- Lance Baltzley, DVM
Vaccines play a crucial role in protecting your dog or cat from serious diseases. Understanding which vaccines your pet needs, why they are important, and how they keep your furry friend healthy can help you make informed decisions about their care. This guide covers all available dog and cat vaccines, explains the difference between core and non-core vaccines, and highlights the importance of vaccination in your pet’s wellness plan.
What Are Core Vaccines and Why Are They Important?
Core vaccines protect pets from diseases that are widespread, highly contagious, or pose a serious risk to their health. These vaccines are recommended for all dogs and cats regardless of their lifestyle because the diseases they prevent can be fatal or cause severe illness.
Core Vaccines for Dogs
Rabies: Protects against rabies virus, which affects the nervous system and is fatal. Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread to humans. Vaccination is required by law in many areas.
DHP/P: This vaccine protects against several serious diseases, including canine distemper, a highly contagious virus affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems; canine parvovirus, a severe and often fatal intestinal infection particularly dangerous for puppies; and infectious canine hepatitis, caused by adenovirus, which impacts the liver and other organs.
Leptospirosis: Due to its prevalence in Florida, the leptospirosis vaccine is considered a core vaccine. This vaccine protects against a bacterial infection that can be caught from contaminated water or wildlife. It is recommended for dogs in rural areas or those exposed to standing water.
Core Vaccines for Cats
Rabies: Like dogs, cats need protection from rabies due to its fatal nature and risk to humans.
FVRCP: This vaccine provides comprehensive protection against several serious feline diseases, including Feline Panleukopenia (Distemper), which is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease that severely impacts the immune system and intestines; as well as Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus, both of which are responsible for upper respiratory infections and are prevalent among cats globally.
Non-Core Vaccines and When They Are Needed
Non-core vaccines are recommended based on your pet’s lifestyle, environment, and risk factors. Not every pet needs these vaccines, but they can be important for pets exposed to certain conditions or areas.
Non-Core Vaccines for Dogs
Bordetella (Kennel Cough): This vaccine protects against Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacterium that causes kennel cough, which is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs. It is especially recommended for dogs that spend time in boarding facilities, dog parks, grooming salons, or daycare, where they are at a higher risk of exposure to the pathogen.
Lyme Disease: This vaccine helps protect dogs against Lyme disease, which is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through tick bites. It is particularly recommended for dogs living in or traveling to regions where ticks carrying Lyme disease are prevalent, as these areas pose a significant risk for tick exposure and subsequent infection.
Canine Influenza: This vaccine protects against canine influenza virus, which can lead to severe respiratory illness in dogs. It is recommended for dogs in high-risk environments, such as boarding facilities, dog shows, or any situation where they may come into close contact with other dogs, as these settings can facilitate the spread of the virus.
Non-Core Vaccines for Cats
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a serious infection in cats, leading to immune suppression, anemia, and increased cancer risk. The Feline Veterinary Medical Association recommends vaccinating all kittens for FeLV, and then on an as-needed basis for adult cats according to their risk and exposure to ensure their health and longevity. This vaccine is recommended for cats that go outdoors or live with other cats that may be infected.
Why Vaccinate Your Pet?
Vaccination protects your pet from diseases that can cause severe illness, long-term health problems, or death. It also helps prevent the spread of contagious diseases to other animals and humans. Vaccines stimulate your pet’s immune system to recognize and fight infections quickly.
Benefits of Vaccination
Prevents serious illness: Many vaccine-preventable diseases have no cure and can be fatal.
Protects the community: Vaccinated pets reduce the risk of outbreaks in animal populations in our area.
Saves money: Treating diseases is often more expensive than preventing them with vaccines.
Supports public health: Vaccines like rabies protect both pets and people.
Understanding Vaccine Reactions
Most pets tolerate vaccines very well. Mild reactions such as soreness at the injection site, slight fever, or tiredness may occur but usually resolve quickly. Serious reactions are extremely rare.
What to Watch For
Swelling or lumps at the injection site lasting more than a few days
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Difficulty breathing or swelling of the face
Collapse or seizures (very rare)
If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Puppy and Kitten Vaccine Packages to Support Your Pet’s Health
We understand that puppies and kittens need multiple vaccines and wellness services in a short time. To help ease the cost and ensure your young pet gets the best start, we offer puppy and kitten wellness packages. These packages include all core vaccines, wellness exams, parasite prevention, and more at a bundled price.
Learn more about what is included in all of our wellness packages by visiting our packages page.
Keeping Your Pet’s Vaccines Up to Date
Vaccination is not a one-time event. Your pet needs booster shots throughout their life to maintain protection. Your veterinarian will recommend a vaccination schedule based on your pet’s age, health, and lifestyle.
Tips for Staying on Track
Keep a vaccination record (Or bookmark our Vello portal on your phone, where you always have access to your pet's records!)
Schedule regular wellness exams - once per year for adult pets, twice per year for senior pets
Discuss any lifestyle changes with your vet that may require additional vaccination
At Newberry Animal Hospital, we understand that each pet is unique and deserves personalized care to keep them happy, healthy, and comfortable. Our dedicated team is here to customize vaccine schedules that cater specifically to your furry companion's health requirements. Ready to book your pet's next vaccine update? Request an appointment at any of our 4 locations below:
