National Immunization Awareness Month is a campaign dedicated to the importance of vaccinations for the health and well-being of our furry best friends. In honor of this, we’ve created a guide to pet vaccinations—including how they work, the different types of vaccines for dogs and cats, and more.

What it is:

Vaccines play a vital role in preventing and controlling diseases in pets, and also safeguarding our families and other animals in our communities. This month serves as an opportunity to educate pet parents about the importance of proper immunization and to encourage veterinary visits to ensure their pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations.

How vaccines work:

When a vaccine is administered, it triggers the production of antibodies that recognize and fight off the disease-causing organisms. These antibodies provide long-term protection, preventing your pet from getting sick if exposed to the disease in the future.

Keep in mind: While human vaccines are often injected into the muscle, pet vaccines are typically administered under the skin. This distinction ensures that the vaccines are effective and safe for our furry companions.

They play a vital role in safeguarding the health of our pets—and our communities.

• Prevention of Serious Diseases: Vaccines protect pets from potentially life-threatening diseases such as distemper, hepatitis, rabies, parvovirus, and kennel cough. These diseases can be highly contagious and may even be transmissible to humans. By vaccinating our pets, we create a barrier of protection against these preventable diseases.
• Public Health Safety: Some diseases, like rabies, can pose a significant risk to public health. Vaccinating our pets against rabies is not only a legal requirement in many areas but also an essential measure to prevent the spread of this disease to humans.

Core vs. non-core vaccines:

Vaccines for pets can be classified into two main categories: core vaccines and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines are those recommended for all pets, regardless of their specific lifestyle or medical history. On the other hand, non-core vaccines, also known as lifestyle vaccines, are recommended based on a pet's unique circumstances.

Core Vaccines: Essential for all pets due to the high risk of exposure to certain diseases. These vaccines provide protection against diseases that are highly contagious or pose a significant threat to an animal's health. The following are examples of core vaccines for dogs and cats:

• Rabies: A zoonotic virus that can be fatal to both animals and humans. It is required by law to vaccinate pets against rabies. Even indoor pets can be at risk if they accidentally encounter an infected animal or a bat enters their living space.
• Distemper: Distemper is a viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory and nervous systems. In dogs, the distemper vaccine is often combined with vaccines for parvovirus, adenovirus, and hepatitis, referred to as the DA2P vaccine. For cats, the distemper vaccine is combined with vaccines for calicivirus and panleukopenia, known as the FVRCP vaccine. These vaccines are crucial for protecting pets, especially young or elderly animals, from severe illness and potential outbreaks.

Non-Core Vaccines: Recommended based on a pet's individual risk factors, lifestyle, and geographic location. These vaccines are tailored to specific circumstances to provide additional protection against certain diseases. Here are a few examples of non-core vaccines for dogs and cats:

• Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can affect the kidneys, liver, and nervous system. It is primarily spread through the urine of infected animals. In rural areas, deer, squirrels, skunks, and rabbits are common carriers, while mice and rats are more prevalent in urban settings. Vaccinating dogs against leptospirosis is essential, especially if they live or spend time in areas where the disease is prevalent.
• Bordetella: Commonly known as "kennel cough," bordetella is highly contagious among dogs. It causes a hacking cough and can spread rapidly in environments where dogs are in close proximity, such as boarding facilities or dog parks. Vaccinating dogs against Bordetella is particularly important for those who frequently interact with other dogs or visit high-risk environments.
• Feline Leukemia: Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a viral infection that affects cats. It is primarily transmitted through saliva and can lead to severe health issues, including leukemia-like symptoms. Vaccinating cats against FeLV is recommended, especially for outdoor cats or those who come into contact with other cats.
• Lyme Disease: Lyme disease is caused by bacteria transmitted through tick bites. While it can affect both dogs and humans, transmission between the two species is not possible without tick involvement. Vaccinating dogs against Lyme disease is crucial, particularly in areas where ticks are prevalent. Indoor-only dogs who receive year-round flea and tick preventative may be at lower risk.

It's important to consult with your Parker & Ace vet team to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule and which non-core vaccines are necessary for your pet's individual circumstances.

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Puppy and kitten vaccinations: A series ‍

Early vaccines are critical for building a strong foundation of immunity for your puppy and/or kitten. They are spaced out and follow a pretty regimented timeline. Learn more about puppy and kitten vaccinations in our resource library.

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Parker & Ace: Your Partner in Pet Vaccination

During your pet's annual wellness exam, our experienced veterinarians will review your pet's medical history, lifestyle, and specific needs to determine the vaccinations they require. They will guide you through the vaccination process and ensure your pet receives the appropriate vaccines at the right time. Our vet team will also work closely with you to create personalized vaccination schedules tailored to each pet's age, lifestyle, and health condition. This ensures that pets receive the appropriate vaccines at the right times.

Keep in mind: Booster shots are necessary to maintain a pet's immunity over time. Regular booster vaccinations are crucial for ensuring continuous protection against diseases. Not sure if your pet is up-to-date on their shots? Schedule a visit with us today.

With P&A, you can have peace of mind knowing that your furry friend is in the hands of dedicated professionals who prioritize their health and safety. Schedule a wellness and vaccine exam for your pet today and take a proactive step towards their long and healthy life.

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