Vaccinations for dogs and cats
Overview of vaccines, schedules and how often to vaccinate. General information—always consult your vet.
Vaccinations protect your dog or cat from serious diseases. Which vaccines are needed depends on age, lifestyle and where you live. Here is a general overview. Every animal is different—let your vet create a personalised schedule.
🐕 Vaccinations for dogs
Core vaccines (recommended for all dogs)
These vaccines are recommended for virtually all dogs:
- • DHPP/DA2PP – Distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza – often combined in one shot
- • Rabies – Rabies – legally required in many countries, also for travel and boarding
- • Leptospirosis – Leptospirosis – bacteria via water/urine, strongly recommended in some regions
Non-core vaccines (depending on lifestyle)
These vaccines are useful for specific risk:
- • Bordetella (kennel cough) – for boarding, dog school, shows
- • Lyme – in areas with many ticks
- • Canine influenza – when in frequent contact with other dogs
🐈 Vaccinations for cats
Core vaccines
Recommended for all cats:
- • FVRCP – Cat flu (herpes, calicivirus) and feline distemper (panleukopenia)
- • Rabies – Rabies – legally required in many countries
- • FeLV – Feline leukemia – strongly recommended for kittens and outdoor cats
Non-core vaccines
FeLV may not be needed for indoor-only cats with low risk. Discuss with your vet.
📅 Vaccination schedule: when and how often?
Puppies
- • 6–8 weken: DHPP first shot
- • 10–12 weken: DHPP booster, optionally lepto
- • 14–16 weken: DHPP, rabies, final puppy series
Kittens
- • 6–8 weken: FVRCP first shot, optionally FeLV
- • 10–12 weken: FVRCP booster, FeLV
- • 14–16 weken: FVRCP, rabies, FeLV – complete kitten series
Adult animals
Rabies: usually every 1–3 years (depending on vaccine and legislation). DHPP/FVRCP: often every 1–3 years. Leptospirosis: annually. The exact schedule varies by brand and country. Let your vet determine the best schedule for your pet.
🩺 This information is general. Contact your veterinarian for a consultation and tailored advice.
More about health
View our health guide for deworming, fleas, ticks and more.
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