Hey Lykkers! If you're a pet parent like us, you know we'd do anything to keep our furry friends happy and healthy. But sometimes, in our busy lives, we might overlook one very important thing—vaccinations.
Pet vaccines aren't just a "nice to have." They're one of the most powerful ways we can protect our pets from serious and even deadly diseases. Let's break it down in simple terms and go through everything we need to know.
What Exactly Are Vaccines?
Vaccines are like little "training sessions" for our pet's immune system. They help the body recognize and fight off certain diseases before our pet is ever exposed to them. When we vaccinate, we're giving their immune system a head start.
There are two main types of vaccines:
• Core vaccines: These are essential for every pet because they protect against common and dangerous illnesses.
• Non-core vaccines: These are optional and depend on things like where we live, our pet's lifestyle, and exposure risk.
Why Vaccines Are So Important
Some illnesses—like rabies, parvovirus, and distemper—can be deadly or cause lifelong problems. These diseases spread easily through contact with other animals, contaminated surfaces, or even just being outside.
Vaccines do more than protect our own pets—they also help reduce the spread of diseases to others, including humans in some cases. It's one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep our whole community safer.
When Should We Start Vaccinating?
For puppies and kittens, vaccines usually begin around 6–8 weeks old. They'll need a series of shots every few weeks until about 16 weeks. After that, we switch to a schedule of boosters—usually once a year or every three years, depending on the vaccine.
Here's a general timeline:
• 6–8 weeks: First core vaccines
• 10–12 weeks: Booster shots
• 14–16 weeks: Final round of puppy/kitten vaccines
• 1 year later: First adult booster
• Then: Ongoing boosters (your vet will help schedule them)
If your pet is older and never got vaccinated, it's not too late! Talk to your vet about a catch-up plan.
What Vaccines Do Pets Need?
Here's a quick look at the common vaccines:
For Dogs:
• Rabies
• Distemper
• Parvovirus
• Adenovirus
• Leptospirosis (non-core, but often recommended)
• Bordetella (kennel cough)
• Canine influenza (optional)
For Cats:
• Rabies
• Feline herpesvirus
• Calicivirus
• Panleukopenia
• Feline leukemia virus (especially for outdoor cats)
Every pet is different, so we should work with our vet to decide which ones are necessary.
Are Vaccines Safe?
Yes! Most pets handle vaccines really well. Sometimes, there might be mild side effects like a little tiredness or a small lump at the injection spot. Serious reactions are rare, and vets are trained to handle them quickly.
We should always let the vet know if our pet had a reaction before. They can adjust the schedule or switch to a different vaccine type if needed.
What If We Skip Vaccines?
Skipping vaccines can leave our pets wide open to infections—some of which spread fast and are very hard to treat. For example:
• Parvovirus can remove a puppy in just a few days.
• Rabies is always fatal once symptoms appear—and it's a public safety risk too.
• Distemper can cause seizures and long-term nerve damage.
Missing a shot doesn't just put our pet at risk, but also others around them.
Vaccines Help Us Travel and Socialize
If we ever want to board our pet, take them to daycare, visit a groomer, or travel—especially overseas—updated vaccine records are often required. Having them up to date gives us more freedom and fewer last-minute problems.
Let's Keep Our Pets Protected
Lykkers, when we choose to vaccinate, we're giving our pets a shield they can't get on their own. It's not just about rules or vet visits—it's about giving them a safer, longer, and happier life.
So, when was the last time you checked your pet's vaccine schedule? If it's been a while, maybe it's time to call the vet. Our pets give us so much love—it's only right we give them this protection in return.
