Pet vaccines: Everything to know for dogs and cats

When it comes to keeping your furry friend happy and healthy, a good vaccination schedule is a must – it’s like giving them a superhero shield!

Reducing or eliminating the effects of common infectious diseases through vaccination helps animals to live their happiest and healthiest lives, and can also help to prevent some zoonotic unwellness in people too. Plus, vaccinating your pet is way cheaper than treating them if they get sick from something preventable – and some of those diseases can even be life-threatening!

Read on to learn more about the ins and outs of these peace-of-mind protection injections for your furry mate!

What are pet vaccinations and why are they important?

First things first, how do vaccinations work for our fur-babies? Vaccinations work by exposing your pet to a weakened or killed version of a bacteria or virus, so that your pet’s immune system can ‘get to know’ that infectious agent without having to actually catch the disease. After one or more vaccinations, your pet should develop immunity – this means that their immune system will now be able to quickly recognise this disease should it enter their body, allowing it to respond rapidly to effectively prevent or reduce illness.

In most cases, it can take around 7-14 days to develop immunity after a vaccination. For this reason, vaccines are only useful for preventing unwellness, rather than curing it.

However, immunity doesn’t last forever, as the immune system can start to ‘forget’ infectious agents that it doesn’t encounter for a while. This is why regular vaccination boosters are required to keep your dog or cat protected, and living their best life!

Core vs. non-core vaccines: Understanding the difference

In dogs and cats, vaccines are classified as core or non-core.

What’s the difference? Core vaccines protect against severe, life-threatening diseases that are present all around the world, and are recommended for every dog and cat. Examples of core vaccines in Australia are:

• In dogs: Canine parvovirus, Canine adenovirus, Canine distemper virus (which are commonly combined into the C3 vaccination)
• In cats: Feline panleucopaenia, Feline calicivirus, Feline herpesvirus (which are commonly combined into the F3 vaccination)

Non-core vaccines are not recommended for every pet, and are instead administered on a case-by-case basis. Veterinarians will recommend them if a cat or dog is deemed as being at significant risk of being exposed to a particular disease, based on factors such as their geographical location, environment and lifestyle. Examples of non-core vaccines in Australia are:

• In dogs: Parainfluenza virus, Bordetella bronchiseptica and Leptospira interrogans
• In cats: Feline leukaemia virus, Chlamydia felis and Feline immunodeficiency virus

Vaccination against Canine Coronavirus (note: this is a different disease to COVID-19) is not recommended in Australia, since the vaccine provides incomplete protection and the gut upset signs caused by Canine Coronavirus are usually mild for our pets.

Vaccination schedules for dogs and cats

Based on WSAVA vaccination guidelines, puppies and kittens are recommended to receive their first core vaccination at 6-8 weeks old. After this, they should receive a booster every 2-4 weeks until they are at least 16 weeks old. This is designed to ensure a good immune response to the vaccine when protective antibodies obtained from the mother dog’s milk begin to wane.

The first adult booster vaccine has traditionally been recommended to be administered around 12 months after the last puppy or kitten vaccination. However, recent guidelines now recommend this should be given between 6-12 months of age to ensure good ongoing immunity for the pet.

After that, adult dogs and cats might need vaccine boosters every one to three years, depending on their lifestyle and the specific vaccines they need – some even offer protection for up to three years!

If there are any concerns about re-vaccinating an individual pet (e.g. due to a history of autoimmune disease), titre testing might be a good option since it provides an indication of the pet’s current immunity. For the perfect vaccination plan, be sure to have a chat with your vet – they’re the experts on keeping your pet’s health in top shape!

Potential vaccination side effects and how to manage them

While vaccinations are generally safe, just like with any superhero power-up, there’s a small chance your pet might experience some side effects as their immune system gets a little boost!

The majority of adverse vaccine reactions seen in Australia are mild and short-lived. They can involve symptoms such as:

• Lethargy
• Fever
• Sensitivity or swelling at the injection site
• Sneezing (after liquid intranasal vaccines)

Severe reactions to vaccinations are generally uncommon, but they can happen to our four-legged friends. They can include allergic or anaphylactic reactions, causing symptoms such as:

• Hives (an itchy skin rash)
• Facial swelling
• Tummy upset
• Weakness
• Pale gums
• Low blood pressure
• Breathing difficulties

Luckily, injection site sarcomas (tumours) in cats are super rare in Australia, thanks to the types of vaccines we use here. Your feline friend is in safe paws!

Most vaccine reactions show up within minutes to hours after their jab. If you notice your pet feeling a little off after their shot, it’s a good idea to check in with your vet for some expert advice. In many cases, the reaction will settle on its own, but supportive medications can be administered to speed your pet’s recovery. In the case of an anaphylactic reaction, your pet should always receive urgent veterinary treatment.

Rest assured that your vet will weigh up the (generally small) potential risks of a vaccine against the protective benefits it will provide to your pet, and will be able to make informed, individual vaccine recommendations with your furry mate’s best interests at heart!

Tips for a smooth vaccination experience

It’s best to book your dog or cat’s vaccine visits when they’re feeling fit and healthy! Since the vaccine gives their immune system a little workout, it’s not recommended if they’re already battling another bug.

If your fur-bestie tends to get stressed when it comes to their vet visits, it’s a good idea to consult with your vet in advance about how to minimise their anxiety. Mild anxiety in dogs and cats can usually be managed with gentle handling and distraction with treats. However, some very nervous pets may require pre-emptive prescription calming medication to ensure the safest and best experience for everyone – you included!

Frequently asked questions

Got questions? We've got answers! Check out our frequently asked questions below to find the info you need – we’ve got the answers for your pet too!

1. What happens if my pet misses a vaccine?

This will depend on whether your pet is a puppy/kitten or an adult, when they received their last vaccination, and what they are being vaccinated for.

If you suspect your pet is overdue for vaccination, it’s best to consult your vet for personalised advice. Your pet might actually need one or two boosters to get them back on track.

2. Should I vaccinate my pet if they have previously had an allergic reaction to a vaccine?

In the case of milder reactions where there is a significant risk of infectious disease for your pet if they go unvaccinated, ongoing core vaccination (with close monitoring and pre-emptive supportive medications) is generally recommended.

However, if your pet has previously experienced a more severe allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis, your vet may recommend ceasing or minimising vaccinations and using alternative measures such as titre testing instead.

3. Can I vaccinate a pregnant or lactating pet?

Ideally, female dogs should be vaccinated prior to pregnancy. This is because:

The use of certain vaccines is not recommended during pregnancy.

• Ensuring the pregnant mother dog has adequate immunity prior to pregnancy and lactation will help to ensure effective protective antibodies are passed on to her pups through her milk.

However, if your pet requires vaccination while they’re pregnant, your vet will discuss the safest options with you – keeping your pet and their little ones in mind!

4. What happens if my pet’s medical history is unknown?

If your pet’s medical history is a mystery, your vet will create a vaccination schedule based on their risk of catching infectious diseases. If there’s a reasonable risk, it’s often better to play it safe and get them up to date with any necessary vaccinations – even if it’s a little earlier than needed – rather than leaving them unprotected. Better safe than sorry!

Staying vigilant: Long-term health and follow up

Annual vet visits are the best way to keep your pet’s health in check. Not only do they give your vet the chance to spot any new physical issues, but they also provide regular opportunities to reassess your pet’s risk for infectious diseases. This means your vet can offer the most tailored, up-to-date advice on vaccinations and parasite control, helping to keep your furry friend safe and healthy. When it comes to vaccinations, remember: a jab in time keeps the vet bills (and worries) away!