Vaccinations for cats and dogs

Vaccinating your pets is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure their long-term health and well-being. In Australia, vaccinations protect dogs and cats from a range of potentially serious and even fatal diseases. Understanding when and why your pets need vaccinations, what they cover, and how to keep up with their vaccination schedules is crucial for every pet owner. Let’s explore the basics of pet vaccinations in Australia, including recommended schedules, vaccine coverage, and the importance of regular check-ups.

Why vaccinate your pets?

Vaccines are essential because they help protect your dog or cat from serious infectious diseases that can be severe or fatal. Many of these diseases are highly contagious and can spread rapidly among animals, especially in environments where animals interact, such as public parks, kennels, or catteries. Vaccinating your pet not only protects them but also helps prevent outbreaks and protects the wider animal community.

Breakdown of common canine vaccines

• C3 (core): Parvovirus, distemper, and infectious canine hepatitis.
• C4: C3 + parainfluenza virus.
• C5: C4 + Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough).
• C6: C4 + coronavirus and leptospirosis.
• C7: C5 + coronavirus and leptospirosis.
• KC: parainfluenza + bordatella bronchiseptica
• 2i: coronavirus 

Breakdown of common feline vaccines

• F3 (core):  Feline Rhinotracheitis (Herpesvirus), Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Parvovirus) and Feline Calicivirus.
• F5: F3+ chlamydia and feline leukemia virus (FeLV). 
• FiV: Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
• FeLV: Feline Leukemia Virus

Core vaccinations for dogs and cats in Australia

In Australia, both dogs and cats are recommended to receive certain core vaccinations, which are considered essential for all pets. These vaccines help protect against the most common and dangerous diseases.

For dogs:

C3 vaccine (core for dogs)

The C3 vaccine is the core vaccine for dogs, covering three key diseases:

• Canine parvovirus (CPV): A highly contagious virus that attacks the gastrointestinal system, causing severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. In many cases, it can be fatal.
• Canine distemper virus (CDV): A virus that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs. It can cause fever, coughing, vomiting, and neurological signs (such as seizures or paralysis), and it can be fatal if untreated.
• Canine adenovirus (CAV-2) (Infectious canine hepatitis): This virus causes liver damage and can affect other organs like the kidneys and eyes. It is a potentially fatal disease with symptoms like fever, vomiting, and jaundice.

C5 vaccine (extended core for dogs)

The C5 vaccine includes everything in the C3 vaccine (Parvovirus, Distemper, and Hepatitis), plus additional vaccines to protect against respiratory infections:

• Canine parainfluenza virus (CPI): A virus that contributes to kennel cough (a highly contagious respiratory disease), leading to symptoms like coughing, nasal discharge, and fever.
• Bordetella bronchiseptica (Kennel cough): A bacterium responsible for kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection. It can spread quickly in environments with large numbers of dogs, such as kennels, dog parks, and training facilities.

The C5 vaccine is recommended for dogs that interact with other dogs frequently or are likely to be exposed to kennel cough. This includes dogs that are boarded, attend training classes, or visit dog parks.

For cats:

F3 vaccine (core for cats)
The F3 vaccine is the core vaccine for cats, covering three critical diseases:

• Feline calicivirus (FCV): A virus that causes respiratory infections in cats, often leading to symptoms like sneezing, nasal discharge, and mouth ulcers.
• Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1): A virus that causes upper respiratory problems in cats, with symptoms like conjunctivitis, sneezing, and nasal discharge. It is highly contagious, particularly in multi-cat environments.
• Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV): A highly contagious and often fatal disease that affects the immune system and the gastrointestinal system, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.

F5 vaccine (extended core for cats)
The F5 vaccine for cats includes the following core and extended core diseases:

• Feline calicivirus (FCV) – A virus causing respiratory issues such as sneezing, nasal discharge, and mouth ulcers.
• Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) – A virus that causes upper respiratory symptoms like conjunctivitis, sneezing, and nasal discharge.
• Feline panleukopenia (FPV) – A highly contagious and potentially fatal disease affecting the immune system and gastrointestinal system.
• Chlamydophila felis – A bacterium that can cause conjunctivitis and upper respiratory tract disease.
• Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) – A virus that weakens the cat’s immune system and increases the risk of other infections and cancers.

Vaccination schedules for dogs and cats in Australia

Vaccination schedules in Australia typically begin when your pet is a young puppy or kitten, and they continue throughout their life. Below is a general vaccination guide for both puppies and kittens.

For puppies and dogs:

This table shows a vaccination schedule for a typical puppy. Please consult with your vet for specific advice regarding the recommended vaccines for your puppy or dog.

More details:

6-8 weeks of age:

• First Vaccination: Puppies receive the initial C3 vaccine, covering core diseases: Canine Parvovirus (CPV), Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), Canine Adenovirus (CAV-2) (Infectious Canine Hepatitis)

10-12 weeks of age:

• The second dose of the C3 vaccine is given to boost immunity.
• C5 Vaccine: If the puppy is at high risk of respiratory diseases (e.g., attending dog parks, boarding, or training), the C5 vaccine (which includes Bordetella and Parainfluenza) is administered at this stage.

14-16 weeks of age:

• Third Vaccination: The final dose of the C3 vaccine is given to complete the primary series.

At 1 Year:

• C5 vaccine booster: Following the initial puppy vaccinations, the C5 vaccine booster is given, typically in two parts: One part for Bordetella (Kennel Cough) and one part for the core C3 vaccines (Parvovirus, Distemper, and Hepatitis).

Annually or Every 3 Years:

• KC: parainfluenza + bordatella bronchiseptica (Canine / Kennel Cough) annually.
• C3 vaccine booster: After the 1 year booster, dogs typically need the C3 vaccine booster every 3 years, depending on their lifestyle and specific risks.

For kittens and cats:

This table shows a vaccination schedule for a typical kitten. Please consult with your vet for specific advice regarding the recommended vaccines for your kitten or cat.

More details:

6-8 weeks of age:

• First vaccination: Kittens will receive the F3 vaccine, which includes the following core diseases: Feline Calicivirus (FCV), Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1), Feline Panleukopenia (FPV)
• F5 vaccines may be given depending on lifestyle and risk factors.

10-12 weeks of age:

• Second vaccination: Kittens receive the second dose of the F3 vaccine to boost immunity against Calicivirus, Herpesvirus, and Panleukopenia.
• If the kitten is at high risk for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), this may also be included as part of the vaccination schedule at this time.
• F5 second vaccination may be given depending on lifestyle and risk factors.

14-16 weeks of age:

• Third Vaccination: The final dose of the F3 vaccine is given to complete the primary vaccination series against Calicivirus, Herpesvirus, and Panleukopenia.
• For kittens at high risk, a second dose of the FeLV vaccine may be administered at this time.
• F5 third vaccination may be given depending on lifestyle and risk factors.

At 1 Year:

• F5 vaccine booster: After the initial vaccinations, cats may receive a F5 vaccine booster. This includes core vaccines (Calicivirus, Herpesvirus, Panleukopenia) and protection against Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV).
• FIP vaccine (optional): If recommended due to the cat’s risk (e.g., in multi-cat households), the FIP vaccine may also be given at this stage.

Annually or every 1-3 years (depending on risk)

• F3 vaccine booster is adminstered annually.
• F5 vaccine booster: After the first-year booster, the F5 vaccine booster is administered annually or every 1-3 years depending on the individual cat’s risk factors.

Additional vaccines for dogs and cats

In addition to core vaccines, some pets may require optional (non-core) vaccines depending on their environment, lifestyle, or health risks.

For dogs:

• Leptospirosis vaccine: While not a core vaccine in all areas, this bacterial infection can affect a dog’s liver and kidneys, particularly in wet or rural environments with high exposure to rodents or wildlife. Your vet may recommend it based on your dog’s exposure risk.
• Coronavirus: a contagious virus that affects the gastrointestinal system, mainly of puppies. It is often a mild disease that can cause lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea. Most dogs recover with treatment, but if other diseases such as parvovirus are also present, it can be fatal. The use of coronavirus in standard vaccination protocols is currently questioned.
• Rabies vaccine: Rabies is not a concern within Australia due to its eradication. However, if you are planning to travel internationally or export your dog, the rabies vaccine may be required depending on your destination. Countries with rabies endemic populations often require a valid rabies vaccination certificate as part of their import regulations.

For cats:

• Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) vaccine: This is an optional vaccine recommended for cats at high risk of FIV, such as outdoor cats or those who may fight with other infected cats.
• Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine: Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterial disease, that can cause upper respiratory disease in cats, and also rarely in humans! The vaccine may be recommended in some situations when there is a high risk of infection where cats are kept together in large groups such as rescue shelters or breeding households. that frequent high-risk environments (like shelters) may benefit from this vaccine.
• Chlamydophila felis vaccine: Recommended for cats in multi-cat households or shelters, this vaccine protects against a bacterium that can cause conjunctivitis and respiratory problems.
• Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) vaccine: FIP is a viral disease that can be fatal to cats. It is caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus. The vaccine for FIP is considered non-core and is generally recommended for kittens or cats that are at high risk, such as those in multi-cat households or those with exposure to other high-risk environments. The vaccine is not part of the standard vaccine protocol and is typically offered as an optional option after consultation with a veterinarian.

Important considerations:

1. Consult your veterinarian: Your vet can provide guidance on the best vaccination schedule for your pet based on their age, breed, lifestyle, and exposure risks.
2. Timing is key: Proper timing of vaccinations ensures they are most effective in protecting your pet against diseases. It’s crucial to stick to the recommended vaccination schedule.
3. Maternal antibodies: Puppies and kittens receive temporary immunity through their mother’s milk. This immunity may interfere with vaccination effectiveness, which is why timing the vaccinations is critical.
4. Travel: If you plan to travel with your pet, ensure they are up-to-date on vaccinations and you have the necessary documentation, especially for international travel.
5. Annual check-ups: Even with vaccinations, regular vet visits help monitor your pet’s overall health, detect any issues early, and ensure their vaccines remain effective.

Conclusion

Vaccinations are a crucial part of responsible pet ownership in Australia. They help protect your pets from serious and sometimes fatal diseases, ensuring they live long and healthy lives. By staying on top of vaccination schedules and regular vet check-ups, you’re investing in your pet’s health and contributing to the overall well-being of the animal community. Always consult with your vet to ensure the best vaccination plan for your furry friend’s needs.

IMPORTANT: The information in the article is not intended to be used as a substitute for veterinary advice, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information provided on the website is for educational and informational purposes only. Please always seek medical treatment from a veterinarian if you have concerns about your pet’s health.