Vaccines for dogs and cats fall into core and non-core categories. Core vaccines are those that every dog or cat should receive to protect against diseases that are particularly prevalent, severe or pose a human health risk. For example, rabies is a core vaccine because, although rabies is rare in the U.S., it is always fatal and humans can contract it.
Veterinarians recommend non-core vaccines based on a pet’s lifestyle to protect against diseases it is likely to be exposed to.
Vaccines for Dogs
Below are common veterinarian-recommended vaccines that dog insurance typically covers.
- Bordetella: Veterinarians often recommend the bordetella vaccine for dogs that spend time around other animals. Many kennels, daycare and boarding services require your pet to have this vaccine. The shot can be given to puppies as young as three weeks, with a booster three to four weeks later. Depending on your pet’s lifestyle, future doses can be given annually or every six months.
- Distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus (DAPP): This vaccine protects dogs from canine distemper, canine infectious hepatitis, parainfluenza virus and canine parvovirus. Dogs typically receive the first DAPP vaccine between 6 and 8 weeks of age, with boosters at three-week intervals until the dog is at least 16 weeks old. We suggest consulting your vet about which combo vaccine is best for your dog.
- Influenza: This vaccine helps prevent your canine from developing canine influenza, or dog flu. It works against the two most common strains of canine influenza, H3N8 and H3N2, which can spread from pet to pet similar to how the human flu spreads among people. This vaccine requires two doses, followed by yearly boosters, which can be administered during your pet’s annual checkup.
- Lyme disease: This is another highly recommended and common vaccine if your pet spends a lot of time outdoors. Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that starts with minor symptoms, such as loss of appetite, but worsens as it progresses, often leading to joint problems, kidney failure, cardiac issues and even neurologic damage. The Lyme vaccine is a two-shot series with an annual booster. Check with your vet to see if your pet could benefit from the Lyme vaccine.
- Rabies: The rabies vaccine is the most highly recommended vaccine and is required by law in most states. The first vaccination is usually given at 16 weeks and a booster is usually required before your pet’s first birthday. After that, rabies vaccines can be given every one to three years, depending on your state’s laws.
Vaccines for Cats
Cats lead a lifestyle that requires fewer vaccinations than dogs, but still require essential core vaccines for disease protection. See the most common vaccines vets recommend for cats below.
- Rabies: Similar to dogs, this is one of the most recommended vaccines for cats and is required by law in most states. The first rabies vaccination is usually given to cats at 16 weeks, and a booster is required around their first birthday. Like dogs, cat rabies vaccines can be given every one to three years after the initial series.
- Rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia (FVRCP): This vaccine combines the other three core vaccines cats need. Your cat should receive its first FVRCP vaccination at 6 to 8 weeks old, followed by booster shots every three to four weeks until it’s 16 weeks old. After that, your cat should receive a booster every three years.
