Keep this as a reference for the vaccines you’ll need for your pet. Vaccines your pet must have are considered core vaccines, while non-core vaccines are given depending on the circumstances and location of the animal concerned. (Compiled from



RABIES 12 WEEKS OR OLDER – Fatal; attacks the nervous system; contagious to humans

DISTEMPER –  Can be fatal; viral and affects the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, and the nervous system.

HEPATITIS / ADENOVIRUS – Adenovirus type 1: causes infectious canine hepatitis (viral, affects liver and other organ systems, can be fatal). Adenovirus type 2: causes a respiratory illness that can lead to kennel cough.

PARVOVIRUS 5 WEEKS – A viral disease that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, and which can be fatal.

PARAINFLUENZA – A viral disease affecting the respiratory system; may be involved in the development of kennel cough.


EBORDETELLA – Bacterial infection that causes or contributes to kennel cough.

LEPTOSPIROSIS – Bacterial; affects several systems including kidneys and liver; can be fatal; risk depends on location of dog.A bacterial disease spread by ticks that can cause arthritis and other problems such as kidney disease. Only a risk in certain geographic locations so not used routinely for every dog. Your vet can help you decide if your dog should have this vaccination.

CORONAVIRUS – A viral disease that primarily causes diarrhea. The risks of coronavirus infection are not as great as other viral diseases, so the The American Animal Hospital Association’s Canine Vaccine Guidelines (PDF) advise against routinely vaccinating for coronavirus. Your vet can help you decide if your dog should have this vaccination.

GIARDIA – The American Animal Hospital Association’s also recommends against vaccinating for giardia , because the vaccine can prevent shedding of cysts but doesn’t prevent infection.

CANINE INFLUENZA H3N8 – The canine H3N8 virus, also called Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), is a relatively new influenza virus in dogs. It causes flu-like symptoms in dogs and is very contagious when dogs are in close contact (i.e. kennel). Due the contagiousness of this virus, some kennels, grooming salons and similar businesses are now requiring this vaccination to prevent an outbreak. Aside from those situations, the decision to vaccinate your dog (or not) should be discussed with your veterinarian.



FELINE HERPESVIRUS 1 (FHV1) – Viral; causes rhinotracheitis and upper respiratory infections that can be severe and/or chronic.

FELINE CALICIVIRUS (FCV) – Viral; contributes to upper respiratory infections.

FELINE PANLEUKOPENIA VIRUS (FPV) OR FELINE DISTEMPER – Viral and can be fatal, especially for younger cats; causes vomiting and diarrhea.

RABIES – Fatal; attacks the nervous system; contagious to humans


FELINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS (FELV) – Viral; can cause several severe conditions, including anemia, suppression of the immune system, and cancer.

FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (FIV) – Viral; suppresses the immune system.

CHLAMYDOPHILA FELIS – Bacterial; causes eye infections and conjunctivitis; can be spread between cats who live closely together

BORDETELLA BRONCHISEPTICA – Contagious bacterial disease causing upper respiratory tract problems

This story appeared in Animal Scene’s April 2015 issue.