Is your pet up-to-date on all of their important vaccines? August is National Immunization Awareness Month, so it's the perfect time to make sure your pet has everything they need to stay protected and healthy. Knowing more about pet immunizations can help owners stay committed to routine pet preventative care.
 

Typical Pet Immunizations

Most vaccines are designed with dogs and cats in mind, as these animals are very common and tend to have a high risk for certain transmittable diseases and illnesses. However, other mammals, such as horses and rabbits, may also need some types of immunizations for protection against unnecessary harm. Talk with your vet to determine exactly what your pet needs to stay healthy.
 

Vaccines for pets are grouped into one of two categories: core (recommended for all, regardless of background) and noncore (recommended based on risk factors or exposure). The most typical are core and noncore immunizations for dogs and cats.
 

For Dogs

When they are puppies, dogs should receive their first dose of each of the five core vaccines:
 

• Rabies

• Canine distemper

• Adenovirus

• Parainfluenza

• Parvovirus
   

Typically, a dog will receive an additional dose within the first year, with a booster every three years after that. However, this can vary depending on the dog's age when they receive their initial vaccines.
 

Dogs who are at a higher risk for exposure to certain bacteria may need additional immunizations, such as leptospira, canine Lyme disease, or bordetella bronchiseptica.
 

For Cats

Similar to dogs, cats should have their initial core pet immunizations at a young age, preferably starting between the ages of 6 and 8 weeks for felines. Cats tend to need a few more initial doses of core vaccines in the first year of life but then switch to boosters every three years after. These core vaccines are:
 

• Rabies

• Feline calicivirus

• Feline herpesvirus 1

• Feline leukemia virus

• Feline distemper
   

Noncore vaccines may include chlamydia felis, bordetella bronchiseptica, or feline immunodeficiency virus. These are not always recommended for most house cats but may be suggested for outdoor cats in certain environments.
 

It is important to note that while most vaccines are optional yet strongly recommended, rabies immunizations are required by law in many states. However, because Hawaii is considered rabies-free (there is no history of native cases), the only requirements for vaccination here apply to the pets of visitors and new residents.
 

Visit Pet Hospitals of Hawaii for Your Pet Immunizations

No matter what type of animal you have, it's important that you schedule routine visits so your furry pal can stay current on the pet immunizations that help protect against illness and disease. To learn more about vaccines and what your individual pet might need, contact us today. We can help you create the ideal immunization schedule to keep your pet happy and healthy