Core Vaccines for Dogs

• Rabies: A highly contagious viral disease that affects the central nervous system, rabies is fatal once symptoms appear. It's essential and legally required in many areas.
• Distemper: This virus affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems and can be fatal. Puppies should start their distemper series early.
• Parvovirus: A severe gastrointestinal disease, parvovirus is highly contagious and can be life-threatening, especially in puppies.
• Adenovirus (Hepatitis): This vaccine protects against infectious canine hepatitis, a virus that affects the liver and other organs.

Core Vaccines for Cats

• Rabies: Like dogs, cats are often required by law to be vaccinated against rabies.
• Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia): This is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease.
• Feline Herpesvirus (Rhinotracheitis) and Calicivirus: These two viruses are common causes of respiratory infections in cats and are often included in a combination vaccine (FVRCP).

Non-Core Vaccines for Dogs (Based on Risk)

• Leptospirosis: This bacterial infection can affect the liver and kidneys and can also be transmitted to humans.
• Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Often required for dogs in boarding or daycare, this vaccine helps protect against a highly contagious respiratory disease.
• Lyme Disease: If you live in an area with a high population of ticks, the Lyme disease vaccine may be recommended.

Non-Core Vaccines for Cats (Based on Risk)

• Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): Recommended for cats who spend time outdoors or are in multi-cat households, as FeLV can spread through close contact.
• Chlamydia: This bacteria can cause respiratory issues, especially in shelters and multi-cat homes.

• Timing: Young animals typically need a series of vaccines to build immunity, with boosters scheduled to maintain it. Skipping or delaying vaccines can leave your pet vulnerable.
• Adverse Reactions: While vaccines are generally safe, some pets may experience mild side effects, such as slight swelling at the injection site, lethargy, or a low fever. Severe reactions are rare but should be addressed by your vet if they occur.
• Health Status: Pets that are ill or underweight may need to delay vaccinations until they are healthier. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet’s health before vaccination.
• Lifestyle and Environment: Discuss your pet’s lifestyle with your vet to tailor their vaccine schedule. Pets that frequently interact with other animals or spend time outdoors might benefit from additional vaccines, like Bordetella or FeLV.
• Over-Vaccination Concerns: While it’s essential to stay up to date with vaccines, some pet owners worry about over-vaccination. Work with your vet to find a schedule that maintains immunity without unnecessary boosters. For some vaccines, titers (blood tests) can be done to check immunity levels.