Pets are family members too, so we can’t forget their health needs. This is the time of year when thoughts turn to flu vaccines and boosters for kids and elders. But, what about our pets? We don't want them left out in the cold. Aside from finding great pet care in general, being in-the-know about your pets' immunization needs is equally important.

Core Vaccinations and Non-Core Vaccinations

Current ideas about pet vaccinations suggest there are Core Vaccinations (recommended for all dogs and pups/kittens with unknown immunization history) and Non-Core Vaccinations (for high risk pets in certain geographical locations), according to the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. It's important to remember that even though our pets must be immunized against disease, they do not have the same needs and requirements as our human family members.

Here is a quick list of Core and Non-Core vaccinations for dogs and cats, listed by the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. As always, please check with your veterinarian when determining the vaccination needs of your pet.

Dogs: Core Vaccines (for high risk groups only, check with your vet)

• Canine Parvovirus, Distemper Virus, and Adenovirus-2 Vaccines
• Canine Rabies Virus Vaccines

Dogs: Non-Core Vaccines

• Canine Parainfluenza Virus and Bordetella
• Canine Distemper-Measles Combination Vaccine
• Canine Leptospira Vaccines
• Canine Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme) Vaccine

Cats (Felines): Core Vaccinations

• Feline Herpesvirus 1, Feline Calicivirus and Feline Panleukopenia Virus Vaccines
• Feline Rabies Virus Vaccines

Cats (Felines): Non-Core Vaccinations (for high risk groups only, check with your vet)

• Feline Leukemia Virus Vaccine
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Vaccine
• Feline Infectious Peritonitis Vaccine
• Chlamydophila felis Vaccine
• Feline Bordetella bronchiseptica Vaccine
• Feline Giardia Vaccine

There are a wide range of common dog and puppy diseases you should discuss with your veterinarian to help determine which vaccinations are right for your pet. Some of them are:

• Distemper
• Hepatitis
• Leptospirosis
• Para influenza
• Parvovirus
• Coronavirus
• Rabies
• Bordatella
• Gastric Torsion
• Giardia
• Coccidia
• Tapeworms
• Roundworms
• Hookworms
• Heartworms

Care.com will soon feature a new Pet Breed Directory to help you with care-taking requirements for your pet. We're very excited about it. Take care of yourself, your family, and your pets this winter season.

Cheers,
Sheila