Vaccination of your cat or dog

Vaccine protocols for your cat or dog can be confusing, especially as they can be subject to change from time to time. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) have a group of experts who review the latest knowledge of infectious diseases and available vaccines for cats and dogs and formulate a set of guidelines for veterinarians around the world.

What diseases do we vaccinate against?

Why do they need so many vaccinations?

Puppies and kittens absorb antibodies from their mother’s colostrum (first milk), these antibodies help protect them from infectious diseases while their immature immune systems are developing. These antibodies only last for between 4 and 16 or so weeks.

Unfortunately, while they are still present, these “maternally-derived” antibodies prevent the young animal from responding well to vaccines. The intent of giving a course of vaccines every 3-4 weeks from 6-8 weeks of age, is to ensure there is not a significant period of time where the youngster has neither protection from their mother NOR vaccine-protection.

Following is the rough programme we advise for your pup or kitten:

• 8, 12 and 16 weeks, followed by 6 months old

• Following this, their vaccine requirements will be assessed annually at their health checks, from 18 months of age.

The type and frequency of the vaccines given to your pet will depend on what age the vaccines started and will relate to your pet’s lifestyle, potential travel outside its usual environment and contact with other animals.  For example, a cat who lives entirely indoors with no “holiday” in a boarding cattery will have a different risk for disease to a cat who has an indoor/outdoor lifestyle or who may visit a boarding cattery.  The type of available vaccine and whether it is protective for the known viruses prevalent in New Zealand will also be considered.

Risks and side effects of vaccines

Usually, pets show very little reaction to vaccination, however in some animals, side effects can be seen up to 10 days post-vaccination and may include:

• Mild lethargy or reduced appetite.

• Mild fever

• A lump, tenderness or swelling at the injection site

• With Canine Cough vaccines, there can be a mild cough or sneeze for a few days, or a discharge from the eyes or nose

These symptoms are considered normal for the vaccination process, your pet can be expected to be back to normal within a couple of days and treatment is generally unnecessary.  If any of these side effects are debilitating or persistent (this happens rarely), or if a lump exists for more than a month after vaccination, please seek veterinary advice.

Allergic reactions are extremely rare, however if your pet has any kind of vaccine reaction, please ensure that your veterinarian is aware of it BEFORE their next vaccination, as precautions can be taken to reduce the chance of it happening again.  If it was a mild reaction, giving antihistamines or corticosteroids before the vaccination may be used to head off an allergic reaction.  If the reaction was more severe, an alternative vaccine programme may be devised for your pet.

The benefits of vaccination far outweigh any risks!