November 2024 

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education blog, Amy Johnson, BS, LVT, RLATG, CVJ, VETgirl Senior CE Manager, reviews non-core vaccinations for dogs and cats. Non-core vaccinations are often considered optional, but when does a non-core vaccine become core for your patient?

By Amy Johnson, BS, LVT, RLATG, CVJ
VETgirl Senior CE Manager

Unlock the Mystery: Deciding When to Use Non-Core Vaccines

Vaccination plays a pivotal role in safeguarding pets’ health by preventing infectious diseases. Core vaccines, which are universally recommended for all dogs and cats, target diseases with high morbidity and mortality rates. However, non-core vaccines are optional and should be administered based on individual risk assessments. It is imperative to convey to pet owners that non-core vaccinations may be equally vital for their dog or cat as the core vaccines, contingent upon their pet’s risk factors and lifestyle.

Factors that Influence Non-Core Vaccination Selection
1. Geographic location – The prevalence of certain infectious diseases varies geographically. For instance, Lyme disease will be found in areas where the ticks that carry it are found. Understanding regional disease risks is crucial for determining the necessity of non-core vaccines.

Isolated castor bean tick after removing from person. Known as Deer or Sheep tick or Ixodes ricinus. Carrier of Lyme disease. Selective focus. White background

 

2. Lifestyle and environment – Pets with specific lifestyles and environments may have heightened exposure to certain pathogens. For example, dogs that frequent boarding facilities, dog parks, or live in an apartment with shared common spaces, like the lobby or elevators, would benefit from vaccines targeting upper respiratory infections like Bordetella bronchiseptica or canine influenza virus. A cat with indoor/outdoor access would benefit from a FeLV vaccination.

3. Health status and age – The health status and age of the pet should be considered when selecting non-core vaccines. Immunocompromised animals or those with underlying health conditions may have different vaccine needs. Additionally, the age of the pet can influence vaccine efficacy and duration of immunity.

An elderly black labrador bitch and her new 3 month old Jack Russell cross puppy friend watch alertly for instruction while they pose on a white seamless background in the studio

4. Travel habits – Pets that travel frequently or reside in areas with endemic diseases not prevalent in their home region may require additional vaccines.

holiday vacation jack russell dog waiting in airport terminal ready to board the airplane or plane at the gate, luggage or bag to the side

5. Exposure to wildlife and livestock/farm animals — Pets that are more likely to encounter wildlife, such as hunting dogs or farm dogs, may benefit from vaccines targeting diseases transmitted by wildlife species, such as Borrelia burgderfori.

Border collie with herd of sheep at desert

*Don’t forget about the emergence of the “adventure cats.” More and more owners are taking their feline companions along on travels, hikes, and camping trips. It’s important to consider this trend when deciding on vaccinations for these feline adventurers.

Man walking outdoors in mountains with his cat friend on the shoulder. Scene in nature at sunset. Man spending time with his pet. Best life moments . High quality photo

Determining the Patient’s Needs
When determining the most suitable non-core vaccines for each patient, it’s crucial to assess owners’ perspectives every time they bring their pets in for vaccinations. Ensuring that circumstances haven’t changed since the last visit is important, as household dynamics may evolve unpredictably. Engaging in dialogue and posing questions to the owners fosters their involvement in their pet’s well-being and communicates your commitment to tailoring a plan that addresses their pet’s specific requirements.1

Attentive vet takes clinical notes while a pet owner lovingly strokes her happy Jack Russell Terrier at a routine vet appointment in a bright clinic

Lifestyle/Environment Surveys
When formulating vaccination protocols, it’s crucial to inquire about the animal’s environment and lifestyle. Clients might unintentionally neglect to mention certain activities that could endanger their pets. Therefore, it’s essential to be as detailed as possible when conducting surveys and discussions.

You can survey your clients about their pet’s lifestyle and environment in various ways. Some ideas include:1
• Put forms on your website for them to fill out before they come in for their vaccine appointment.
• Have paper or electronic documents for them to fill out while waiting in the lobby or exam room.
• Have an exam room discussion between a member of your medical team and the client, asking the questions and filling out the forms together.

Based on these responses, as well as considering the animal’s age and health condition, the practice can decide which non-core vaccinations are essential for each specific patient. Each practice may customize a survey based on its locality and the prevalence of infectious diseases, or it can utilize the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) canine and feline Vaccination Calculator, available online, to generate vaccine recommendations in accordance with the 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines and the 2020 AAHA/AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines.

Questions to consider include, but are not limited to:1,2,3

• Where do you live? Apartment, home with a yard, etc.?
• What type of area do you live in? Urban, suburban, rural, etc.?
• Does your animal have access to wildlife or areas to which wildlife also have access?
• Does your animal have access to farm animals or farms?
• Does your animal have access to rodents?
• If your animal plays in the yard, do they have dogs on the other side of shared fences?
• Is your cat indoors, outdoors, or indoor/outdoor? Consider catios, balconies, yards, etc.
• Does your pet travel with you? If yes, where?
• What outdoor activities does your pet do with you? Hiking, boating (including paddleboarding and kayaks), hunting, playing in lakes, etc.
• Where does your animal go with you?
• Does your animal go to a boarding facility, grooming facility, or doggie daycare?
• Does your dog go to stores or restaurants with you?
• Does your dog go to dog parks or off-leash areas?
• Do you foster animals for a humane society, shelter, or rescue?
• Does your dog have the potential to be bitten by a rattlesnake?
• Does your dog live in or travel to areas where ticks are common?

It is essential to save the responses as a part of the patient’s medical records, especially the declination of any vaccines.

Whether the recommendations are straightforward or not, engaging the clients in the conversations is crucial to ensure they possess the information needed to make an informed decision for their animal. These discussions and veterinary recommendations will assist everyone in navigating and determining what is best for their pet’s well-being. Selecting appropriate non-core vaccines for dogs and cats requires a personalized approach and a consideration of all essential factors. By understanding the risks and benefits associated with non-core vaccines, pet owners can ensure optimal protection against infectious diseases while minimizing unnecessary vaccinations.

References
1. Johnson A. Customized Vaccination Protocols Making Them Work in Your Practice. Insight Companion Animal Edition 2021. Available at: https://www.qgdigitalpublishing.com/publication/?m=54561&i=714542&p=6&ver=html5.
2. Canine Vaccine Lifestyle Calculator. Available at https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/2022-aaha-canine-vaccination-guidelines/vaccine-lifestyle-calculator/.
3. Feline Vaccine Lifestyle Calculator. Available at https://www.aaha.org/resources/2020-aahaaafp-feline-vaccination-guidelines/feline-vaccine-calculator/.

Resources
1. 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines. Available at:
https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/2022-aaha-canine-vaccination-guidelines/home/
2. 2020 AAHA/AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines. Available at: https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/2020-aahaaafp-feline-vaccination-guidelines/feline-vaccination-home/

UPDATE
The AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines were updated in 2024 to include Leptospira as a core vaccination.


Only VETgirl members can leave comments. Sign In or Join VETgirl now!