Essential Vaccination Schedule for Your Dog or Cat

Always consult with your veterinarian to create a personalized plan, as recommendations can vary based on your pet's age, health, lifestyle, and geographic location.

Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines

• Core Vaccines: Essential for all pets due to the severity and transmissibility of the diseases.

• Non-Core (Lifestyle) Vaccines: Recommended based on risk factors like outdoor access, boarding, or regional prevalence.

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For Dogs

Core Vaccines:

1. DA2PP (DHPP) – Distemper, Adenovirus-2, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza:

   • Why: Protects against severe, often fatal, viral diseases.

   • Puppy Schedule: Every 3-4 weeks starting at 6-8 weeks old, until 16-20 weeks old.

   • Adult Booster: 1 year after the last puppy shot, then typically every 3 years.

2. Rabies:

   • Why: Legally required, fatal zoonotic disease (transmissible to humans).

   • Schedule: First vaccine at 12-16 weeks, booster in 1 year, then every 1 or 3 years as per local law and vaccine type.

Common Non-Core Vaccines:

• Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Recommended for social dogs (boarding, daycare, dog parks). Often given every 6-12 months.

• Leptospirosis: Important for dogs exposed to wildlife, standing water, or rural areas. Often given annually.

• Lyme Disease: For dogs in tick-endemic regions. Requires annual boosters.

• Canine Influenza (CIV): For dogs at high risk of exposure (show dogs, shelters, urban dog communities).

Sample Puppy Schedule:

• 6-8 weeks: DA2PP

• 10-12 weeks: DA2PP, Leptospirosis (if needed)

• 14-16 weeks: DA2PP, Rabies, Leptospirosis (if needed)

• 12-16 months: All boosters.

• Annually/Every 3 Years: Follow vet's recommended booster schedule.

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For Cats

Core Vaccines:

1. FVRCP – Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia:

   • Why: Protects against upper respiratory viruses and deadly panleukopenia ("feline distemper").

   • Kitten Schedule: Every 3-4 weeks starting at 6-8 weeks old, until 16-20 weeks old.

   • Adult Booster: 1 year later, then typically every 3 years.

2. Rabies:

   • Why: Legally required and fatal.

   • Schedule: First dose at 12-16 weeks. Boostered in 1 year, then annually or every 3 years (depending on vaccine type and law).

Common Non-Core Vaccines:

• FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus):

  • Why: Recommended for kittens and cats with any outdoor access or exposure to infected cats.

  • Schedule: Two initial doses 3-4 weeks apart, starting as early as 8 weeks. Annual booster for at-risk cats.

• FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus): Considered for high-risk outdoor cats (especially fighters), but not universally recommended.

Sample Kitten Schedule:

• 6-8 weeks: FVRCP

• 10-12 weeks: FVRCP, FeLV (if needed)

• 14-16 weeks: FVRCP, Rabies, FeLV (if needed)

• 12-16 months: All boosters.

• Annually/Every 3 Years: Follow vet's recommended booster schedule.

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General Guidelines & Important Notes

1. Maternal Antibodies: Puppies and kittens receive antibodies from their mother's milk, which can interfere with early vaccines. This is why a series of shots is needed to ensure protection as these antibodies wane.

2. Legal Requirements: Rabies vaccination is mandated by law in most areas. Keep proof of vaccination.

3. Lifestyle Matters: An indoor-only cat has a very different risk profile than an outdoor cat. Discuss your pet's habits honestly with your vet.

4. Health Check: Each vaccination visit is also a wellness exam, allowing for early detection of potential health issues.

5. Vaccine Reactions: Serious reactions are rare, but mild symptoms (lethargy, soreness) are common. Inform your vet immediately if you see facial swelling, hives, vomiting, or difficulty breathing.

6. Keep Records: Maintain a vaccination passport. You'll need it for boarding, grooming, travel, and emergencies.

Disclaimer: This is a general informational guide. Your veterinarian is the ultimate authority on the best, safest schedule for your individual pet. Always follow their advice.