Many pets are due for vaccines in spring, and it is a natural time to review your pet’s protection before a season of travel, boarding, dog parks and outdoor adventures. Vaccine recommendations are based on your pet’s age, health, lifestyle and where you live. That makes the conversation with your veterinarian important. Here is some background to help you prepare.
Core and non-core vaccines
Veterinary guidelines generally divide vaccines into two groups.
- Core vaccines are recommended for most pets because they protect against diseases that are widespread, serious or transmissible to people. For dogs, these commonly include rabies, distemper, parvovirus and adenovirus. For cats, they commonly include rabies and the combination vaccine for panleukopenia, herpesvirus and calicivirus. Rabies vaccination is also required by law in many places, and requirements vary by state and locality.
- Non-core or lifestyle vaccines are recommended based on an individual pet’s risk. For dogs, these may include vaccines for leptospirosis, Lyme disease, Bordetella (part of the kennel cough complex) and canine influenza. For cats, feline leukemia vaccine is often recommended for kittens and for cats at risk of exposure.
Organizations such as the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners publish vaccination guidelines that many veterinarians use as a reference.
What your vet needs to know
Your veterinarian can tailor recommendations best when they understand your pet’s daily life. Be ready to share:
- Whether your pet goes outdoors, and where: yards, woods, fields, water
- Whether your dog visits dog parks, daycare, groomers or boarding facilities
- Any planned travel, especially to other regions
- Whether your cat goes outside or lives with cats that do
- Contact with wildlife, such as raccoons, or standing water
- Any past reactions to vaccines
- Your pet’s current health conditions and medications
Questions to ask
- Which vaccines do you recommend for my pet this year, and why?
- Are any required by law where we live?
- How often will each vaccine need to be repeated?
- Do boarding or daycare facilities I use require specific vaccines?
- What side effects are normal, and what should prompt a call?
After the appointment
Mild, temporary effects such as soreness at the injection site, tiredness or a reduced appetite for a day can occur. Serious reactions are uncommon, but contact your veterinarian promptly or seek emergency care if your pet develops facial swelling, hives, vomiting, difficulty breathing or collapse.
Keep a copy of vaccination records. Boarding facilities, groomers and travel may require proof. Put due dates on your calendar so nothing lapses.
Vaccines are one part of preventive care. This is also a good time to talk about parasite prevention, dental health and weight. This article is general information only; your veterinarian is the right person to recommend a vaccine plan for your pet.
