The
Importance of Vaccines: What Shots Your Pet Needs and When
Table of Contents
- Core Vaccines for Dogs
- Core Vaccines for Cats
- Non-Core Vaccines
- Vaccine Schedules
- Discussing Needs with Your Vet
Core Vaccines for Dogs
These vaccines are required for all dogs:
- DA2PP - Distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza,
parvovirus
- Rabies - Required by law in most areas
Puppies need a series of DA2PP and rabies
doses starting at 6-8 weeks old before boosters every 1-3 years.
Core Vaccines for Cats
All cats should receive:
- FVRCP - Rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia
- Rabies - Required by law in most areas
Kittens need FVRCP and rabies starting at 8-12
weeks with repeat doses until maturity and regular boosters for life.
Non-Core Vaccines
Additional vaccines may be advised based on
risk including:
- Leptospirosis - Bacteria spread through wildlife urine
- Lyme - Tick-borne bacterial disease
- Bordetella - Kennel cough
- Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
Discuss your pet's lifestyle and potential
exposures with your vet to determine if non-core vaccines are recommended.
Vaccine Schedules
Guidelines for puppy and kitten shots:
- Starting as early as 6-8 weeks
old
- Series of doses 2-4 weeks apart
until 16-20 weeks old
- Repeat doses at 1 year old
- Boosters every 1-3 years for
life
Annual exams allow your vet to review vaccine
needs and health risks.
Discussing Needs with Your Vet
Be prepared to provide your vet with
information including:
- Age, medical history, breed
- Current lifestyle and exposures
- Boarding, grooming, or daycare
needs
- Travel habits
- Previous vaccine reactions if
any
Following your veterinarian's recommended
schedule ensures your pet develops proper immunity.
