Pet Vaccination
Are vaccinations important for pets?
Vaccinations are important for cats and dogs as they help to protect both animals from illnesses and in some cases, death. It is important to get your pet vaccinated regularly against the most common diseases, as not doing so could lead to serious health problems down the track. Here we take a look at common vaccinations your cat or dog needs and when you should get them. Please note vaccine advice and timing can vary for a variety of reasons. At your appointment, your veterinarian will provide personalised advice.
What vaccines are required for cats and dogs?
Cats
Cats are generally classified as indoor-only or outdoor, which influences their vaccination needs. At your appointment, your vet will recommend the most appropriate vaccination schedule based on your cat’s environment and risk factors.
Cats should typically receive their first vaccinations at 8–10 weeks of age, followed by a second at 12–14 weeks, and a final booster at 16–18 weeks. After the initial course, annual boosters may be recommended based on the cat’s lifestyle.
Core vaccines for cats typically include Feline Panleukopenia (FPV), Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), and Feline Calicivirus (FCV). Additional non-core vaccines such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) may be advised for outdoor cats or those at higher risk of exposure.
Dogs
Dogs typically receive their first vaccination at 6–8 weeks of age, followed by a second at 12-14 weeks, and a final booster between 16–18 weeks, depending on your veterinarian’s guidance. After this initial course, annual boosters are recommended for lifelong protection.
This schedule may change based on the specific vaccines used and when your pet’s first consultation took place.
Core vaccines for dogs typically include Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Bordetella Bronchiseptica. Leptospirosis vaccination may also be advised depending on the geographical location of your dog.
For both cats and dogs, an annual or triennial booster is required as recommended by your vet.
Who can administer Vaccinations for cats and dogs?
The responsibility for administering vaccinations falls on two professions: veterinarians and veterinary nurses.
Veterinarians are qualified professionals who hold a degree from an accredited university. Veterinary nurses also have specialised training and experience in caring for animals and are able to administer vaccinations under the supervision of a veterinarian. When selecting someone to provide your pet’s vaccination, make sure they are either a licensed veterinarian or veterinary nurse with the appropriate qualifications.
Whether you seek out a vet nearby or one further away, they will be able to provide advice on which vaccines your dog or cat needs based on their lifestyle. This includes any travel abroad or visits to public places such as groomers or boarding kennels where certain health conditions may be more common.
Are all pet vaccinations necessary?
The necessity of pet vaccinations is an issue that has been the source of considerable debate among veterinary professionals and pet owners. While there may be varying opinions on the matter, it is generally accepted that regular and appropriate vaccinations are a fundamental component of preventative healthcare for pets. Vaccinations provide immunity against a range of diseases that can cause severe health implications, including death, in both cats and dogs.
Are there any risks associated with vaccinating a pet?
With any medical procedure, there are potential risks associated with vaccinating a pet that owners should be aware of before taking their animal to the vet for vaccination. It is extremely rare for any significant reaction to a vaccine, but just in case its worth being aware of what to watch out for so you pet can receive additional treatment if required.
The most common side effect associated with vaccinations is local inflammation at the injection site. This can cause soreness or tenderness in the area and could result in a lump being present after the vaccination takes place. Some pets may also experience fever, lethargy or even vomiting. These symptoms should subside within a few days; however, if they persist longer than this, it may be advisable to take your pet back to the vet for further advice or assessment.
Vaccines help protect against diseases that can cause serious illness or even death in dogs and cats. Commonly given vaccines for dogs include protection from canine parvovirus, distemper, and leptospirosis while cats may need protection from feline panleukopenia virus (FPLV) and feline herpes virus type 1 (FHV-1). If you take your dog or cat to vet then they will advise which vaccines are necessary for their breed, location and lifestyle.
Should you get your pet vaccinated?
Vaccines are a great way to keep our pets healthy and safe. Not only do vaccines help prevent certain diseases, but they can also help eliminate the need for more expensive treatments if an animal does become sick. Vaccines can be a simple and cost-effective way of protecting our furry friends from a variety of illnesses and ailments. As pet owners, it is our responsibility to ensure their good health by making sure they get the vaccinations they need.
Cat Vaccinations
Like humans, cats can fall ill and are prone to certain viruses. These can be minor and hardly noticeable, or harmful and in some cases fatal to your cat, especially kittens or older cats. Vaccinations limit the spread and severity of these viruses and reduce their symptoms.
What exactly is a vaccination?
Vaccinations are a way to prevent your cat from getting sick from common viruses. The way a vaccine works is by triggering antibodies for the infection and promoting your cat’s body to fight the invading pathogens.
Harmless parts of the virus, or a weakened version is introduced into the cat’s bloodstream. This weakened version prompts the immune system to make anti-bodies. The weakened or deconstructed version of the virus does not cause the disease in the cat or kitten, but it does give your fur baby the tools to fight the virus if it comes in contact with it.
Vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent your cat from getting ill and to help stem the spread of diseases. The vet will examine your cat before any vaccination is administered. No vaccination will be administered if your cat is not healthy.
Core and non-core vaccinations
Core vaccinations are for all cats and regardless of if they are indoor and outdoor cats. A common core vaccination is the F3 vaccination which protects against the following:
Feline Pan Leukopenia – The highly contagious virus which is caused by the feline parvovirus is not very common today. Kittens, older cats and sick cats are likely to get very sick or die from this virus if not vaccinated.
Feline Calicivirus – The virus causes respiratory infections and oral infections. These infections range from mild cases to severe. It is highly contagious and is known for spreading easily in shelters, stray cat colonies and pet shops. The Calicivirus is usually not deadly and most cats make a full recovery.
Feline Herpesvirus – This virus is usually not deadly but can leave the cat with a lifelong deformity if infected as a kitten. The virus causes inflammation and infection in the eye, sinus and respiratory tract. Infected cats can easily spread the virus to a healthy cat.
Cats and kittens which are at risk receive non-core vaccinations. Your vet will be able to advise you on what vaccinations are applicable to your kitty. The area where you stay, proximity to cat population and the lifestyle of you and your cat all play a role. The non-core vaccinations include:
Feline Leukemia Virus – Thanks to responsible vaccination this virus is not prevalent anymore. Your vet can advise you regarding this vaccine as there are still some reported cases of this dangerous virus.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus – is not the same as Feline Aids. Feline The FIV virus is on the decrease, but it is still a threat. It is important that you get advice from your vet on whether or not your cat needs protection. FIV takes years to start showing symptoms. Infected cats spread the virus through their bites, not water bowls or sharing spaces.
Chlamydia Felis – is spread through direct contact with infected cats. The symptoms include watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing. The virus does not spread to the lungs if treated.
Bordetella Bronchiseptica – this virus is usually harmless and passes in a week to ten days, but some kittens or older cats develop pneumonia which is life threatening. Make sure to check with your Vet about your area and if your fur baby needs a vaccination.
Vaccination Schedule
Please note: Vaccines are ever improving. You should confirm with your vet on any information to be sure, and take this as a general guide only.
Kittens:
Kittens first F3 and potentially FIV vaccination should be around 8 weeks as this is when the antibodies from mommy cat’s milk starts to wear off.
At 10 weeks, if your kitten roams outside it is likely your kitty needs a second FIV vaccination.
at 12 weeks of age, your kitten will receive a second F3 vaccination. Indoor cats get the F3 booster only. Outdoor cats that are at risk get the F3, F5 and FIV booster.
at 16 weeks of age, your kitten will receive a third F3 vaccination.
only annual boosters are needed after the 16 week boosters, but do not miss your annual boosters.
Vaccination Side-effects
Vaccinations are safe, but there are a few side-effects to look out for. Your feline companion will most likely be a bit lethargic for the rest of the day and not too keen to eat. This is quite normal. There will be some sensitivity around the injection site and there is a possibility of a fever. These symptoms usually last 24-48 hours but not longer. If they do last longer or get worse, contact your vet immediately. Make sure your furry friend has access to lots of fresh clean water.
FAQ
All the viruses we have covered are not transferable from your cat to you or your family.
Make an appointment as soon as you can. If they have not missed the booster date by too long it is simply the same as the annual booster shot. If a long time has lapsed since the due date you might have to bring them back in for a second booster shot in a month.
It is not advisable to vaccinate a pregnant or lactating cat. You have to wait until your cat has weaned off the kittens.
Dog Vaccinations
Puppies and dogs are just great companions. Whether you are young or old the enthusiasm that a dog has for life is infectious. Their unconditional love and loyalty to their owner is heart-warming.
Dogs and puppies need you to take care of them, which include grooming, feeding and making medical decisions. Vaccinations and regular booster shots are one of those decisions.
The importance of vaccinations
Every dog owner wants to keep their dog happy and healthy for as long as possible. Vaccinations are a core part of this and maintaining your pets health. They can reduce the severity of infections or prevent the spread of certain viruses. There is little to no side-effects in most vaccination cases.
It is mandatory to vaccinate your dogs. Having mandatory vaccination policy not only protects your dog from the viruses, but all the dogs in your community.
Core and non-core vaccinations
There are two different types of vaccinations. Core and non-core. The core vaccinations are mandatory. Dogs and puppies that are at risk for other infections may need non-core vaccinations.
Core vaccinations for dogs:
Canine Distemper Virus
Canine Adenovirus
Canine Parvovirus
These are the viruses which every dog needs to be vaccinated against, the C3 vaccination is a combined injection for these viruses.
Non-core vaccinations for dogs:
Dogs may be recommended to have the non-core vaccinations. The vet will need information like the area you are keeping the dog, whether or not you go to dog parks or whether your dog spends any time in kennels. Addition vaccinations may include:
Canine Parainfluenza virus
Bordetella Bronchiseptica
Leptospirosis bacteria
Further vaccines may be needed if your pet is traveling overseas.
Vaccination Schedule
You will need to find out any vaccination history you can from the breeders or the shelter. Your vet needs the puppy or dogs medical history to determine if they are on schedule, and healthy enough to receive the vaccine.
Puppies typically receive their first vaccinations around 6-8 weeks, followed by a booster at 12-14 weeks, and again at 16-18 weeks, depending on your veterinarian’s guidance. This schedule may vary based on specific vaccines used and when your puppy’s first consultation took place.
Vaccinations wear off over time so to keep your dog protected they get booster shots with their annual check-ups.
Are vaccines safe?
The short answer is yes. There have been cases of anaphylactic reactions to the vaccine but they are rare and treatable. Vaccines are a lot less harmful than the illnesses they are targeting. Your dog’s immune system needs to create antibodies to fight illness causing viruses and bacteria, vaccines prompt the body to make the antibodies. Vaccines do not completely prevent your pet from getting the illness. They reduce the threat and the severity of the illness. To create a vaccine scientists often use a weakened version, or a non-threatening part of the virus.
You should always keep an eye on your puppy or dog after they have had their injections. There are a few side effects, including sensitivity, lethargy and a bit of a fever. The side effects usually last between 24 to 48 hours, if the symptoms increase in severity or if it carries on for more than 48 hours you need to contact the vet.
FAQ
A: All dogs receive the same core vaccinations and potentially they need non-core vaccinations.
A: Make an appointment soon as suitable to make sure that you get your doggy back on track.
A: It is mandatory to vaccinate your dog to protect your dog, your family and the dogs around you.
