Laurena Haroy, dog & cat behaviorist

Vaccination in dogs and cats

Vaccinating your pet protects it against certain infectious diseases that can be serious, or even fatal. Vaccination also helps limit the spread of these diseases among other animals.

However, not all dogs and cats need exactly the same vaccines or the same booster schedule. The protocol should be adapted to their age, health, lifestyle, travel and the risks they are actually exposed to. International guidelines therefore distinguish between core vaccines, recommended for most animals, and non-core vaccines, offered depending on the individual situation.

How does a vaccine work?

A vaccine presents the body with an inactivated, weakened or partial form of an infectious agent. This stimulates the immune system so that it can recognize the disease more quickly and defend itself better in case of later contact.

Vaccination does not always guarantee that an animal will never be infected. Above all, depending on the vaccine, it greatly reduces the risk of developing a severe form of the disease.

Before each vaccination, the vet examines the animal to check its health and decide on the most suitable protocol.

At what age should vaccination start?

Vaccination usually begins in puppies and kittens during their first weeks of life.

A single injection is not always enough. Antibodies passed on by the mother can temporarily prevent the vaccine from working fully. Several injections spaced apart are therefore often needed to achieve sufficient protection.

The number of injections, the interval between them and how often boosters are given vary according to:

There is therefore no single schedule that suits every dog and every cat.

Are side effects common?

Most animals tolerate vaccination well.

Slight tiredness, tenderness at the injection site, a small drop in appetite or a mild fever may appear for a day or two.

More rarely, an allergic reaction can occur. Swelling of the face, breathing difficulties, repeated vomiting, collapse or marked lethargy require you to contact a vet immediately.

Authorized veterinary vaccines are assessed, in particular, for their quality, efficacy and safety.

My pet never goes outside: does it need to be vaccinated?

An animal living indoors is not exposed to the same risks as one that goes outside, travels or regularly meets other animals.

That does not mean it runs no risk at all. Some infectious agents can be carried into the home on shoes, clothes or objects. Running away, a stay at the vet's, time in a boarding facility or the arrival of a new animal can also quickly change its situation.

The protocol should therefore be decided with your vet rather than simply dropped.

What about rabies?

Rules on rabies vaccination vary from country to country. It is required in particular for travel abroad (with identification and, within the European Union, a pet passport). The vaccine must be given early enough before departure, and the rules depend on the destination country: ask your vet well before you travel.

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