Pet Vaccination Clinic in Dubai

Core and Non-Core Vaccines: What Does Your Pet Need?

Even though vaccinations are essential to your pet’s healthcare, it does not mean that every vaccination is needed for every animal. Vaccines are categorized into core and non-core groups based on the risk and severity of the disease they protect against. Knowing these categories allows you to ensure your pet is secured with the appropriate vaccinations based on their lifestyle, environment, health, etc.

Core Vaccines

Core vaccines are vital for all dogs and cats because they protect against prevalent, highly infectious, and common fatal diseases in many cases. Vaccines are a basic standard of care.

For Dogs:

● Rabies: Protects against rabies, a virus that can be transmitted to humans via bites from infected animals. Rabies vaccination is compulsory in most countries, such as the UAE.
● Distemper: A viral disease that is highly contagious and affects dogs’ respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. K coronavirus in dogs. In puppies, it can be fatal.
● Parvovirus: It is a highly contagious viral disease characterized by severe gastrointestinal illness with vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration, and often death without treatment. Puppies are especially vulnerable.
● Adenovirus Types 1 & 2: Protects against infectious canine hepatitis (adenovirus type 1) and respiratory disease (adenovirus type 2).

For Cats:

● Rabies: The rabies immunization needs to be given to all pets, such as cats, for legal and medical requirements, as with dogs.
● FVRCP: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia — A combination vaccine. These diseases can infect others easily and are deadly.
● FPV Vaccine (feline panleukopenia virus): protects against a severe viral illness.

Non-Core Vaccines

Non-core vaccines depend more on your pet’s risk factors, such as their environment, lifestyle, and exposure to other animals, and are recommended on an as-needed basis. Not every pet will need these vaccines, but they can be important for those with specific needs.

For Dogs:

● Leptospirosis is a bacterial illness that can be transmitted to humans and is typically spread through contaminated water.
● Bordetella bronchiseptica: The one that causes kennel cough and affects dogs who are around other dogs or are boarded
● Canine Influenza: Protects against dog flu, which is particularly important in high-risk or overcrowded settings.
● Lyme disease: Considered for dogs at risk for exposure to ticks, especially in areas with woods or grassy spots.

For Cats:

● Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): Given to cats that go outdoors or live in households with multiple cats, FeLV disables the immune system and can be life-threatening.

Modern Vet’s veterinarians will consider your pet’s age, breed, lifestyle, and health status and create an individualised vaccination schedule. This approach provides comprehensive protection tailored to your pet, while maximizing the health benefits of vaccines and minimizing unnecessary ones.

The Vaccination Process at Modern Vet

Initial Consultation and Health Check

Your pet gets a complete physical exam before any vaccine is given. This ensures they are healthy enough for immunization and helps identify any underlying problems that may affect the vaccine reaction.

Vaccine Selection and Scheduling

Our team will recommend core and non-core vaccines based on your pet’s age, medical history, and lifestyle. For puppies and kittens, a series of vaccines begins around eight weeks of age, with booster shots given every three to four weeks until approximately 16 weeks of age. Annual boosters are administered to adult pets to maintain their protection.

Safe, Stress-Free Administration

Our clinics are designed to reduce stress for pets. Vaccinations are given by trained personnel using minimal restraint and positive reinforcement. We also observe your pet for short-term reactions and provide home care instructions.

Record Keeping and Reminders

That is why Modern Vet keeps track of boosters and reminds you if an upcoming booster is required, so your pet is always safe.

Microchipping: Added Security During Vaccination Visits

Modern Vet recommends microchipping as part of your pet’s vaccination visit. A microchip (similar to an electronic tag) is a small device implanted in your pet, providing them with permanent identification should they lose their way home. Whilst it is possible to have a lost pet reunited with you through microchipping, this simple procedure can be done during a routine vaccine appointment. It will give you peace of mind that your furry friend has a greater chance of making it home to you if they go missing.

The Benefits of Pet Vaccination

● Lifelong Protection: Immunizes your furry friend against some of the most common and deadly diseases by training their immune system to avoid dangerous germs and pathogens.
● Reduced Disease Severity: If your vaccinated pet is infected, symptoms are usually less severe, and recovery happens much faster.
● Community Health: Widespread vaccination reduces the spread of contagious diseases among pets and humans.
● Cost Savings: Preventing illness is far more cost-effective than treating advanced disease or managing outbreaks.
● Peace of Mind: Knowing that your pet is covered means you can relax regarding things like boarding, grooming, and travel.

Contraindications: When Vaccination Should Be Delayed or Avoided

While vaccines are safe for most pets, there are situations where vaccination may be contraindicated:

● Pregnancy: Vaccinating pregnant animals can risk fetal injury.
● Illness: Pets with active infections, fever, or severe chronic disease may need to postpone vaccination.
● Recent Immunization: Animals recently vaccinated or on immunosuppressive medication may not be eligible for additional vaccines until cleared by a veterinarian.
● Underweight or Overweight Pets: These animals should be evaluated individually to ensure safe administration.
● Specific Medical Conditions: Cats with upper respiratory infections should not receive a rabies vaccine until they have recovered.

Your Modern Vet veterinarian will continually assess your pet’s health before recommending or administering vaccines.

Trust Modern Vet & Zoetis for Your Pet’s Lifelong Protection

Modern Vet is a Veterinary Clinic that integrates global best practices, the best-quality vaccines, and a caring, pet-friendly approach. That’s why we partnered with Zoetis to guarantee that your pet benefits from the safest, most effective immunizations on the market, and why our dedicated team is with you during every step of the process, as your pet matures from puppy (or kitten!) to adulthood.

Book your pet vaccination appointment with us today and give your furry friend the gift of lifelong health and peace of mind.