Pet Vaccination Guide — Immunization Schedules and Cost Estimates for Dogs, Cats, Birds, and Rabbits | ブリちょく
Tips| ✍️ BreederDirect Editorial
Pet Vaccination Guide — Immunization Schedules and Cost Estimates for Dogs, Cats, Birds, and Rabbits
A detailed vaccination guide for dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits: types of vaccines, recommended schedules, typical costs, and what to watch for in terms of side effects.
Key Takeaways
A detailed vaccination guide for dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits: types of vaccines, recommended schedules, typical costs, and what to watch for in terms of side effects.
Dog and Cat Vaccination Guide | Explaining Required Types, Timing, and Costs
When you welcome a dog or cat, vaccination is something you need to think about early on. Vaccination is the most basic preventive medicine to protect your beloved pet from infectious diseases. However, many people have questions like "Which types are necessary?" and "When should I get them vaccinated?" This article explains dog and cat vaccinations in detail.
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BreederDirect Editorial
The BreederDirect editorial team specializes in care information for animals, covering veterinary care and breeding to deliver beginner-friendly guides.
Vaccines work by introducing weakened or inactivated pathogens (viruses or bacteria) into the body, triggering the production of immunity (antibodies) to prepare the body so that actual infection doesn't result in severe illness.
Dog Vaccines
Core Vaccines (Required)
Core vaccines are vaccines recommended for all dogs.
Canine Distemper: A highly fatal infectious disease that affects the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems
Canine Parvovirus Infection: Causes severe digestive symptoms and is particularly dangerous for puppies
Canine Adenovirus Infection (Hepatitis and Kennel Cough): Can cause severe hepatitis
These are often administered together as "combination vaccines" (such as 3-in-1, 5-in-1, 8-in-1, or 10-in-1 combinations).
Rabies Vaccine (Legally Required)
In Japan, rabies vaccination for dogs is mandated by the "Rabies Prevention Act." Dogs must be vaccinated once a year and registered with local authorities.
Non-Core Vaccines (Optional)
These are vaccines to consider based on lifestyle and risk factors.
Leptospirosis (for dogs frequently exposed to water outdoors)
Canine Influenza
Lyme Disease (in areas with high tick populations)
Puppy Vaccination Schedule (Example)
- 6-8 weeks of age: Initial vaccination (3-5 in-1)
- 10-12 weeks of age: Second vaccination
- 14-16 weeks of age: Third vaccination
- 1 year of age: Booster vaccination
- After that: Booster vaccinations every 1-3 years (depending on vaccine type)
Maternal antibodies passed from the mother dog fade at around 6-8 weeks of age, which is why vaccination begins at this time.
Cat Vaccines
Core Vaccines (Required)
- Feline Herpesvirus Infection (Feline Rhinotracheitis): Causes respiratory and ocular symptoms
- Feline Calicivirus Infection: Causes mouth ulcers, oral lesions, and respiratory symptoms
- Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Parvovirus Infection): Causes severe digestive symptoms with high mortality rates
These are administered as a "3-in-1 combination vaccine."
Non-Core Vaccines (Optional)
- Feline Leukemia Virus Infection (FeLV): Risk is particularly high for outdoor cats and those in multi-cat households
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Infection (FIV/Feline AIDS): Currently may be difficult to obtain in Japan
- Chlamydia Infection: Consider for multi-cat households
Kitten Vaccination Schedule (Example)
- 8-10 weeks of age: Initial vaccination (3-in-1)
- 12-14 weeks of age: Second vaccination
- 1 year of age: Booster vaccination
- After that: Booster vaccinations every 1-3 years
Vaccination Costs
Dogs
- Combination vaccines (3-10 in-1): Approximately ¥3,000-¥7,000
- Rabies: Approximately ¥2,000-¥3,000 (includes vaccination certificate)
Cats
- 3-in-1 combination: Approximately ¥3,000-¥5,000
- 4-in-1 or higher: Approximately ¥4,000-¥7,000
Prices vary by veterinary clinic.
Precautions Before and After Vaccination
Before Vaccination
- Postpone vaccination if your pet is unwell
- Consult with your veterinarian if your pet is currently taking medication
After Vaccination
- Avoid strenuous exercise on the day of vaccination
- Don't bathe your pet on the vaccination day
- Remain at the veterinary clinic for 15-30 minutes after vaccination (to monitor for early allergic reactions)
Signs of Allergic Reaction
- Facial swelling or hives
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe lethargy
If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinary clinic immediately.
Antibody Titer Testing
In recent years, "antibody titer testing" using blood tests to confirm whether vaccine immunity is still effective has become more common. If antibody levels are sufficient, annual vaccinations may be skipped in some cases. Consult with your regular veterinarian about this option.
Summary
Vaccination is the most basic form of preventive medicine to protect your dog or cat's health. When you bring home a puppy or kitten, establish a relationship with a veterinarian right away and develop an appropriate vaccination schedule. Remember to manage vaccinations consistently to ensure your pet enjoys a healthy life.
