Vaccination for Dogs and Cats

1. Introduction Vaccination is a crucial aspect of protecting dogs from infectious diseases, similar to how
humans get vaccinated. It's an important decision for pet owners to ensure their dogs' health and well-
being.

2. Core Vaccines Every dog should be vaccinated against three essential infectious agents: canine
distemper virus (CDV), canine adenovirus (CAV), and canine parvovirus (CPV). These are considered
"core" vaccines and are necessary for every dog's health. Rabies vaccination is also legally required, with
revaccination every 1-3 years based on local regulations.

3. Non-Core Vaccines In addition to core vaccines, your veterinarian might recommend "non-core"
vaccines based on your dog's environment and lifestyle. These vaccines protect against specific diseases
prevalent in your area or related to your dog's activities.

4. Vaccination Decision Decisions about vaccination are made in consultation with your veterinarian
during annual health check visits. Core vaccines (CDV, CAV, CPV, and rabies) are essential for all dogs and
require no decision-making. Non-core vaccines are recommended based on specific risks.

5. Vaccination Process Vaccines are typically administered through injections into the skin. Some
vaccines for the canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) complex are given intranasally or orally.
Vaccine schedules are determined by expert scientific advisory panels or manufacturers.

6. Puppy Vaccination Puppies need a series of vaccines in their early life and a booster at around 12
months. Core vaccines are usually given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks, with another dose at 12 months. Rabies
vaccine is given at 12 weeks and 12 months. Non-core vaccines are typically given twice before 16 weeks
and again at 12 months.

7. Adult Dog Vaccination Adult dogs require revaccination with core vaccines every 3 years. Blood tests
can help determine if these vaccines are necessary. Rabies vaccine is legally required every 1-3 years.
Non-core vaccines, if recommended, are given annually to maintain protection.

Vaccination for Cats

1. Introduction Similar to humans, cats can be protected from infectious diseases through vaccination.
Vaccinating your cat is a vital decision, as some of these diseases can be fatal.

2. Core Vaccines Every cat should receive vaccinations against three crucial infectious agents: feline
parvovirus (FPV), feline herpesvirus (FHV), and feline calicivirus (FCV). These are considered "core"
vaccines for all cats. If canine rabies is present in your country, your cat should also be vaccinated against
rabies.

3. Non-Core Vaccines In addition to core vaccines, your veterinarian might recommend "non-core"
vaccines based on your cat's environment and lifestyle. These vaccines protect against specific diseases
prevalent in your area or related to your cat's activities.

4. Vaccination Decision Vaccination decisions are made during discussions with your veterinarian at the
annual health check visit. Core vaccines (FPV, FHV, FCV, and rabies) are essential for all cats and require
no decision-making. Non-core vaccines are recommended based on specific risks.
5. Vaccination Process Vaccines are typically injected into the skin. Some vaccines, like the Bordetella
vaccine, are administered intranasally. Vaccine delivery protocols are determined by expert scientific
advisory panels or manufacturers.

6. Kitten Vaccination Kittens require a series of vaccines early in life and a booster at around 12 months.
Core vaccines are usually given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks, with another dose at 12 months. Rabies vaccine is
given at 12 weeks and 12 months. Non-core vaccines are given two or three times before 16 weeks and
again at 12 months.

7. Adult Cat Vaccination Adult cats need periodic revaccination with core vaccines (FPV, FHV, FCV). The
FPV vaccine can be given every 3 years. Blood tests can help determine if this vaccine is necessary.
Depending on boarding cattery visits, FHV and FCV core vaccines may be given annually or every 3 years.
Rabies vaccine is legally required every 1-3 years. Non-core vaccines, if recommended, are given annually
or less frequently to maintain protection.