Core Vaccines Every Pet Needs — and Why They Save Lives

Part of the Protect the Paws You Love campaign by the NWA Animal Alliance

Every pet deserves a healthy, protected life — and vaccines are one of the simplest, most effective ways to make that possible. Vaccinations don’t just protect your own pets — they protect your family, neighbors, and every animal in your community.

Below is a quick guide to the core vaccines recommended for dogs and cats — what they prevent, why they matter, and how to keep your pets safe.

🐶 Core Vaccines for Dogs

1. Rabies

• Why it matters: Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system of all mammals — including people.

• Risk: Rabies is transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals. Once symptoms appear, it’s almost always fatal.

• Good news: Rabies vaccination is required by law in Arkansas and most states, and it’s nearly 100% effective at prevention.

2. Distemper

• Why it matters: Distemper attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It can cause fever, coughing, seizures, and death.

• Risk: It spreads easily through the air or contact with infected dogs, wildlife, or even shared food and water bowls.

• Good news: The distemper vaccine is safe, effective, and often combined with other important vaccines in a single shot.

3. Parvovirus (Parvo)

• Why it matters: Parvo causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration — especially in puppies. Without treatment, it can be deadly.

• Risk: Parvo is extremely contagious and can survive in the environment for months.

• Good news: A simple vaccine series can protect your dog for life. Treatment for parvo can cost $1,000–$2,000 or more, but prevention costs just a fraction of that.

4. Adenovirus (Hepatitis)

• Why it matters: This virus affects the liver, kidneys, and eyes and can lead to serious illness or death.

• Good news: It’s typically included in the DHPP combination vaccine (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Parainfluenza).

🐱 Core Vaccines for Cats

1. Rabies

• Why it matters: Just like dogs, cats can contract and spread rabies — even indoor cats.

• Good news: This legally required vaccine keeps your cat and your family safe.

2. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR)

• Why it matters: Caused by feline herpesvirus, it leads to respiratory infections, eye ulcers, and long-term flare-ups.

• Good news: It’s part of the common FVRCP vaccine series.

3. Calicivirus (FCV)

• Why it matters: Causes oral ulcers, fever, and pneumonia.

• Good news: The FVRCP vaccine helps prevent infection or reduce the severity if exposed.

4. Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper)

• Why it matters: A highly contagious virus that can be fatal, especially in kittens.

• Risk: It spreads through contact with infected animals, bedding, or food bowls.

• Good news: The vaccine offers strong, lasting protection.

🩺 Keeping Vaccines Up to Date

• Puppies and kittens need a series of booster shots starting at 6–8 weeks old.

• Adult pets should receive regular boosters (usually every 1–3 years).

• If you’re not sure what your pet needs, contact your veterinarian or visit one of the free or low-cost vaccine clinics listed by the NWA Animal Alliance.

  
  

❤️ Why It Matters

Vaccines save lives. When more pets are protected, fewer face serious illness, fewer shelters experience outbreaks, and fewer families endure the heartbreak of losing a beloved animal to something that could have been prevented.

Protect the paws you love — it starts with one small step.

💉 Find free and low-cost vaccine clinics near you

This article is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for veterinary care.

Sources: American Veterinary Medical Association “Vaccinating Your Pet: Guidelines for Dogs and Cats” (2024); American Animal Hospital Association “Canine Vaccination Guidelines” (2023); American Association of Feline Practitioners “Feline Vaccination Advisory Panel Report” (2020); Merck Veterinary Manual “Vaccination Programs for Dogs and Cats” (2024); Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine “Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper)” (2023); Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “Zoonotic Diseases Shared Between People and Pets” (2023); PetMD Veterinary Review Board “Core Vaccines and Schedules for Dogs and Cats” (2024).