If you have a pet, the routine for vaccinations can be confusing at times to understand what, when, and why your veterinarian recommends the things they do. This article will help break down the ins and outs of vaccination schedules – and which ones your pet may or may not need throughout their life. Dogs and cats have similarities when it comes to vaccinations, and some differences too.
Vaccination schedules are often dependent on the age of your pet. Puppies and kittens require frequent booster vaccinations from the age of 8 weeks (about 2 months) until they are around 4-5 months old. It is especially important these boosters be given at the proper time (usually 3-4 weeks apart) to ensure proper immunities. Older patients’ vaccine schedules are depending on their history – some vaccinations are considered “yearly” while others can be given every 3 years or more. Ask your veterinarian about these guidelines for your specific pet.
While the feline vaccine schedule is shorter – they are equally as important. Cat specific vaccines are limited to the feline distemper vaccination (often referred to as the “FVRCP” in relation to the list of the diseases it covers) and the feline leukemia vaccination (FELV)
- FVRCP covers many cat illnesses, including Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. All these diseases can take a life-threatening toll on a cat’s body, and some can lead to lifelong illness. The diseases/illnesses covered in this vaccination are necessary for indoor only cats as well as outdoor cats.
- FELV is the vaccination for a disease called feline leukemia, which elicits an immune response within the cat that can lead to lifelong illness. Feline leukemia is spread by any close contact among cats, including bite wounds, mutual grooming, or sharing feeding dishes and litter boxes. Transmission can also take place from an infected mother cat to her kittens, either before they are born or while they are nursing. For more information about whether your cat should be vaccinated for FELV – ask your veterinarian.
Our canine companions have more options when it comes to vaccinations and what they are susceptible to. Dog vaccines are typically categorized either as core or lifestyle vaccines. What your pet needs is dependent on the lifestyle they lead. An example of a core vaccine would be Distemper/Parvo (DHPP), and a lifestyle vaccine might be Bordetella (Kennel cough). Read below for common canine vaccine options and what they cover.
DHPP (Distemper/Hepatitis/Parvo/Parainfluenza) – this is one of the most important vaccinations for dogs and puppies. All the diseases covered by this core vaccine pose a life-threatening risk to different vital parts of the body and are extremely contagious. All dogs should be vaccinated for DHPP regardless of lifestyle.
Leptospirosis – often combined with the DHPP vaccination in areas of high infection risk, the lepto vaccine helps prevent common strains of this spirochete bacteria that infect the vital organs and in extreme cases can be deadly. Leptospirosis is also zoonotic, or contagious to humans. It is spread primarily by cattle and wildlife through urine and water sources (i.e. walking through an infected puddle then licking water from paws) and is often recommended for most dogs.
Borrelia Burgdorferi (Lyme) – Lyme disease is spread by the bite of a tick. Infected animals can experience fever, lethargy, joint pain, poor appetite, and more. In extreme untreated cases, lyme can be life threatening. If your dog lives in or spends time in an area with ticks, this vaccination is recommended.
Canine Influenza (H3N2/H3N8) – This highly contagious upper respiratory virus has been in the US for several years now and is becoming more common, most seen in areas where there are high dog populations or travel (boarding/grooming facilities, large cities, popular dog parks, etc.).
Bordetella (Kennel cough) – This highly contagious bacterium causes harsh upper respiratory symptoms like cough and fever in infected dogs. In severe cases this can lead to pneumonia. Any dog that is being groomed, boarded, or spending time with other dogs should have the kennel cough vaccination.
One vaccination that is universal for dogs, cats, horses, ferrets, and more is the rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccinations are required by most state laws and are taken very seriously. Whether your pet is indoor only or spending a lot of time outside near wildlife, they are required to be vaccinated for rabies. Rabies is deadly to animals and humans and has been reported in 49 of the 50 states in the US and overseas.
Vaccinations are an important part of keeping both pets and people healthy. Being current on vaccines can sometimes mean the difference between life or death for your pet. If you have more questions about the vaccinations your pet might need or are unsure if they have had lifestyle vaccinations that might apply to them, please contact us at Four Paws Animal Hospital and Wellness Center (540-898-5388).