Wait…My Pet Can Get A Vaccine That Lasts 3 Years?

When it comes to healthcare for your pet one of the most important things you can do is keep your pet’s vaccines current. Preventive health plans are not one-size-fits all so make sure you consult with your veterinarian before deciding what vaccine schedule, and preventive care is the best fit for your pet. For example, aging pets can benefit from proactive joint health regimens, while younger pets can get a jump on adulthood with good nutritional habits.

Did you know that some of your pet’s core vaccines can last 3 years? In this post we’ll give you a quick rundown on everything you need to know about vaccine schedules.
 

The Importance of Vaccines

Your veterinarian will recommend which vaccines your pet needs based on your pet’s lifestyle:

• Is your dog around other dogs frequently such as grooming, boarding, or daycare?
• Does your dog spend a significant amount of time outdoors?
• Does your pet have any pre-existing conditions?

Just like in humans, vaccines are your pet’s first line of defense for preventable illnesses. Some vaccines are available in doses that last one year, while others can last up to three. 
 

Core vs Non-core Vaccines: What’s the Difference?

There are different vaccines your pet gets based on their age. During the first few weeks of their lives, pets are given core vaccines. These are required for puppies and kittens and these vaccines target common conditions such as distemper, feline panleukopenia, and rabies. This is a non-negotiable step for pet owners and necessary protection for small animals.

The second type of vaccines are called non-core vaccines. These are recommended by your veterinarian on a case-by-case basis depending on the specific lifestyle needs of your pet. For example if you live in a geography where certain illnesses are prevalent, such as Lyme disease, your veterinarian may recommend a vaccine to protect against that regional condition. This category of vaccines targets less common, more location-specific illnesses in small animals such as feline leukemia and leptospirosis, a highly contagious disease spread by wildlife. Non-core vaccines may also be recommended if your pet attends a daycare, if they travel, and based on their overall health.

3-Year Vaccines, Good for Pets, and Schedules!

Recent advancements in pet vaccination have enabled us to customize vaccine schedules to meet the needs of your pet. For some pets 3-year vaccines for core vaccinations such as rabies, distemper and parvovirus for dogs and feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, feline panleukopenia virus, and rabies in cats.

At Advanced Veterinary Care of Olathe we take a personalized approach to medicine and look forward to meeting your pet and determining if a 3-year vaccine schedule is right for you!