Pet vaccination schedules depend on the species of pet. In many cases, vaccinations are needed at a young age followed by booster shots at regular intervals. The following is some general information about pet vaccination schedules for dogs and cats.

Dog vaccines are separated into “Core” and “Non-Core” categories. Core vaccines are those that all puppies and any adult dog with an unknown vaccination history should receive. They guard against canine diseases that are widely spread and which are serious enough to cause dangerous illness or even death. Non-Core vaccines are inoculations that you should consider getting for your dog based on the risk of exposure to the disease. The diseases these vaccines guard against are not as serious or as widely spread and not all dogs need to receive these vaccines.

Core canine vaccinations are Canine Parvovirus, Adenovirus-2, Canine Distemper, and Canine Rabies vaccines. Puppies should receive parvovirus, adenovirus-2, and distemper inoculations at 6-8 weeks, 9-11 weeks, and 12-16 weeks. Dogs over 16 weeks old with an unknown vaccination history should receive a single dose of these vaccines. All dogs should receive a booster shot at one year, and be inoculated every year thereafter. Both adult dogs with unknown vaccination histories and puppies 16 weeks old should receive a single dose of rabies vaccination. A booster shot is required at one year. After that, inoculations should either be done annually or every two to three years with a vaccine approved for that length of coverage.

Non-Core canine vaccines include Canine Parainfluenza Virus, Bordatella Brochiseptica, Canine Distemper-Measles Combination, Canine Leptospira, and Canine Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) vaccines. Depending on your geographic location, your dog’s environment and lifestyle, and whether or not you plan to board your dog at a kennel, your dog may or may not need some or all of these. Discuss your dog’s particular situation with your vet to determine the best course of care for Non-Core vaccinations.

Feline vaccinations can also be separated into Core and Non-Core classes. Core vaccinations are recommended for all kittens and any cats for whom vaccination records are not available. Core vaccines protect against serious, life-threatening illnesses that are widespread throughout the cat population. Non-Core vaccinations may be recommended, depending on variables like geography, environment of the pet and other similar factors. They protect against less serious diseases that are generally not life-threatening.

Core feline vaccinations are feline panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, feline cacivirus (FCV) and feline hepresvirus type 1 (FHV-1). For cats over 16 weeks of age, one modified live virus dose of each is recommended. A booster shot should be given at one year, and every subsequent year. Kittens under 16 weeks of age should receive a parenteral (not through the digestive tract) dose at 6-8 weeks, 9-11 weeks, and again at 12-16 weeks of age. Feline rabies is also a core vaccine. An inoculation with killed rabies vaccine should be given to kittens at 12-16 weeks of age. A booster shot should be given at one year and each year after. Some veterinarians administer recombinant vaccines rather than killed; discuss the differences with your vet.

Non-Core feline vaccines include feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), Bordatella brochiseptica, feline immunodefinciency virus, Chlamyophila felis and Giardia. Your veterinarian can help determine which vaccinations your cat should receive and when, based on the cat’s environment.

Adhering to pet vaccination schedules helps keep your pet healthy. Many common pet health problems can be easily prevented. Immunity is critical to your pet’s well-being; regular inoculations ensure his immune system works properly.

QC-PR-011607-AM