As a responsible pet owner, keeping your dog or cat healthy is a top priority, and vaccinations are one of the most important steps you can take to protect them from serious diseases. At Charlotte Veterinary Hospital, we recommend a vaccination schedule tailored to your pet’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors. In this blog post, we’ll walk through the core vaccines, regional and lifestyle non-core vaccines, and how to determine what’s best for your furry friend.
Why Are Vaccinations Important?
Vaccines help prevent infectious diseases that can cause serious illness or even death in pets. Some diseases, like rabies, are also zoonotic, meaning they can spread to humans. Vaccines protect your pet, other animals, and your family, keeping everyone safe from potentially deadly diseases.
Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines
Vaccines are divided into two main categories:
- Core vaccines: These are recommended for all pets, regardless of lifestyle, as they protect against diseases that are widespread and have serious consequences.
- Non-core vaccines: These are optional and based on your pet’s risk factors—such as lifestyle, environment, or geographical location.
Vaccination Schedule for Dogs
- Core Vaccines for Dogs
- Rabies
- Why it’s important: Rabies is a fatal viral disease that can be transmitted to humans. It’s legally required in most areas, including North Carolina.
- Schedule: First vaccine at 12-16 weeks, then booster at 1 year. Subsequent boosters are required every 1-3 years depending on local laws and the vaccine type.
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
- Why it’s important: This combination vaccine protects against multiple viral diseases that can be life-threatening, especially for puppies.
- Schedule: Start at 6-8 weeks of age with a series of boosters every 3-4 weeks until they’re 16 weeks old. A booster is given at 1 year, followed by boosters every 1-3 years.
- Leptospirosis
- Why it’s important: Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease spread through contaminated water or soil. It can affect both dogs and humans.
- Schedule: Initial vaccine at 12 weeks, with a booster 3-4 weeks later, then annually.
- Rabies
- Non-Core Vaccines for Dogs
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
- Why it’s important: Bordetella is a highly contagious respiratory infection. If your dog spends time at boarding facilities, grooming salons, or dog parks, this vaccine is recommended.
- Schedule: Given as early as 8 weeks with boosters every 6-12 months, depending on the risk.
- Lyme Disease
- Why it’s important: Lyme disease is spread by ticks and can cause long-term joint and kidney problems.
- Schedule: Initial vaccine at 12 weeks, with a booster 3-4 weeks later, then annually.
- Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)
- Why it’s important: Canine influenza is a contagious respiratory virus. Dogs that are in close contact with others, like at boarding facilities or doggy daycare, may benefit from this vaccine.
- Schedule: Two doses, 2-4 weeks apart, starting as early as 8 weeks. An annual booster is required.
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
Vaccination Schedule for Cats
- Core Vaccines for Cats
- Rabies
- Why it’s important: Just like for dogs, rabies is a fatal virus that can be transmitted to humans, and it’s required by law in most areas.
- Schedule: First vaccine at 12-16 weeks, followed by a booster at 1 year. Subsequent boosters are given every 1-3 years.
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
- Why it’s important: This combination vaccine protects against highly contagious diseases that can be deadly, especially in kittens.
- Schedule: Start at 6-8 weeks with a series of boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks old. A booster is given at 1 year, then every 1-3 years.
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
- Why it’s important: FeLV is a viral disease that weakens the immune system and is often fatal. Cats that go outdoors or live with other cats are at higher risk.
- Start at 8 weeks with a booster 3-4 weeks later, then annually.
- Rabies
Tailoring Vaccines to Your Pet’s Lifestyle
Vaccination schedules should be tailored to fit your pet’s individual lifestyle and exposure risks. Here’s how to assess what’s best for your pet:
For Dogs:
- Outdoor Adventurer: Dogs that spend time outdoors, at dog parks, hiking trails, or in boarding facilities are at higher risk for leptospirosis, Lyme disease, and Bordetella. These non-core vaccines are recommended.
- Homebody: If your dog mostly stays indoors or in a fenced yard, they may only need core vaccines.
- Travelers: Dogs that travel frequently or stay at boarding facilities may need the canine influenza vaccine, especially in areas where dog flu is prevalent.
For Cats:
- Indoor Cats: Indoor cats still need core vaccines like rabies and FVRCP. Even if they never go outside, there’s always a risk of them escaping or encountering a disease at the vet or grooming salon.
- Outdoor Cats: Cats that spend time outdoors are at higher risk for diseases like FeLV, FIV, and rabies. These cats should be up to date on both core and non-core vaccines.
- Multi-Cat Households: Cats living with other cats should have FeLV vaccines, as the virus can spread through close contact, bite wounds, grooming, and sharing food/water bowls.
Staying Up to Date with Vaccines
Vaccines are not just for puppies and kittens—adult pets need booster shots to maintain their immunity. It’s essential to stay on top of your pet’s vaccination schedule by:
- Regular Wellness Exams: Annual wellness visits help ensure your pet is up to date on their vaccines. We’ll work with you to develop a vaccination plan tailored to their needs..
- Reminders: We provide email and text reminders to help you stay on track with your pet’s vaccinations.
Protect Your Pet with Vaccinations
Vaccines are a critical part of keeping your pet healthy and safe from preventable diseases. By following a tailored vaccination schedule, you can ensure your dog or cat is protected based on their age, lifestyle, and risk factors.
If you have any questions about your pet’s vaccination needs or would like to schedule an appointment at Charlotte Veterinary Hospital, contact us today. We’re here to keep your furry friend healthy, happy, and protected!