Properly timed and administered vaccinations protect cats and dogs from fatal diseases, just as they do humans. In the past, veterinarians administered vaccines annually, but research shows that annual vaccinations in adults are unnecessary and can even be harmful. If your pet has a high risk of exposure to diseases — as can be the case with pets that spend time outdoors — your vet might recommend additional vaccines. Even if your pets lives indoors, have them vaccinated to protect them during vet visits and other times away from home.
Call your veterinarian to make an appointment for your pet's vaccinations. The type of vaccinations needed and the frequency vary with animal species and age. Here are the most common.
Cats
The following recommendations for cats are from the American Association of Feline Practitioners 2006 Feline Vaccination Guidelines:
Feline parvovirus (FPV, also called feline distemper), feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV) as early as 6 weeks old, then every 3 to 4 weeks until 16 weeks old (so, for example, at 8, 12 and 16 weeks old). If the cat isn’t vaccinated until after 16 weeks old, administer two doses 3 to 4 weeks apart. Follow up with a booster 1 year later, and then no more than once every 3 years.
Rabies vaccination as early as 8 to 12 weeks old, then another dose 3 to 4 weeks later. If the cat isn't vaccinated until after it's 16-weeks old, administer two doses 12 weeks apart. Follow up with a booster as often as state law requires. Some states mandate an annual booster, while others allow the use of a 3-year booster.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) vaccine as early as 8 to 12 weeks old, then another dose 3 to 4 weeks later. If the cat isn't vaccinated until after 16 weeks old, administer two doses 3- to 4-weeks apart. Annual boosters are recommended only for cats with a high risk of exposure, such as cats who go outdoors.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) vaccine is only for cats at high risk of infection, such as cats who go outdoors or are around FIV-positive cats. In that case, give the first dose as early as 8-weeks old, then two more doses at 3-week intervals. Given a booster 1 year after the last shot in the initial series, and then annually only if the cat is at risk of exposure.
Dogs
The following vaccination recommendations for dogs are from the American Animal Hospital Association 2006 Canine Vaccine Guidelines:
Canine parvovirus (CPV-2), both forms of canine distemper virus (CDV and rCDV) and canine adenovirus-2 (CAV-2) as early as 6 weeks old, then every 3 to 4 weeks until 16 weeks old. If the dog isn't vaccinated until after it's 16-weeks old, administer two doses 3 to 4 weeks apart. Follow up with a booster 1 year later, and then no more than once every 3 years.
Rabies vaccination as early as 8 to 12 weeks old, then another dose 3 to 4 weeks later. If the dog isn't vaccinated until after it's 16-weeks old, administer two doses 12 weeks apart. Follow up with a booster as often as state law requires. Some states mandate an annual booster, while others allow the use of a 3-year booster.
