Vaccinations protect your pet from painful disease. They also protect you, your family, and your community. When you skip shots, you leave your pet open to sickness that is often deadly yet preventable. Many illnesses spread through the air, shared water, or a single bite. You often cannot see the danger until it is too late. Vaccines train your pet’s immune system to fight these threats before they cause harm. This is why every checkup should include a review of vaccine needs by your North West San Antonio vet. Routine shots support longer life, fewer emergencies, and lower medical costs. They also keep high risk places like parks, boarding centers, and groomers safer for every animal that visits. This blog explains how vaccines work, which ones your pet needs, and how often to get them, so you can make clear, firm choices for your pet’s health.
How vaccines protect your pet
Vaccines expose your pet’s body to a safe form of a germ. This can be a weakened germ or a small piece of it. Your pet’s immune system learns to spot that germ and build a defense. Later, when your pet meets the real disease, the body is ready to fight fast.
You see the benefit in three ways.
- Your pet is less likely to get sick.
- If your pet gets sick, the illness is often shorter.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains how this immune memory works in simple terms for people, and the same idea applies to pets. You can read more at the CDC vaccine basics page.
Core vaccines versus optional vaccines
Veterinarians group vaccines into two main types. You can think of them as must have and need after review.
- Core vaccines protect against diseases that are common, severe, and easy to spread.
- Non core vaccines protect against diseases that depend on lifestyle and location.
Core vaccines are the base of general care. Non core vaccines add a shield that matches how your pet lives.
Common vaccines for dogs and cats
| Species | Core vaccines | Non core vaccines | Typical start age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus (often in one shot) | Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme, Canine influenza | 6 to 8 weeks for puppy series |
| Cat | Rabies, Feline panleukopenia, Feline herpesvirus, Calicivirus | Feline leukemia virus, Bordetella, Chlamydia | 6 to 8 weeks for kitten series |
The American Veterinary Medical Association shares guidance on how vets choose core and non core vaccines. You can review their overview at the AVMA vaccinations for your pet page.
Why vaccines are a cornerstone of general veterinary care
Routine exams, parasite control, and dental care all matter. Yet vaccines hold a special place in general care. They prevent suffering before it starts. They also support every other part of your pet’s care plan.
Vaccines are a cornerstone for three simple reasons.
- They prevent deadly disease that treatment often cannot fix.
- They lower the number of emergency visits and long hospital stays.
- They protect many animals at once through herd immunity.
When enough pets in a community are vaccinated, a disease has fewer paths to spread. This protects young pets, older pets, and those who cannot receive some vaccines because of health limits.
Common myths that put pets at risk
Many pet owners hear myths that create doubt. These stories can feel scary. Clear facts can help you make a steady choice.
- Myth 1: “My pet stays indoors, so vaccines are not needed.” Indoor pets can still slip out, visit a groomer, or meet new pets in your home. Some diseases spread through the air or on clothing.
- Myth 2: “Vaccines always cause illness.” Some pets feel tired for a short time after a shot. Serious side effects are rare. Disease risk without vaccines is much higher.
- Myth 3: “One round of shots as a puppy or kitten is enough.” Immunity fades. Boosters keep the shield strong over many years.
You deserve honest talk about side effects. You should ask your vet about mild reactions to watch for, such as soreness or low energy. You should also ask when to seek urgent care, such as swelling of the face or trouble breathing. These reactions are uncommon, yet you need to know the signs.
How often your pet needs shots
Vaccination plans are not one size fits all. The schedule depends on age, health, and risk.
- Puppies and kittens often need a series of shots every three to four weeks until about 16 weeks of age.
- Adult pets need boosters at set times. Some vaccines are yearly. Others are every three years.
- Senior pets may still need vaccines. Your vet may adjust the type or timing based on chronic illness or medications.
Your vet will review your pet’s daily life. You should share if your pet goes to dog parks, stays in boarding, hikes, hunts, or travels across states. Each of these raises special risks that change which vaccines give the best protection.
What to expect at a vaccine visit
Knowing what will happen can lower your stress and your pet’s stress.
- You check in and share your pet’s history and any past reactions.
- The vet performs a full exam to confirm your pet is healthy enough for shots.
- The vet gives the vaccines, often in the shoulder region or hind leg.
- You receive a record with the vaccine name, batch, and due date for the next dose.
After you go home, you should watch your pet for 24 hours. You may see mild soreness at the shot site, slight drop in appetite, or extra sleep. You should call your vet at once if you see hives, vomiting, trouble breathing, or collapse.
How to support your pet before and after shots
You can make vaccine visits easier with three simple steps.
- Keep the visit calm. You should bring a leash or carrier and a familiar blanket or toy.
- Plan quiet time after the visit. You should avoid long walks or rough play that day.
- Use praise and treats. You should reward your pet during and after the visit to build a positive link.
Taking the next step for your pet’s safety
Vaccination is an act of care and protection. It shields your pet from unseen threats and eases the burden on your family. It also protects neighbors, shelter workers, and every child who reaches out to pet your dog or cat.
You can take three clear steps today. You should find your pet’s vaccine record. You should schedule a checkup with your vet to review gaps. You should commit to keeping boosters current. These choices give your pet a stronger chance at a long, steady life by your side.
