You love your furry friends and want them to live their best lives. Getting them the right shots is a key way
to keep them healthy, but with so many options, it can get confusing. Which vaccines are non-negotiable
and which are just nice-to-haves? In this post, we’ll go through the recommended vaccine schedule for
cats and dogs. You’ll learn the core vaccines your pets absolutely need, plus some optional extras you
may want to discuss with your vet. We’ll cover the diseases these shots prevent so you understand the
risks. Most importantly, we’ll empower you with the info you need to make informed decisions about your
pets’ health. Let’s dive in and demystify which shots your fur babies really need.
Core Vaccines: The Essential Shots for Dogs and Cats
Rabies
This fatal virus attacks the central nervous system and is transmitted through infected saliva. Rabies
vaccinations are required by law to protect pets and owners. The initial shot is usually given around 12
weeks, with boosters every 1-3 years depending on local regulations.
Distemper
This highly contagious virus causes severe respiratory, neurological and gastrointestinal issues in dogs.
The distemper vaccine is typically given in a series of 3-4 shots between 6 and 16 weeks of age, with
boosters every 3 years. Cats are at risk of the feline distemper virus, so kittens also need an initial series
between 6 and 16 weeks and boosters every 3 years.
Parvovirus
The parvo virus is one of the most serious diseases for dogs, especially puppies. It attacks the
gastrointestinal system and causes severe vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. Puppies need a series of
parvo shots starting at 6 weeks and boosters every 3 years.
Hepatitis
Canine infectious hepatitis is a contagious liver disease in dogs caused by adenovirus type 1. Puppies
need an initial hepatitis shot between 6 and 9 weeks, with boosters every 3 years.
Leptospirosis
This bacterial infection can cause kidney and liver damage in dogs. The lepto vaccine is initially given
twice, 2-4 weeks apart, for puppies over 12 weeks. Yearly boosters are recommended for at-risk dogs.
Lepto shots are optional for cats since they are less susceptible.
With the proper vaccinations and regular boosters, you can rest assured your faithful companions will be
protected from these potentially devastating diseases. Keeping them healthy and by your side for years to
come – now that’s real peace of mind.
Non-Core Vaccines: Additional Protection Based on Lifestyle and Risk
Lifestyle Considerations
Depending on your cat or dog’s lifestyle, there are a few non-core vaccines to consider. For outdoor pets,
leptospirosis and Lyme disease vaccines may be recommended. Lepto is spread through infected urine
and can cause kidney and liver damage. The Lyme vaccine helps prevent infection from ticks carrying the
bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
For pets that travel, the kennel cough vaccine may be suggested. Kennel cough, also known as
bordetella, causes coughing and is highly contagious between dogs. The vaccine is often required for
boarding, grooming, or daycare.
Certain pet breeds may also benefit from non-core vaccines. Short-nosed breeds like bulldogs and pugs
are prone to “kennel cough” and may need the bordetella vax. Giant breed dogs have a higher risk of
bone inflammation from lepto, so the leptospirosis vaccine is a good idea. Harless breeds like Sphynx
cats should get non-core vaccines to avoid skin damage from preventable diseases.
Geographical Risk Factors
Where you live also plays a role in determining appropriate non-core vaccines for your pet. Pets in
wooded, humid areas are at higher risk of diseases like Lyme disease transmitted by ticks. Lepto is more
common in moist, warm climates. Certain regions may also have a higher rate of rabies in the local
wildlife population, making the rabies booster shot a good precaution. It’s best to discuss location-based
risks with your vet.
Keeping your furry friend safe and healthy is worth the investment of time and money for recommended
non-core vaccines. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so make sure to schedule regular
vet checkups to determine what added protection your pet needs based on lifestyle and risk factors. Their
wellbeing and longevity will thank you for it!
Vaccination Schedules: When to Give Which Shots
Puppies
For puppies, the vaccination schedule starts at around 6-8 weeks of age.
The core shots your pup will need are:
Distemper/Adenovirus/Parvovirus (DAPP): This protects against three serious and potentially fatal
diseases. Puppies need a series of 3-4 doses, given 3-4 weeks apart.
Rabies: The rabies vaccine is required by law in many areas. Puppies should get their first dose at 12
weeks, and a booster 1 year later.
Optional vaccines for puppies include Bordetella (kennel cough), Lyme, and Leptospirosis. Discuss with
your vet based on your puppy’s risk factors.
Adult Dogs
For adult dogs, the typical schedule is:
DAPP: A booster 1 year after the puppy series, then every 3 years.
Rabies: A booster every 1-3 years, depending on local regulations.
Optional: Bordetella, Lyme, and Leptospirosis boosters can be given annually for every 3 years
What vaccines do pets really need?
The core vaccines for dogs and cats include:
● Rabies: Required by law, rabies vaccinations protect against a fatal virus transmitted through
animal bites.
● Distemper: This disease affects dogs and is usually fatal. The vaccine is considered core for all
dogs.
● Parvovirus: “Parvo” is a highly contagious virus that attacks the intestines of dogs. The vaccine
is core for all puppies and dogs.
● Hepatitis: Hepatitis can cause liver inflammation and damage in dogs. The vaccine is usually
combined with distemper and parvo in a single shot.
● Calicivirus and Panleukopenia: These serious, potentially deadly viruses affect cats. The
vaccines art considered core for all kittens and cats.
● Feline Leukemia Virus: FeLV is a major cause of illness in cats. The vaccine is recommended
for all kittens and for cats that go outside.
● Bordetella: This bacterial infection, also known as “kennel cough,” causes coughing and upper
respiratory disease in dogs. The vaccine is often required for boarding, grooming, and daycare.
● Lyme: The Lyme disease vaccine helps prevent this tick-borne illness in dogs. It may be
recommended based on your dog’s risk of exposure to infected ticks.
● Non-core vaccines include those for feline immunodeficiency virus, feline infectious peritonitis,
and canine influenza. Talk to your vet about whether these are right for your pets based on their
lifestyle.
Conclusion
So there you have it, my pet-loving friend. While there are lots of shots out there for your fur babies, the
core vaccines we covered today will help keep your cats and dogs protected against the most common
and dangerous diseases. I know needles are no fun for anyone, but a few moments of discomfort can
literally be lifesaving. Talk with your trusted vet to come up with the best vaccination schedule for your
pets based on their age, breed, and lifestyle. And give them some extra snuggles after their shots –
they’ve earned it for being so brave! With the right prevention plan, we can help our furry family members
