Pet Vaccinations: Understanding Vaccinations for Your Cat or Dog (2024)

Many pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions.

Because reports and rumors of side effects have become so widespread, pet owners increasingly are asking their vets about whether or not to vaccinate. Andy Smith, DVM, a long-time Atlanta veterinarian, says he has “this conversation with a client twice a week. It’s clear there’s a lot of confusion and concern.” So WebMD went to some top veterinary experts to find answers you can use in sorting out your own concerns.

Why do pets need vaccines?

Vaccines protect against contagious, potentially fatal diseases, says Margret Casal, DMV, PhD. Casal is associate professor of medical genetics at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. Vaccines trigger immune responses, she says, and prepare pets to fight future infections.

Casal tells WebMD that vaccines have saved millions of pet lives. And even though some once common diseases are now rare, she says veterinary groups agree that many vaccines are still necessary.

Is there a vaccination controversy?

Yes, says Andrea Looney, DVM, of Cornell University. Some experts advocate yearly shots, others every three years, and a few believe no more vaccines are needed after the first year.

Looney says it’s similar to controversies over human vaccines. “There’s a lot of talk,” she says, “but no evidence [of widespread harm].”

Casal says fears sparked by this “over vaccination” controversy have led many pet owners to skip shots for preventable diseases, causing an alarming rise in pet deaths.

So should all dogs and cats still be vaccinated?

“Absolutely,” says Ronald Schultz, DVM, a pioneer in clinical immunology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. But Schulz is also very much in agreement with those who say pets are being over vaccinated, calling it a “serious problem.” Often, he says, pets are vaccinated by vets who just want to keep clients coming in. But too many vaccines, especially when given in “combo shots,” can “assault” immune systems.

Is it true that vaccines can even cause cancer?

In cats, definitely, says Richard Ford, DVM, professor of veterinary medicine at North Carolina State University. Ford says most but not all scientists believe the culprit is a chemical called an “adjuvant” that’s added to some feline vaccines. “Many [scientists] strongly recommend to avoid using any cat vaccine that is labeled ‘killed’ or ‘inactivated.’ All feline vaccines labeled in this way contain adjuvant. Vaccine labeled ‘attenuated’ or ‘recombinant’ does not contain adjuvant.”

Years ago, vets started noticing tumors forming in the area between the shoulders, where cats are vaccinated. The tumors are rare, occurring in 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 10,000 cats. Veterinarians now give this type of vaccine low on a cats' front or hind legs so they can amputate if a tumor develops, potentially saving the cats' life.

Vaccines can definitely cause cancer, says Luci T. Dimick, DVM, of The Ohio State University. She says feline leukemia is caused by a virus and is listed as a “non-core” disease, meaning that it is not regarded as one for which vaccination is essential. Yet many vets feel kittens should be immunized against feline leukemia virus, even though it’s one of the injections, along with rabies, thought to cause cancerous tumors in some cats.

What about other types of reactions?

Vaccines can make pets sick and lethargic and induce diarrhea, Casal says. Fatal reactions, though, are rare. But the controversy over the potential for reactions to the vaccines, she points out, has resulted in a backlash that could have serious consequences. “Sadly,” she says, “some pet owners or even vets just trash a lot of vaccines.” That means some pets aren’t getting the protection they need against disease. “We’ve seen this in people,” Casal says, “which is why we’re seeing more mumps and measles.” Any treatment carries some risk, she says.

Kate Creevy, DVM, is a specialist in small animal internal medicine at the University of Georgia. She says it’s not known why some animals have reactions to vaccines while others don’t. “It may be true that some breeds are more prone to vaccine reactions than other breeds, although this is debatable.”

The most common adverse reactions are mild and short-term, including reduced appetite, fever, and swelling at the point of injection. Allergic reactions appear within minutes or hours and may include vomiting, diarrhea, swelling, and difficulty breathing.

Is there consensus about the major diseases pets face?

Yes, Creevy says. For dogs, they are:

  • parvovirus, a life-threatening illness that causes vomiting, diarrhea, and white blood cell destruction
  • distemper, also a life-threatening illness that causes vomiting, diarrhea, pneumonia, and seizures
  • adenovirus, a life-threatening illness that causes hepatitis
  • eptospirosis, which causes kidney and liver failure
  • parainfluenza and Bordetella, which cause kennel cough and are highly contagious, with generally non-life-threatening symptoms that include coughing and runny nose
  • rabies, a fatal central nervous system disease that can spread to owners. There is no cure for rabies and pets diagnosed with it are euthanized.

Major diseases for cats include:

  • panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper), which is life threatening, causing vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and low white blood cell count
  • feline leukemia virus, causing chronic immune suppression that can lead to cancer
  • herpesvirus and calicivirus which are both highly contagious but rarely life threatening, causing runny eyes, runny nose, fever, and malaise
  • eline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), a retroviral disease that causes chronic immune suppression

Cats infected with FIV may appear normal for years. But eventually FIV will hinder their ability to fight off other infectious diseases.

But does the fact pets might be susceptible mean they need vaccination?

No, says Schultz. “Lifestyle and location play important roles. If your dog lived on the fifth floor of an apartment building, it wouldn’t have to worry about kennel cough, unless it is kenneled or taken out to be around other dogs. And your dog won’t get Lyme disease in many areas of the country. Ask your vet.”

Leptospira is a life-threatening bacterial infection. Disease outbreaks are usually caused by exposure to water contaminated with the urine of infected animals, including rats, cattle, pigs, horses, and deer. “If your dog doesn’t go hunting, or if it’s not around other animals, there’s no need [for it to be vaccinated," Schultz says. Also, this vaccine causes more adverse reactions than many others, so it's important to weigh the risk versus benefit when deciding if you pet needs it.

Vets talk of “core” and “non-core” vaccines. What’s this mean?

Core vaccines are those that are universally recommended and most commonly given. Non-core vaccines are optional, according to protocols set by major veterinary organizations.

Parvovirus vaccine is core, and dogs should get a minimum of three doses between six and 16 weeks, administered at intervals of three to four weeks. The final dose should be given at 14-16 weeks. Then the dog needs a booster a year later followed by revaccination every three years.

Other core vaccines for dogs are those against rabies, distemper, and adenovirus-2. Non-core vaccines include those to ward off Bordetella, parainfluenza, Leptospira, and Lyme disease.

What are the core vaccines for cats?

All kittens should be vaccinated as early as six weeks of age against panleukopenia, the feline form of parvovirus, and also for herpesvirus, rabies, and calicivirus.

Non-core vaccines are for protection from feline leukemia, feline immune deficiency virus, chlamydophilia, and Bordetella.

Why has the topic of pet vaccination become so hot?

Part of the intense focus on pet vaccination stems from the highly publicized debate that vaccines may cause autism in people, a discounted but widespread theory.

Also, new vaccines and research “show that some of the routinely administered vaccines for dogs and cats actually immunize for much longer than one year,” Ford says. “Today, selected vaccines are recommended to be administered to adult pets every three years.

Some veterinarians have expressed reluctance to implement triennial (every three year) vaccination, until there is more information available," Ford says.

Would I be playing doctor to put my pet on an alternate schedule?

“Alternative vaccination schedules for kittens and puppies are not recommended,” Ford says. “However, among adult dogs and cats, alternative re-vaccination schedules are feasible.”

Are there any alternatives to just doing what vets say?

Yes. Do some research to arm yourself to ask good questions. You also can ask for blood work, called titer testing, a tool to help assess the status of your pet’s defenses against specific infections.

How can you tell if a vet is a good one?

“If they take time to explain vaccines and ask about your pet’s lifestyle, I’d say that’s a good vet,” Casal says. “If you have one who doesn’t want to hear questions, that’s not where you want to be.”

Does the federal government require rabies shots?

No. Only 39 states require rabies vaccines for dogs and 31 for cats, according to a 2008 survey by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians.

Even within states, rabies requirements vary widely, says Charles Rupprecht, VMD, PhD. Rupprecht is chief of the rabies program at the CDC. The disease is fatal in animals but can be cured in humans who seek medical help immediately after exposure to an infected animal.

What is “vaccinosis”?

“The term has no scientific or medical meaning and is no doubt an attempt to discredit vaccines,” says Henry J. Baker, professor emeritus of veterinary medicine at Auburn University and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Medical Education.

Pet Vaccinations: Understanding Vaccinations for Your Cat or Dog (2024)

FAQs

Do cats and dogs get the same vaccines? ›

Core vaccines for dogs are those that protect against canine distemper virus (CDV), canine adenovirus (CAV) and the variants of canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2). Core vaccines for cats are those that protect against feline parvovirus (FPV), feline calicivirus (FCV) and feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1).

Is rabies vaccine same for cats and dogs? ›

The Nobivac vaccine is an inactivated vaccine for dogs and cats given through subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. This vaccine is used for prevention as well as post-bite therapy. Nobivac 1-Rabies provides protection against rabies for at least one year, and Nobivac 3-Rabies protects your pet for three years.

Do cats really need vaccines? ›

Vaccination protects all cats by making disease transmission less likely. No vaccine is 100 percent effective, and the effectiveness of different vaccines varies. Although uncommon, all feline vaccines carry the risk of feline injection site sarcoma (FISS)

What are the most important vaccines for pets? ›

Vaccinations against contagious and deadly diseases (such as rabies, canine parvovirus, canine distemper, canine bordetella, feline leukemia, feline panleukopenia, and other serious diseases) are important to protect your pet's health.

At what age should you stop vaccinating your cat? ›

Based on studies, we know that if we continue to vaccinate until they're 14 to 16 weeks old, the vast majority of kittens will get a solid immunity to the diseases we're vaccinating for by 16 weeks of age.

Can I vaccinate my cat myself? ›

We sell dog and cat vaccinations that you can administer to your pet on your own at home. These include the Canine Spectra™ 10, Canine Spectra 10+ Lyme, Canine Spectra™ 9, Canine Spectra™ 6, Canine Spectra™ 5, Kennel-Jec™ 2, Canine KC 3, Feline Focus Cat Vax 3 + FeLV, and Feline Focus™ 3 (vaccine drops).

What is the 5 in 1 vaccine for cats? ›

A 5-in-1 vaccine for cats is sold under the brand name Fevac F5. It is an inactivated vaccine that protects against feline parvovirus (FPV), feline herpesvirus (FHP), feline calicivirus (FCV), Chlamydophila felis (C. felis), and the feline leukemia virus (FeLV).

At what age should a dog or cat be first vaccinated against rabies? ›

This virus is dangerous for any dog, but especially so for puppies under four months of age. Rabies vaccine - Rabies vaccines for dogs are required by law in the U.S. All dogs should be vaccinated for rabies at approximately 14 weeks of age, and then again at one year of age.

What is the difference between the 1 year and 3 year rabies vaccine for cats? ›

Types of Rabies Vaccines for Cats

The choice between them will depend on various factors, including legal requirements in your area. One-year vaccines require more frequent administration, while three-year vaccines, after the initial booster, allow for less frequent visits to the vet for this purpose.

Can I refuse to vaccinate my cat? ›

Vaccinations All Cats Should Receive

These vaccinations are required by law for cats in most states. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (FVRCP) - Typically known as the “distemper” shot, this combination vaccine protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia.

What would happen if I didn't vaccinate my cat? ›

If cats do not receive their shots during kittenhood, they will most likely contract feline calicivirus, rabies, feline distemper, feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline leukemia, chlamydia, and kennel cough.

How much does a cat vaccination cost? ›

They have their first set at nine weeks old and a second set when they're three months old. Kittens and cats usually need 'booster' vaccinations once a year, too. According to Catster, the first course of vaccinations can cost from around £44 up to £172, while the booster vaccinations can cost from £40 to £65.

At what age do you stop vaccinating your dog? ›

At what age do you stop vaccinating your dog? Senior dogs do not generally stop requiring vaccinations, but it will depend on your dog's lifestyle and overall health. Once a dog reaches seven years of age, its senior status requires some special considerations to keep them healthy and happy.

What are the cons of vaccinating pets? ›

Serious side effects are rare but can occur. One type is an allergic reaction, which may happen soon after vaccination and can involve part or all of the body. In cats, another rare, serious reaction can be development of a certain type of tumor (sarcoma).

What dog vaccines are not necessary? ›

Some veterinarians may imply that the core vaccines are required by law. But, except for rabies, they're not. Next, for non-core vaccines, you'll see we've focused on the three main non-core vaccines that your vet's likely to recommend: Bordetella (kennel cough), Lyme Disease and Leptospirosis.

Can unvaccinated dogs play with cats? ›

Can puppies be around cats before vaccinations done? Unvaccinated puppies can generally be around cats, as long as the cat(s) are up to date on their vaccinations, tick and flea treatments, and deworming. If you're unsure, always contact your vet to be safe.

Can my dog get cat flu if vaccinated? ›

Prevention is always better than cure! The disease needs to be prevented by vaccinating your puppy at 6 weeks, 9 weeks and 12 weeks of age. In rare cases even puppies that have had all their vaccinations still get the disease. Dogs need booster vaccinations every year.

Can I give my cat a rabies shot at home? ›

If you're choosing to vaccinate your pet at home, you could potentially cause a fatal relapse in the autoimmune disease. Finally, a rabies vaccine must be administered by veterinary staff.

Why do breeders say no Lepto vaccine? ›

Your breeder's concern is the fact that the leptospirosis vaccine has historically been associated with a higher risk of vaccine reactions, especially in tiny breed dogs.

References

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