Vaccinations are a crucial part of your pet’s wellness plan because they help keep your four-legged friend healthy and prevent disease spread. Our Rustebakke Veterinary Service team understands pet parents have concerns about vaccinating their pet, and we answer frequently asked questions about pet vaccines.

Question: What is a vaccine?

Answer: A vaccine is a biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity against a particular infectious disease. It contains an agent resembling a disease-causing microorganism that stimulates the body’s immune system to recognize and fight the microorganism without causing disease.

Q: How do vaccines work?

A: Vaccines work by stimulating the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against specific diseases. When a vaccinated pet is exposed to the disease, their immune system can recognize and fight the pathogen more effectively.

Q: Why should I vaccinate my pet?

A: Vaccinations protect pets from a variety of serious and potentially fatal diseases. They also help prevent the spread of disease to other animals and humans, contributing to overall community health.

Q: What are core vaccinations for pets?

A: Core vaccinations are recommended for all pets because of the severity and contagious nature of the diseases they protect against. Core vaccines include:

  • Dogs — Rabies, distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza
  • Cats — Rabies, feline herpesvirus-1, calicivirus, and panleukopenia virus

Q: What are non-core vaccinations for pets?

A: Non-core vaccinations are recommended based on a pet’s individual risk factors, such as lifestyle and geographic location. Non-core vaccines include:

  • Dogs — Leptospirosis, Lyme disease, Bordetella, and canine influenza virus
  • Cats — Feline leukemia virus, Bordetella, and chlamydia

Q: What is the recommended vaccination schedule for puppies and kittens?

A: Puppies and kittens should start their vaccinations at 6 to 8 weeks of age. They typically receive a series of vaccines every three to four weeks until they are 16 weeks old. This schedule helps build their immunity when they are most vulnerable to disease.

Q: How often do adult pets need vaccines?

A: Depending on the vaccine and your pet’s disease risk, they typically need vaccine boosters every one to three years.

Q: Are vaccines safe for pets?

A: Yes, vaccines are generally safe for pets. Side effects are rare and usually mild, such as a slight fever or soreness at the injection site. Serious side effects are extremely uncommon but can occur, so it’s important to discuss any concerns with our Rustebakke Veterinary Service team.

Q: What if I miss a scheduled vaccination for my pet?

A: If you miss a scheduled vaccination, contact our team to reschedule as soon as possible. Delays can leave your pet vulnerable to disease, so it’s important to keep up with their vaccination schedule. 

Q: Can my pet be vaccinated if they are sick?

A: Generally, we do not recommend vaccinating your pet if they are ill or have a compromised immune system. It’s best to wait until they are recovered to ensure the vaccine is most effective. Depending on your pet’s specific condition, our team can make recommendations about their vaccination schedule.

Q: Are there alternatives to traditional vaccines for pets?

A: In some cases, titer testing may be an option. These tests measure antibody levels in your pet’s blood to determine if they still have immunity against certain diseases. We may recommend titer testing if your pet has a known vaccine sensitivity.

Q: What should I do if my pet has a vaccine reaction?

A: If your pet has a vaccine reaction, contact our team immediately. Mild reactions, such as swelling at the injection site or lethargy, usually resolve without treatment. Severe reactions, such as difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or collapse, require emergency veterinary care.

Vaccinations are a vital part of your pet’s preventive health care plan, protecting against serious diseases and contributing to the community’s overall health and safety. Contact our Rustebakke Veterinary Service team to schedule your pet’s vaccine appointment today.