There will always be a need for vets. That idea, plus my huge love of animals, has led me down the path of becoming a veterinarian. I have not graduated from my course yet, but the reason behind this blog is to share my learning journey. I intend to write blog posts on subjects like the veterinarian education path, my thoughts on whether to be a general or specialist vet and how I wish to use alternative treatments like acupuncture in my practice. If you too have a love of animals and want to make this your job, then my blog will be interesting to you.
Puppy Vaccinations: What's the Difference Between Core and Non-Core Vaccines?
If you've never kept a dog before, then your vet will fill you in on the vaccinations your puppy needs to keep it healthy and well. This can be a long conversation. Animal vaccinations are classified as core and non-core, and you have to decide which vaccinations your dog will have. What's the difference between core and non-core vaccinations? Which vaccines does your new puppy need?
What Are Core Vaccinations?
There are some vaccinations that your new puppy definitely needs. These are core vaccinations. Core vaccinations protect your pet against a series of diseases that could make them really ill or that could even be life-threatening. In dogs, these vaccines cover conditions like distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus. Your puppy may need a series of vaccinations to get core coverage as they grow. They may also need regular booster shots to ensure immunity.
What Are Non-Core Vaccinations?
Non-core vaccinations cover illnesses that are less serious than those covered by core vaccines. They cover conditions such as kennel cough and parainfluenza. These illnesses may make your dog ill, but they are generally easier to treat. Plus, not all dogs will be exposed to the underlying viruses so may not need immunity.
Which Vaccinations Does Your Puppy Need?
As a minimum, your vet will want to give your puppy its core vaccinations. You should also commit to getting its booster shots according to your vet's recommended schedule. However, you may find that non-core vaccines aren't essential, and you can choose whether to have them or not.
The decision to use non-core vaccines may be influenced by where you live. For example, if you live in a region with a high incidence of a non-core illness, then your vet may recommend you have your dog vaccinated against these issues.
Or, you may have to use a non-core vaccine because of the way you'll keep your dog. If you think you'll be putting your dog in boarding kennels in the future, then the kennels may insist that your dog is vaccinated against any non-core illness that could lead to kennel cough. While kennel cough is treatable, it is very contagious. So, if your dog will spend a lot of time around other dogs, this may be a good vaccination to have.
If you aren't sure whether to sign up to non-core vaccines, talk to your vet. They can assess whether your pet needs these extra vaccinations or not.