The importance of core and non-core pet vaccinations

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – One of the most important responsibilities new pet parents will have is to make sure their cuddly friend is safe and healthy.

The way to do this effectively is by staying up-to-date on your pet’s vaccinations. Adding a new bundle of fur to your family can be very exciting! There’s a lot to think about and get done as a new pet parent, but vaccinations should always be at the top of your list.

“Whenever you adopt or purchase an animal it’s important to make an appointment with your veterinarian right away so you can discuss what the animal’s lifestyle is going to be and make sure that they have the vaccines they need,” said Dakin Humane Society.

Vaccinations protect our four-legged friends from highly contagious and/or deadly diseases and improve your pet’s overall quality of life.

Vaccinations prime the immune system to recognize pathogens and produce antibodies against them. and they are split up into two categories, core and non-core vaccines. “The most important vaccines to keep updated are going to be your core vaccines, which are going to be rabies, distemper, and leptospirosis in dogs and your rabies, distemper in cats and then kittens feline leukemia virus vaccine.”

Non-core vaccines are described as risk-based. They are given based on a pet’s lifestyle or geographic risk. Veterinarians are very, very good at discussing your individual concerns and able to help you make the appropriate decision but some of these vaccines are really important because they’re also important for human health.

Massachusetts legally requires that dogs and cats be vaccinated by six months of age for rabies. Both dogs and cats need the vaccines given in different doses at different ages depending on their size.

“It’s really important for people to keep in mind that there’s certain schedules for vaccinations. Depending upon the vaccine, they may have to be re-boostered. Following that is really important and again it’s really protecting your pet’s health. In some cases, the vaccines protect human health as well.”

It allows veterinarians to keep them on track and detect any potential health issues sooner
which makes it much more treatable.

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