Understanding Pet Vaccinations

Protecting Pets from Preventable Diseases

At Lansdowne Animal Hospital in Leesburg, VA, our mission is to provide proactive vet care that keeps your pets safe and healthy for life. We proudly serve pet owners in Ashburn, Loudoun, Lansdowne, Belmont, Sterling, and surrounding areas with comprehensive veterinary services. 

Vaccinations are a critical part of your pet’s preventive care plan. Dog and cat vaccines help prevent serious and potentially fatal diseases. In this blog, we’ll explain the difference between core and non-core pet vaccines, the ideal vaccine schedule for your pet, and how these important veterinary services protect your furry companion—and your family.

Why Are Pet Vaccinations So Important?

Vaccinations strengthen your pet’s immune system against infectious diseases. Without them, pets are at risk for serious illnesses that can be costly to treat—or even fatal. Here’s why regular pet vaccinations matter:

• Prevent transmission of diseases like rabies and distemper
• Comply with state and local pet health regulations
• Protect other animals and people from zoonotic diseases
• Help pets live longer, healthier lives
• Avoid costly emergency treatments

Diseases like parvovirus in dogs or panleukopenia in cats can progress rapidly. Many require hospitalization. These diseases are often preventable with basic vaccinations, which is why keeping your pet’s shots current is a vital part of responsible pet ownership.

Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines: What’s the Difference?

Core vaccines are those recommended for all pets, regardless of lifestyle or environment. These protect against the most dangerous and widespread diseases. Non-core vaccines, on the other hand, are administered based on your pet’s risk factors such as exposure to other pets, time outdoors, or regional threats.

Core Vaccines for Dogs:

• Rabies
• Distemper
• Parvovirus
• Adenovirus

Core Vaccines for Cats:

• Rabies
• Calicivirus; 
• Herpesvirus-1
• Panleukopenia
• Leukemia

Non-Core Vaccines (risk-based):

• Bordetella (kennel cough)
• Lyme disease
• Leptospirosis
• Canine influenza

At Lansdowne Animal Hospital, we customize vaccine protocols based on your pet’s lifestyle. If your dog goes to daycare, boarding facilities, or dog parks, or if your cat spends time outdoors, some non-core vaccines such as Bordetella are highly recommended. Learn more from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA)  pet vaccination guide. 

What Is The Ideal Dog And Cat Vaccines Schedule?

Your pet’s vaccination schedule will depend on their age, breed, health history, and lifestyle. 

In general:

• Puppies and kittens start their vaccinations between 6 to 8 weeks of age.
• Boosters are often given every 3 to 4 weeks until 16 to 20 weeks of age, but exact schedules may vary.
• After the initial puppy/kitten series, pets receive booster shots annually or every three years depending on the vaccine.

Adult pets may also need periodic titer testing to assess antibody levels, especially with rabies or distemper. At Lansdowne Animal Hospital, our veterinarians will develop a personalized vaccine schedule for pets and remind you when it’s time for updates. 

Check out the American Animal Hospital Association vaccine guidelines for additional reference. 

Are Pet Vaccines Safe?

Yes. Vaccines used in veterinary medicine today are extensively tested and regulated. Adverse reactions are very rare, and the benefits far outweigh the risks. Mild side effects, such as low energy or localized swelling at the injection site, are rare. When they do occur they typically resolve within 24 hours. However, if your pet were to develop severe reactions, you would want to seek emergency care. 

For pets with a history of vaccine sensitivity, our team will work with you to schedule a more gradual vaccine plan and provide any pre-vaccine medications necessary to minimize risks. Always report unusual symptoms to your veterinarian immediately.

How Do Vaccinations Protect People Too?

Some pet diseases, like rabies and leptospirosis, are zoonotic—meaning they can be transmitted to humans. By keeping your pet vaccinated, you not only protect their health but also reduce the risk of spreading disease to your household and the broader community.

Vaccines are part of a broader public health strategy and help ensure our shared environments—parks, neighborhoods, trails—stay safe for everyone.

Can Indoor Pets Skip Vaccines?

This is a common misconception. Even indoor pets should be vaccinated. Many viruses can be transmitted through windows, clothes, shoes, or even insects. For example, a mosquito can transmit heartworm, and your indoor cat could still be exposed to rabies if a bat entered your home.

While the risk might be lower for indoor pets, it’s not zero. Routine wellness exams and up-to-date vaccines provide a safety net. Pet vaccinations are a cornerstone of responsible vet care. Schedule your pet’s vaccine appointment with us today to ensure a healthy future.

Protect Your Pet with Timely Vaccinations

Keeping your pet’s vaccinations current is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to ensure a long, healthy life. Whether your furry friend is an adventurous pup or a cozy indoor cat, vaccines provide critical protection at every stage. 

At Lansdowne Animal Hospital in Leesburg, VA, we make the process easy and safe, and tailor it to your pet’s needs. Visit our Service Page to learn more about the services we offer and the type of pets we see. 

Make A Visit To Our Leesburg, VA Animal Clinic

Do you have questions about dog and cat vaccines or a vaccine schedule for pets? We can help! If you are looking for a great Leesburg, VA vet, you can try searching things like ‘great vet near me’ or just give us a call! 

This blog is meant to be informational only. Always consult with your veterinarian for the right medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment plan for your pet and follow their advice.