Senior Pets and Vaccines

If you have a furry friend entering the golden years, you may be wondering if vaccines are still necessary for senior pets. The short answer is yes, and in this blog, our team at PetSmart Veterinary Services – Snellville takes a closer look at the importance of protecting pets from serious illnesses throughout their lives.

Why Do Elderly Pets Need Vaccines?

As our pets age, their immune system function starts to wane, just as it does in older people. This reduced immune system function makes elderly pets more susceptible to infectious diseases. Ongoing vaccines remain the most effective way to protect pets against contagious illnesses and to reduce the spread to unprotected pets.

Core Vaccines for Senior Pets

To safeguard the health and quality of life of elderly pets, core vaccines remain vitally important. 

The following core vaccines are recommended for dogs throughout their lives:

• Rabies (Required by law)
• Distemper
• Adenovirus
• Parvo

These core vaccines are recommended for cats throughout all of their nine lives:

• Rabies (Required by law)
• FVRCP (This protects cats against three life-threatening diseases: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus, and Feline Panleukopenia)

Noncore Vaccines and Senior Pets

At your pet’s wellness exam, you and your veterinarian will work together to determine your senior pet’s needs for non-core vaccines, which are recommended only if the cat’s or dog’s lifestyle, risk of exposure, or geographic location warrants them. For dogs, non-core vaccines include leptospirosis, Lyme disease, and Bordetella. For our feline friends, there are non-core optional vaccines that protect against Chlamydophila Felis, feline Bordetella, and feline leukemia. 

The Option of Titer Testing

Titer testing is a blood test that measures an animal’s current antibodies to a specific pathogen, and this can help determine a pet’s level of protection and the necessity of certain vaccines and boosters. However, if your dog or cat sees a groomer or spends time in a boarding/daycare facility, proof of vaccination may be required. Some facilities will accept letters of exemption from veterinarians explaining that the pet has sufficient antibodies.

We’re Here to Support Your Pet’s Lifetime of Good Health

Maintaining a vaccine schedule that aligns with your pet’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors is critical for protecting senior pets and the other animals they come into contact with. At PetSmart Veterinary Services – Snellville, we are always happy to explain our recommendations for vaccines and work with you to create a care plan for the optimal health and well-being of your pet. Please contact us to schedule your pet’s wellness and preventive care visit, or if you have any questions about our services.