Pet Vaccines: What Every Dog and Cat Owner Should Know
How Do Vaccines Work and What Do They Do?
The immune system's job is to defend the body against harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. The way the body protects us, and our pets, is by recognizing these microorganisms as foreign and potentially harmful, then creating antibodies to target and destroy them if they return.
Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system in a controlled way, allowing the body to build protection against infection without causing illness.
In our pets, there are many different types of vaccines, and they all work slightly differently to help the body fight infection.
Killed (Inactive) Vaccines
These vaccines contain microorganisms that are unable to reproduce. While their ability to stimulate the immune system is generally weaker than some other vaccine types, they cannot cause disease.
Attenuated (Modified Live) Vaccines
These vaccines contain live microorganisms that have been weakened. They typically produce a strong immune response and long-lasting protection against future infection without causing disease.
Recombinant Vaccines
These vaccines contain microorganisms that either have disease-causing genes removed or have those genes placed within another harmless microorganism called a vector.
Once introduced into the body, the vector produces proteins that help create strong protection against infection without causing disease.
DNA and RNA Vaccines
These vaccines use a harmless piece of genetic material to create a protective protein within the body. These vaccines cannot cause disease, and in some cases, DNA-based vaccines can also be used to help treat certain cancers.
How Are Vaccines Administered and When Should They Be Given?
Vaccine production is strictly regulated by government authorities to ensure safety and effectiveness.
The most common method of vaccine administration is injection, although some vaccines may also be delivered through intranasal sprays or, in certain species, through feed, water, or immersion methods.
There is no single standard for how long immunity lasts after vaccination, as this varies depending on the vaccine and the individual animal.
Young animals, such as puppies and kittens, generally require a series of vaccinations to provide protection against common and potentially life-threatening diseases. This is because the immunity they receive from their mother gradually decreases as their own immune systems develop.
Adult pets may require booster vaccinations yearly or every few years, depending on factors such as their health status, lifestyle, and the recommendations listed on the vaccine label.
What Vaccines Are Commonly Recommended for My Dog and Cat?
While vaccine recommendations may vary depending on your pet's age, health status, lifestyle, and geographic location, there are several vaccines that are considered "core vaccines" for most dogs and cats.
These vaccines are recommended because the diseases they protect against are either highly contagious, highly dangerous, or have limited treatment options once infection occurs.
Vaccination remains one of the safest and most effective ways to protect pets from serious illness and improve long-term health outcomes.
Co-written with Antonia Ward - client care specialist - Harmony Veterinary Services LTD
