dallas/Fort Worth area! We have Vetted Primary Clinics located inside of dog daycare and grooming facilities, all of which can take care of your pet’s ongoing health and wellness needs.
Just click here to book your pet’s vaccine appointment!
