Vaccinations for Pets: What You Need to Know

Vaccinations play an important role in protecting pets against serious and potentially fatal diseases such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. However, the number of vaccines, the frequency of administration, and potential health risks are topics many pet parents consider carefully.

At Kali’s Wish Cancer Foundation, we provide pet cancer support and help by offering guidance on preventative care, including how to make informed vaccination choices for your pet.

Understanding the Risks and Benefits

Research shows that some vaccines provide immunity well beyond a single year, and repeated vaccinations may not always increase protection. Over-vaccination can expose pets to unnecessary health risks, including:

• Injection site sarcomas (cancer)

• Autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune hemolytic anemia

• Allergies, arthritis, or tumor development

• Seizures or behavioral changes

• Rare but severe allergic reactions

Because every pet is unique, vaccination decisions should always be made in consultation with a veterinarian.

Key Considerations for Pet Vaccinations

1. Individualized Risk Assessment: Discuss your pet’s specific risk factors, including age, health status, lifestyle, and potential exposure to other animals or wildlife.

2. Core Vaccines: Most veterinarians recommend vaccines for widespread, highly contagious diseases that cause serious illness, including distemper, parvovirus, infectious hepatitis, and rabies.

3. Additional Vaccines: Depending on circumstances such as multi-pet households, travel, or kennel stays, other vaccines may be recommended.

4. Vaccination Schedule: Puppies typically receive a series of vaccines by six months of age, followed by a booster a year later. New protocols often suggest core vaccines be administered every three years for healthy pets.

5. Vaccine Titre Testing: Before re-vaccinating, ask your veterinarian about a vaccine titre test to determine if your pet is still protected. This helps guide decisions about timing and necessity of additional vaccines.

6. Special Considerations: Pets with compromised immune systems or a history of severe vaccine reactions should not be re-vaccinated without veterinary supervision.

7. Rabies Vaccines: Some regions legally require rabies vaccination, while others allow flexibility in timing. Ask your veterinarian about the three-year vaccine option when available.

Takeaway

Vaccination decisions are an important part of keeping your pet healthy, but less can sometimes be more. By working with your veterinarian, you can create a plan that protects your pet while minimizing unnecessary risks. At Kali’s Wish Cancer Foundation, we provide help and support for pet parents navigating these choices, empowering you to prioritize both preventative care and long-term wellness.