Understanding Core Vs. Non-Core Vaccines for Your Pet

Vaccines can help to prevent illnesses in animals. Vaccinating pets can ensure they enjoy long, happy, and healthy lives. There are vaccines for different diseases, and it helps to understand their potential risks and benefits. There are also various types and combinations of vaccines for animals. Your veterinarian can help determine the best vaccination regimen for your furry friend.
 

Understanding Pet Vaccines

Vaccines are vital for the management of pet health. They contain antigens that mimic the disease-causing organism but do not cause it. If the pet is exposed to the disease, the immune system is able to recognize and fight the invasion. Vaccinations help to prevent or reduce the severity of various illnesses.
 

When to Vaccinate Your Pet

While vaccines are essential for pet health, not every pet needs vaccination for every disease. Your veterinarian can help you find out which vaccinations your pet will need. When discussing a vaccination protocol, the vet will consider factors such as:
 

·      The pet's age

·      Travel habits

·      Environment

·      Medical history

·      Lifestyle
 

The vet will also discuss core versus non-core vaccines. Most vets will recommend the administration of core vaccines.
 

Core Vs. Non-Core Vaccines

Core vaccines are vital for all pets, depending on the severity of the disease, risk of exposure, and human transmissibility. Core dog vaccines include rabies, canine parvovirus, canine hepatitis, and distemper.
 

Core vaccines for cats include:
 

·      Feline distemper (panleukopenia)

·      Feline herpesvirus type 1 (rhinotracheitis)

·      Calicivirus

·      Rabies
 

The veterinarians recommend non-core vaccines based on the animal's risk of exposure. For dogs, they include Borrelia burgdorferi, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and Leptospira bacteria. Non-core vaccines for felines include Bordetella, feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, and Chlamydophila Felis.
 

Timing and Frequency of Vaccinations

Veterinarians help to determine the frequency and timing of pet vaccinations. The schedule will be based on the type of vaccine, the pet's age, environment, lifestyle, and medical history. Puppies and kittens with healthy mothers receive antibodies from milk during nursing. They should begin to receive vaccinations from six to eight weeks old.
 

The veterinarian will administer a series of vaccinations at intervals of three to four weeks. For adult pets, veterinarians administer some vaccines annually, while others are administered every three or more years.
 

Legally Mandated Vaccines

There are local laws regarding rabies vaccinations. Each state has laws that govern the administration of the vaccines. Proof of rabies vaccination is a requirement in all states. If you plan to travel with your pet, you may be required to produce documentation showing vaccination information. You also need documentation when boarding your pet.
 

Vaccines work by mildly stimulating the immune system. The stimulation sometimes leads to various symptoms, ranging from soreness and swelling to allergic reactions and fever. You need to understand the associated risks before vaccinating your pet.
 

Soreness on the injection site is pretty normal. If your pet experiences severe symptoms, such as seizures or difficulty breathing, contact your veterinarian. Vaccines have helped to save many pet lives. The benefits far outweigh the potential risks.
 

For more on understanding core vs. non-core vaccines for your pet, visit ABC Pet Clinic. Our office is in San Ramon, California. Call 925-855-8195 to book an appointment today.
 

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/pets/features/pet_vaccination

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/vaccinations-your-pet