Pet Vaccination Schedules

Understanding Pet Vaccinations

Vaccinations work by stimulating your pet's immune system to produce protective antibodies against specific diseases. When your pet is exposed to the actual disease, these antibodies help fight off the infection. Vaccines are categorized as either core or non-core based on the risk of exposure and severity of the disease.

Core vaccines protect against diseases that are widespread, highly contagious, or pose serious health risks. These are recommended for all pets regardless of their lifestyle or location. Non-core vaccines are recommended based on your pet's individual risk factors, such as geographic location, lifestyle, and exposure to other animals.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Puppies receive some immunity from their mother's milk, but this protection gradually decreases. The initial vaccination series is crucial for building your puppy's own immunity. Maternal antibodies can interfere with early vaccinations, which is why multiple doses are needed.

Initial Vaccination Series

Puppies typically receive their first vaccinations at 6-8 weeks of age, with booster shots every 3-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. This series ensures that as maternal antibodies decrease, the puppy's immune system is properly stimulated to produce its own protection.

• 6-8 weeks: First DHPP vaccination (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus)
• 10-12 weeks: Second DHPP booster
• 14-16 weeks: Third DHPP booster and first rabies vaccination (as required by law)
• 12-16 weeks: Bordetella (kennel cough) if needed based on lifestyle

Core Vaccines for Puppies

DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus): This combination vaccine protects against four serious diseases. Distemper affects multiple body systems and can be fatal. Hepatitis affects the liver. Parainfluenza contributes to kennel cough. Parvovirus causes severe gastrointestinal illness, especially dangerous in puppies.

Rabies: Required by law in most areas, rabies is a fatal disease that can affect both pets and humans. The first rabies vaccine is typically given at 12-16 weeks, with boosters as required by local regulations (usually annually or every three years).

Non-Core Vaccines for Puppies

Depending on your puppy's lifestyle and risk factors, your veterinarian may recommend:

• Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Recommended for dogs that will be boarded, attend daycare, visit dog parks, or interact with many other dogs
• Lyme Disease: Recommended in areas where Lyme disease is prevalent, especially for dogs that spend time outdoors in tick-infested areas
• Canine Influenza: May be recommended in areas with outbreaks or for dogs in high-risk environments
• Leptospirosis: Recommended for dogs with exposure to wildlife, standing water, or rural environments

Adult Dog Vaccination Schedule

After the initial puppy series, adult dogs need regular booster vaccinations to maintain immunity. The frequency of boosters depends on the vaccine type, your dog's age, health status, and local regulations.

• DHPP: Typically boosted annually or every three years, depending on the vaccine type and your veterinarian's recommendations
• Rabies: Required by law, typically boosted annually or every three years based on local regulations and vaccine type
• Bordetella: Often boosted every 6-12 months for dogs at risk
• Other non-core vaccines: Boosted according to your veterinarian's recommendations based on risk factors

Kitten Vaccination Schedule

Like puppies, kittens receive some immunity from their mother, but this protection decreases over time. The initial vaccination series is essential for building your kitten's immunity.

Initial Vaccination Series

Kittens usually start vaccinations at 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks old. This ensures proper immune system development as maternal antibodies decrease.

• 6-8 weeks: First FVRCP vaccination
• 10-12 weeks: Second FVRCP booster
• 14-16 weeks: Third FVRCP booster and first rabies vaccination (as required by law)
• 12-16 weeks: FeLV (feline leukemia) if at risk, typically for outdoor cats or cats in multi-cat households

Core Vaccines for Kittens

FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia): This combination vaccine protects against three serious diseases. Rhinotracheitis and calicivirus cause upper respiratory infections. Panleukopenia (feline distemper) is a highly contagious and often fatal disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract and immune system.

Rabies: Required by law in most areas, rabies vaccination is essential for both your cat's health and public safety. The first rabies vaccine is typically given at 12-16 weeks, with boosters as required by local regulations.

Non-Core Vaccines for Kittens

Based on your kitten's lifestyle and risk factors, your veterinarian may recommend:

• FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus): Recommended for outdoor cats, cats in multi-cat households, or cats at risk of exposure to FeLV-positive cats
• FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus): Less commonly recommended, may be considered for high-risk cats
• Chlamydophila: May be recommended in certain situations or areas

Adult Cat Vaccination Schedule

After the initial kitten series, adult cats need regular booster vaccinations to maintain immunity. The schedule depends on vaccine type, your cat's lifestyle, and local regulations.

• FVRCP: Typically boosted annually or every three years, depending on the vaccine type and your veterinarian's recommendations
• Rabies: Required by law, typically boosted annually or every three years based on local regulations and vaccine type
• FeLV: Boosted annually for cats at continued risk
• Other non-core vaccines: Boosted according to your veterinarian's recommendations

Understanding Vaccine Timing

The timing of vaccinations is important for several reasons. Maternal antibodies can interfere with early vaccinations, which is why multiple doses are needed in young animals. Waiting too long between boosters can leave your pet vulnerable, while vaccinating too frequently is unnecessary and may increase the risk of adverse reactions.

Your veterinarian will consider factors such as your pet's age, health status, previous vaccination history, local disease prevalence, and legal requirements when determining the appropriate vaccination schedule. It's important to follow your veterinarian's recommendations rather than a generic schedule.

Vaccine Side Effects and Reactions

Most pets experience no side effects from vaccinations, or only mild, temporary reactions. Understanding what to expect can help you monitor your pet appropriately.

Common Mild Reactions

• Temporary lethargy or decreased activity
• Mild fever
• Soreness or swelling at the injection site
• Decreased appetite for a day or two
• Mild discomfort

These reactions typically resolve within 24-48 hours and don't require treatment. If they persist or worsen, contact your veterinarian.

Serious Reactions (Rare)

Serious reactions are uncommon but can occur. Seek immediate veterinary care if your pet experiences:

• Severe allergic reactions (facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing)
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Collapse or loss of consciousness
• Severe swelling at the injection site
• Persistent high fever

Special Considerations

Certain situations may require adjustments to the standard vaccination schedule:

• Senior pets: Older pets may have different vaccination needs. Your veterinarian may recommend titer testing or adjusted schedules based on health status.
• Pets with health conditions: Pets with certain medical conditions may need modified vaccination schedules or may not be able to receive certain vaccines.
• Pregnant or nursing pets: Vaccination during pregnancy or nursing requires special consideration and should be discussed with your veterinarian.
• Previously unvaccinated adult pets: Adult pets that haven't been vaccinated may need a series similar to puppies or kittens, followed by regular boosters.

Keeping Track of Vaccinations

Maintaining accurate vaccination records is important for your pet's health and may be required for boarding, travel, or legal compliance. Keep a copy of all vaccination certificates and update them after each visit. Many veterinarians provide reminder services, but it's also helpful to mark important dates on your calendar.