Social pets can encounter more than just new friends and enriching experiences in their daily adventures. Increased exposure comes with a higher risk of catching unwanted illnesses, but with the right protection, nothing has to slow them down. That’s why veterinarians recommend a range of vaccines to support your pet’s health. Here’s a simple guide to what each vaccine does and why they’re an important part of your extroverted pet’s care routine.
Out and About: Why Social Pets Need Better Protection
If your pet loves to go on adventures or spend time with other animals, they should have thorough vaccine protection to help keep them safe and healthy. "Socialization is one of the best ways you can enrich your pet’s life. And the more active and outgoing your dog is, the more comprehensive their vaccines should be," says Dr. Clay Hellner, Chief Veterinary Officer at Pet Paradise + NewDay Veterinary Care." Some vaccines, like rabies, may be required by law, while others are essential based on your dog's lifestyle."
The vaccination needs of active dogs depend on several key factors: where they live, where they spend their time, how often they interact with other animals, and their overall risk level. For example, a dog who spends time with other pets, goes hiking, visits pet boarding or day care facilities, or takes regular trips to the groomer will benefit from broad vaccine protection. Additionally, pet parents with brachycephalic (short-snouted) breeds like Pugs or French Bulldogs need to consider additional vaccines for respiratory illnesses.
"For active, social dogs, vaccines that might be optional for other pets become just as crucial as core vaccines," says Dr. Hellner. "The best way to help protect your pet from a potentially life-threatening disease is to ensure they're vaccinated against it, so always consult your veterinarian about your dog's specific needs!"
In the next section, we'll dig a little deeper into the specific kinds of vaccines for dogs and cats. Take your time to consider your pet's lifestyle and consult your veterinarian to decide what's best for them.
Vaccines for Dogs
- Rabies: The rabies vaccine is required by law in 49 states and is a core vaccine as defined by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Rabies is transmitted through animal bites (from bats, raccoons, etc.), is always fatal, and has no cure. Dr. Hellner adds, “Rabies is a serious and deadly disease and should not be taken lightly. It is also zoonotic, which means that people can contract the virus from their pet.”
- DAPP: This combination shot protects against four dangerous, contagious diseases (canine distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus or “parvo,” and parainfluenza). Your dog may receive a comparable combination shot that has a slightly different name, like DHPP or DA2PP.
- Leptospirosis: This vaccine protects against the potentially life-threatening Leptospira bacteria. Leptospirosis can be transmitted through the urine of infected animals via water and soil. While some animals show no symptoms of the disease, others can experience kidney and/or liver failure. Leptospirosis is also zoonotic (transmissible to humans). If your dog goes outside, spends time with other pets, or has access to outside water sources, we recommend the leptospirosis vaccine.
- Bordetella: In the past known as “kennel cough,” Bordetella is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection that causes coughing, sneezing, fever, and more. It's transmitted to animals via direct contact (like licking or nuzzling), in the air (through coughing or barking), and on contaminated objects. Treatment usually involves antibiotics and quarantine, so it’s best to prevent Bordetella through routine vaccination. Dogs who board, visit day care, or go to dog parks should have this vaccine.
- Canine Influenza (Flu): While not every pet needs to be vaccinated for the flu, it can be a helpful additional layer of protection for your pet. Similar to other respiratory diseases like Bordetella, the canine flu spreads via direct contact, through the air, on contaminated objects, or in drinking water. Influenza spreads fast, may cause severe illness for a month or more, and can be fatal to dogs. If your dog is an extrovert and loves to be around other dogs at the dog park or even at day camp, consider the canine influenza vaccine.
- Lyme: Caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, Lyme disease is transmitted through the blacklegged tick after 24-48 hours of “feeding” on your pet. This tick is found in forests, grassy areas, or near bodies of water along the eastern United States, Great Lakes, and Pacific Coast. Lyme disease is also zoonotic and causes a range of symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose. It’s best to prevent it before your dog contracts the disease. With the right tick prevention (like Nexgard, Bravecto, or Simparica Trio), your dog's risk for Lyme disease is greatly reduced. Be sure to speak to your veterinarian about monthly tick prevention and about whether the Lyme vaccine is right for your pet.
Vaccines for Cats
- Rabies: Rabies is highly contagious, always deadly, and poses the same risk to dogs and cats alike! It is a required vaccine for both species.
- FVRCP: This combination shot protects your cat against three diseases at once. Panleukopenia (feline distemper or feline parvovirus) is a potentially deadly virus that is especially dangerous to kittens. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (feline herpesvirus) and calicivirus are upper respiratory infections.
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): If your cat goes outside, they should have the Feline Leukemia vaccine. FeLV is transmitted through feline body fluids like saliva and is the top cause of viral death in cats. Due to the risk of illness and injury, we do not recommend that cats go outside, but if your feline insists on exploring the great outdoors, make sure they’re protected.
Vaccines are one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your pet healthy, happy, and safe. For the minimum vaccine requirement for Pet Paradise guests, visit our FAQ page.* Your veterinarian is your best resource for tailoring a vaccine plan that fits your pet’s needs. By staying up to date on vaccinations, you’re not just protecting your pet; you’re helping to create a safer environment for everyone.
We take cleanliness and safety seriously in Paradise. Curious about the extra steps we take to protect your pet? Read our safety guidelines.
*Pet Paradise's minimum vaccine requirements are subject to change at any time.
