Why should I vaccinate my pet?
Vaccines, also known as shots, work by exposing your pet’s immune system to an incomplete or inactive strain of infectious agents. This helps their body build immune cells that are specifically designed to respond effectively when the real thing comes along.
The diseases they prevent are irritating at best, and potentially deadly at worst. Plus, vaccines are also relatively painless, easy, and cost-effective to administer.
What are core and non-core vaccines?
You may have heard the terms ‘core’ and ‘non-core’ used to describe vaccines. Core vaccines are those considered essential for your pet’s health, whilst non-core vaccines are optional, and may be recommended for your pet depending on their lifestyle.
During your wellness exam, our doctors will discuss which vaccines are right for your pet.
Core Dog Vaccines
Rabies: legally required nationwide, and protects your dog against the fatal disease.
DHPPi: a combination vaccine that protects against Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza and Infectious Hepatitis.
Leptospirosis: protects against a dangerous bacterial infection. Whilst some vets do not consider this a core vaccine, at Small Door we strongly recommend it for all dogs in New York, as leptospirosis is found across all five boroughs and is even more prominent outside of the city.
Non-Core Dog Vaccines
Bordetella: prevents kennel cough, and is required by dog boarding and daycare facilities.
Lyme: protects against Lyme Disease carried by ticks and can be useful for dogs that visit areas with high tick exposure.
Canine Influenza Virus: protects against dog flu, a contagious virus that causes respiratory issues.
Cat Core Vaccines
FVRCP: a combination vaccine that protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia.
Rabies: legally required nationwide, regardless of whether the cat goes outdoors or not.
Feline Leukemia Virus: an incurable virus transmitted through cat bites during fights. It’s recommended for kittens even if they will not be going outdoors. For older, indoor-only cats, boosters are not required.
When should I vaccinate my cat or dog?
Our vets will recommend the exact schedule for your pet, and we’ll send you reminders one month before your pet is due for a vaccine booster. Here's an example schedule.
Puppy Vaccine Schedule
- 8 weeks: Distemper vaccine (1 of 3), Bordetella vaccine (1 of 1), Lyme vaccine (1 of 2) & Canine Influenza Virus vaccine (1 of 2)
- 12 weeks: Distemper vaccine (2 of 3), Leptospirosis vaccine (1 of 2), Rabies vaccine (1 of 1), Lyme vaccine (2 of 2) & Canine Influenza Virus vaccine (2 of 2)
- 16 weeks: Distemper vaccine (3 of 3) & Leptospirosis vaccine (2 of 2)
Kitten Vaccine Schedule
- 8 weeks: FVRCP vaccine (1 of 3)
- 12 weeks: FVRCP vaccine (2 of 3), Leukemia vaccine (1 of 2) & Rabies vaccine (1 of 1)
- 16 weeks: FVRCP vaccine (3 of 3) & Leukemia vaccine (2 of 2)
Adult Dog Vaccine Schedule
- Rabies: one year after the initial puppy vaccine, then every three years
- Distemper: every three years
- Bordetella: every year
- Leptospirosis: every year
- Canine influenza: every year
- Lyme disease: every year
Adult Cat Vaccine Schedule
- FVRCP: every three years
- Rabies: every three years
- Feline Leukemia Virus: one year after the initial kitten series then every other year for at-risk (outdoor) cats only