Pet vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect your cats and dogs from preventable diseases. Just like human vaccines, pet vaccinations stimulate a pet’s immune system to recognise and fight against disease-causing organisms (pathogens).
Effective vaccines introduce an agent that contains a small amount of the pathogen or something that mimics a specific pathogen.
Continue reading to learn more about the importance of dog and cat vaccinations.
What Are Vaccinations?
Vaccinations, also known as immunisations, introduce a weakened pathogen or a pathogen mimic, which stimulates the immune system and forces it to build immunity and fight the disease by producing antibodies.
This exposure enables the body to fight off the real disease more effectively in the future, thereby reducing the risk of serious illness.
Vaccinations for animals were first created and used in the late 1800s by the French microbiologist and chemist Louis Pasteur, who created a vaccine for chicken cholera in 1879, an anthrax vaccine for cattle and sheep in 1881, and a rabies vaccine in 1884.
Since then, pet vaccines have become integral to every pet owner’s life as they strive to keep their pets as healthy and safe as possible.
Core and Non-Core Vaccines
Core vaccinations are essential vaccines for dogs and cats that protect them against potentially life-threatening diseases, while non-core vaccines are only required if your pet lives in an area that has high cases of a particular disease.
Vaccines for Dogs
Dogs should be given their first vaccinations at the age of 6-8 weeks old and then a booster shot every month until they reach four months of age.
Once your puppy grows older, they can get a vaccination every 1-3 years.
Core Vaccinations
Core vaccinations for dogs include:
Distemper
Distemper is a virus that attacks the nervous system of infected dogs. Puppies and young dogs are especially susceptible to catching it. Symptoms include coughing, lethargy, paralysis, sneezing and sometimes even death.
It can be spread via contact with saliva, blood and urine.
Parvovirus
Parvovirus is a common virus that is highly contagious and can be active in the environment for up to 7 months. It attaches to the lining of the intestinal wall, which causes it to bleed.
Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and blood in the stool, and it is spread via contact with the faeces of infected dogs. Most infected dogs require quarantine and will die without treatment.
Adenovirus (Infectious Hepatitis)
An acute liver infection that can also affect the eyes and kidneys. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and jaundice. In more serious cases, the nervous system can be affected, and there can be spontaneous bleeding.
The infection is spread through urine, saliva, blood, nasal discharge, and faeces.
Non-Core Vaccinations
Non-core vaccinations for dogs include:
Bordatella bronchitisptica
A type of bacteria which, when paired with parainfluenza, causes canine (kennel) cough. It is an upper respiratory condition that causes a dry, hacking cough.
Parainfluenza
A virus that causes short-term respiratory symptoms and is similar to a human cold. It is not life-threatening but can lead to secondary pneumonia, which is much more serious.
Leptospirosis
A fatal bacteria that penetrates the gut or skin and can spread through the bloodstream, posing a risk of organ damage. Symptoms include fever, stiff muscles, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, and a loss of appetite.
It is primarily found in tropical areas and is transmitted through contact with water contaminated by urine from infected rodents and marsupials. It can be passed on to humans.
Vaccines for Cats
Kittens from 6-8 weeks old require core vaccinations, which take place every 3-4 weeks until kittens are 14-16 weeks of age.
Older cats require a booster every year for 2-3 years.
Core Vaccinations
The core vaccinations for cats include:
Feline Calicivirus (FCV)
A virus that causes respiratory and oral infections. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, runny eyes and loss of appetite.
It is highly contagious and is spread via direct contact with a sick cat. It is not fatal for most cats, although kittens are more likely to become critically ill.
Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1)
A virus that causes eye, sinus and respiratory tract infections and inflammations. Symptoms include sneezing, fevers, loss of appetite, runny eyes, conjunctivitis and nasal discharge.
Spread via contact with other infected cats. Once they are infected, cats become lifelong carriers of the virus.
Feline Infectious Enteritis (FIE)
A very contagious disease that has a high death rate, especially in kittens. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of appetite, blood in the stools and depression.
It is usually spread through contact with feces, contaminated food, water bowls, clothing, bedding, or hands. The virus can linger in infected environments for several years, making it particularly dangerous.
Non-Core Vaccinations
Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)
Feline Leukaemia Virus is a retroviral infection that damages or kills a cat’s immune system, leaving them vulnerable to other diseases. Cats also have a higher risk of getting cancer. Symptoms include lethargy, fever, and loss of weight and appetite.
The virus is spread via saliva contact with an infected cat, such as sharing a water or food bowl, or grooming.
Vaccination is recommended when cats have a high risk of exposure to the virus.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
A similar disease to HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) that is found in humans. It suppresses a cat’s immune system, which leaves them vulnerable to diseases.
Symptoms include fevers, loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes and lethargy. Signs of progressive disease include weight loss, cancer, chronic infections, eye lesions and poor coat health. The infection is spread via contact with other infected cats.
Vaccination involves administering three vaccines, spaced 2-4 weeks apart, and receiving yearly boosters.
Vaccinations are the best protection pets have against nasty infections and diseases. Always check with your vet to ensure that your furry family members are up-to-date with all the vaccinations they need to thrive and stay safe and healthy.
At Potiki, we understand how precious your pets are. We also know that the unexpected can happen at any time, resulting in extremely high vet fees. These unforeseen circumstances are why it is best to be prepared with pet insurance. Potiki and petinsurance.com.au offer our customers flexible covers with excess and extras to give you and your family peace of mind. Visit our website to get a quick quote and see our different cover options.
FAQs
Can a Pregnant Dog or Cat Get Vaccinated?
Every individual case is different, and it depends on various factors, such as the age of your pet, the stage of pregnancy, and the overall health of your dog or cat.
Your vet can provide you with valuable advice, enabling you to make an informed decision.
What Happens If My Dog Or Cat Misses a Vaccination?
Life is busy; sometimes, real life gets in the way, and your pet’s vaccination gets delayed. As long as your pet is healthy and you don’t delay the vaccination for too long, there shouldn’t be any serious repercussions.
What Happens If I Rescue a Dog Or Cat and Don’t Know if They’re Vaccinated?
Sometimes, a rescued dog or cat’s medical history can be unclear. In this case, it is best to make an appointment with a vet as soon as possible so they can give your new furry family member a full check-up and determine what vaccinations they need.
How Do I Take Care of My Pet After They Have Been Vaccinated?
Here are some ways to take care of your furry family members after they have been vaccinated:
- Provide a comfortable, warm place for them to rest
- Limit physical activity for a few days
- Give them enough fresh food and water
- Keep an eye on them for signs of any potential side effects
Call your vet immediately if you notice something that isn’t quite right