Vaccination helps protect dogs and cats from infections that can cause serious illness and pose a significant risk to their health. However, there is no single rule that every pet should simply be “vaccinated once a year.” The schedule depends on age, previous vaccinations, lifestyle, region, and the specific vaccine used.
Let’s look at which vaccines are considered essential, why puppies and kittens need several doses, and what owners should know before and after vaccination.
Which vaccines do dogs and cats need?
In veterinary medicine, vaccines are generally divided into core and non-core vaccines.
Core vaccines protect against the most significant infectious diseases and are recommended for most pets.
For dogs, core vaccination usually includes protection against:
• canine distemper;
• canine parvovirus;
• canine adenovirus.
For cats:
• feline panleukopenia;
• feline herpesvirus;
• feline calicivirus.
Rabies vaccination is considered separately. The need for vaccination and the timing of boosters may depend on the local epidemiological situation, legal requirements, and the instructions for the specific vaccine.
There are also non-core vaccines. These are selected according to the pet’s lifestyle and risk of exposure. Factors such as outdoor access, travel, boarding, grooming, shows, and contact with other animals may all be relevant.
This is why the same vaccination schedule may not be suitable for two dogs or two cats of the same age.
When should puppies and kittens start vaccinations?
Core vaccination for puppies and kittens usually begins at around 6–8 weeks of age. However, one vaccine dose at this age is usually not enough.
During the first weeks of life, young animals receive antibodies from their mother. These antibodies gradually decrease, but for some time they can interfere with the immune response to vaccination.
This is why vaccination is given as a series. Doses are repeated at certain intervals, and the final dose in the initial series is generally given at 16 weeks of age or older.
The number of doses depends on the age at which vaccination was started, the vaccine used, and the interval recommended by the veterinarian.
A booster is also needed after the initial vaccination series. Future booster intervals may vary depending on the vaccine, so it is not always correct to follow a simple “once a year” rule.
Do indoor pets need vaccinations?
Living entirely indoors can reduce the risk of exposure to some infections, but it does not always eliminate that risk completely.
A cat may accidentally get outside, a new animal may enter the household, and visits to a veterinary clinic or boarding facility can also change the level of exposure.
This is why vaccination decisions are not based only on whether a pet goes outdoors. A veterinarian will also consider the animal’s age, living conditions, contact with other pets, travel, and the local epidemiological situation.
For example, an indoor cat may need a different set of non-core vaccines from a cat that regularly spends time outdoors.
How to prepare your pet for vaccination
Special or complicated preparation is usually not necessary. The main thing is that a veterinarian assesses the animal’s condition before vaccination.
Tell your veterinarian if your pet has recently had:
• vomiting or diarrhea;
• reduced appetite;
• unusual tiredness or lethargy;
• coughing, sneezing, or nasal discharge;
• fever;
• any other changes in health or behavior.
It is also important to mention any chronic conditions, medications your pet is taking, and any previous reactions to vaccines.
If your pet’s vaccination history is unknown or the records have been lost, do not try to reconstruct the schedule from memory. A veterinarian can create an appropriate plan based on the animal’s age and possible risks.
Treatment against internal and external parasites is also part of preventive care, but the schedule should be considered separately. It depends on the pet’s age, lifestyle, and the products being used.
What can happen after vaccination?
Most dogs and cats tolerate vaccination without serious problems.
During the first day or two, some pets may experience:
• mild tiredness;
• reduced appetite;
• soreness at the injection site;
• a small local lump;
• a mild increase in body temperature.
These reactions usually resolve on their own.
After vaccination, it is useful to monitor your pet and avoid planning additional stressful activities for the same day. If the animal feels well, there is usually no need to make major changes to their normal routine.
When should you contact a veterinarian after vaccination?
Serious reactions are much less common, but it is important to know which signs require prompt attention.
Contact a veterinary clinic urgently if your pet develops:
• difficulty breathing;
• significant swelling of the face;
• hives or severe itching;
• repeated vomiting or diarrhea;
• severe weakness or collapse.
If mild tiredness, soreness, or reduced appetite does not improve within one or two days, or if your pet’s condition gets worse, you should also consult a veterinarian.
Injection-site lumps in cats require particular attention. If a lump increases in size or does not disappear for a long time, it should be examined by a veterinarian.
What should you do if a vaccination was missed?
Missing a vaccination does not always mean that the entire vaccination schedule has to be restarted.
The next steps depend on your pet’s age, which vaccines were previously given and when, how long the vaccination has been delayed, and the specific vaccine involved.
If the vaccination record has been lost and previous vaccinations cannot be confirmed, a veterinarian can create an appropriate schedule for an animal with an unknown vaccination history.
If there has been a long gap between vaccinations, it is better not to decide on the next dose yourself. Bring any available records or photos of your pet’s vaccination passport to the appointment.
Vaccination should not be identical for every dog and cat. Its purpose is not simply to add another stamp to the vaccination record, but to provide appropriate protection based on the pet’s age and actual risk of infection.
