Core Vaccines – H&S Pets Galore

Core Vaccines For Your Pet

Pets just like humans can be protected from certain diseases by vaccinations. The vaccinations ensure that they have a better and healthier life. There are many preventable fatal diseases that your pet can contract if it is not vaccinated and one such deadly and highly contagious disease include Rabies which can be fatal in both pets and humans. For this reason, it is important to make sure your pet’s vaccination status is up to date. This leads us to the next question how does the vaccine work? A vaccine works by triggering a protective immune response in your pet, preventing infection altogether or preventing severe disease. Worldwide, there are core vaccines that are necessary for all pets to take based on the risk of exposure, transmissibility, and severity of disease & there are the non-core vaccines that are only given depending on your pet’s exposure risk. Below we have a list of core vaccines that your pet should take.

Core Vaccines For Your Pets

For Dogs:

It’s fundamental that your canine friend in Kenya is vaccinated for the canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis(CAV-1), kennel cough(CAV-2), and rabies.

1. Rabies Vaccine- Rabies is serious and common in Kenya with a 100% fatality in dogs and humans. Prevention is the best way to avoid contracting Rabies. The first Rabies vaccine should ideally be given at or under 16 weeks to your puppy with annual boosters.
2. Parvovirus Vaccine- Parvovirus is highly contagious and usually fatal if left untreated. It is therefore one of the core vaccines that should be given in 3 doses to your puppy between 6 & 16weeks of age. This is then followed by a booster at age 1 and then a booster every 3 years.
3. Distemper Vaccine- Distemper is a severe disease that is caused by an airborne virus and can lead to permanent brain damage in your puppy. It is, therefore, important that 3 doses be given between 6 & 16 weeks of age followed by a booster at age 1 and then a booster every 3 years.
4. Adenovirus Type 1 Vaccine (CAV1)- Canine hepatitis is a life-threatening condition where your dog will end up with severe liver damage and then death. It is, therefore, important that 3 doses be given between 6 & 16 weeks of age followed by a booster at age 1 and then a booster every 3 years.
5. Adenovirus Type 2 Vaccine (CAV2)- The kennel cough is spread via cough and sneezes. It is, therefore, important that 3 doses be given between 6 & 16 weeks of age followed by a booster at age 1 and then a booster every 3 years.

Some of the non-core vaccines for dogs include vaccines for Lyme Disease, Leptospirosis, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Canine influenza, etc.

For Cats: 

It’s fundamental that your feline friend in Kenya is vaccinated for Rabies, Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia.

1. Rabies Vaccine- This is serious and common in Kenya with a 100% fatality in cats and humans. Prevention is the best way to avoid contracting Rabies. The first Rabies vaccine should ideally be given as early as 8 weeks followed by annual boosters.
2. Feline Herpesvirus (FVR or Rhinotracheitis) Vaccine- Rhinotracheitis is a highly contagious upper respiratory condition. It is therefore important to get your kitty as early as 6 weeks vaccinated followed by vaccination every 3-4 weeks until the age of 16weeks after which a dose is given at 1 year of age followed by a booster every 3 years.
3. Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia) Vaccine- This is a severe disease that most often affects kittens and can lead to death. It is therefore important to get your kitty as early as 6 weeks vaccinated followed by vaccination every 3-4 weeks until the age of 16weeks after which a dose is given at 1 year of age followed by a booster every 3 years.
4. Calicivirus Vaccine- The Calicivirus can lead to a super contagious upper respiratory condition that can cause joint pain, oral ulcerations, fever, and anorexia in your kitty. It is therefore important to get your kitty as early as 6 weeks vaccinated followed by vaccination every 3-4 weeks until the age of 16weeks after which a dose is given at 1 year of age followed by a booster every 3 years.

Some of the non-core vaccines for cats include vaccines for FeLV (Feline Leukemia), Bordetella etc.

Remember, it is important to get your pet vaccinated to ensure the good health of your pet as well as to keep you protected. You can always ask your vet about the necessary core vaccines for your pet and what non-core vaccines are advisable to keep your pet healthy and disease-free.

Want To Adopt? Fill Out The Form Below If You Are Interested In Having A Furry Friend: