Why 3 core shots?
Maternal antibodies inherited from the mother neutralize vaccines, but they fade between 6-16 weeks of age at individually varying times. Current guidance (WSAVA) therefore recommends starting no earlier than 6-8 weeks, with shots every 2-4 weeks and a final dose at 16 weeks or later — ensuring at least one dose lands in the window where maternal antibodies are low enough for the vaccine to work. Rabies is given at 12-16 weeks per regulation.
Vaccination do's & don'ts
- • Only healthy pets get vaccinated: postpone during fever, diarrhea or lethargy, then catch up.
- • Observe after the shot: stay at the clinic 30 minutes for acute allergy (facial swelling, vomiting, collapse); mild sleepiness for 1-2 days is normal.
- • No public outings until the series finishes: avoid unknown animals and public green spaces until ~2 weeks after the final shot.
- • Deworming matters too: intestinal parasites don't block vaccines but do harm juvenile health — deworm monthly.
FAQ
Found a stray — I don't know its age. Now what?
Vets estimate age from teeth, weight and development. The conservative approach: treat as unvaccinated, start the series after a health exam, and schedule the final dose after the estimated 16-week point.
My adult pet was never vaccinated — does it need all 3 shots?
With unknown history, the common approach is 1-2 core shots followed by antibody titer testing 2-4 weeks later to confirm protection, plus rabies per regulation. Confirm the plan with your vet.
Do vaccines really need annual boosters?
Core vaccine protection lasts longer than a year. WSAVA suggests a booster 1 year after the juvenile series, then every 3 years or guided by titer tests. Rabies follows local law (usually annual). Follow your vet's advice.