Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to protect your pet from serious, potentially life-threatening diseases. But with so many vaccines available, it can be confusing to know which ones your pet needs and when they need them.
Core vaccines are recommended for all pets regardless of lifestyle. For dogs, these include distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and rabies. For cats, core vaccines protect against feline panleukopenia, calicivirus, herpesvirus, and rabies. These diseases are widespread, highly contagious, and potentially fatal.
Non-core vaccines are recommended based on your pet's lifestyle and risk factors. For example, dogs that frequent dog parks or boarding facilities may benefit from the Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine, while outdoor cats might need the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) vaccine.
Puppies and kittens need a series of vaccinations starting at 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until they're about 16 weeks old. This series is crucial because maternal antibodies from nursing can interfere with vaccine effectiveness, and the series ensures protection once those antibodies fade.
Adult pets need regular boosters to maintain immunity. Some vaccines require annual boosters, while others protect for three years or longer. Your vet will recommend a schedule based on your pet's specific vaccines, health status, and local disease risks.
Vital Pet's Smart Reminders feature takes the guesswork out of vaccination scheduling. Enter your pet's vaccination history, and the app automatically sets up reminders for upcoming boosters, adjusting for your pet's age, breed, and regional recommendations.
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