Understanding Your Pet's Vaccination Schedule

Vaccinations are one of the most effective tools available for protecting your pet against serious and potentially fatal diseases. For dogs and cats in Kenya, a well-structured vaccination schedule provides immunity against common infections, reduces the spread of disease in the community and gives pet owners genuine peace of mind. Understanding which vaccines are essential, when they should be administered, why boosters are necessary and how to manage vaccine reactions helps you make informed decisions about your pet's long-term health.

Core Vaccines for Dogs

Core vaccines are considered essential for all dogs regardless of lifestyle or location. Rabies is required by law in Kenya and must be administered from twelve weeks of age, with regular boosters throughout your dog's life. Canine distemper protects against a severe viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems, and it can be fatal even with treatment. Canine adenovirus, also known as infectious canine hepatitis, attacks the liver, kidneys and blood vessels and can progress rapidly in unvaccinated dogs. Canine parvovirus is another core vaccine that is especially critical for puppies. Parvovirus is highly contagious, survives in the environment for months and is often fatal without immediate veterinary intervention.

Core Vaccines for Cats

Cats have their own set of core vaccines that address the most common and dangerous feline diseases. Feline panleukopenia, sometimes called feline distemper, is a highly contagious viral disease that causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms, life-threatening dehydration and immune suppression. Feline herpesvirus contributes to upper respiratory tract infections and can cause chronic eye and nasal symptoms that persist for life. Feline calicivirus also causes respiratory disease and is known for producing painful oral ulcers, lameness and, in severe cases, systemic infection. Together, these three vaccines form the backbone of feline preventive healthcare.

The Vaccination Schedule for Puppies and Kittens

Puppies and kittens require a series of vaccinations beginning at six to eight weeks of age. Initial doses are followed by boosters every three to four weeks until the animal reaches sixteen weeks. This staggered approach is necessary because maternal antibodies, passed from mother to offspring, can interfere with early vaccines. By repeating doses on a schedule, we ensure that the young animal develops its own reliable immunity once maternal protection has waned. Adult dogs and cats typically require annual or triennial boosters depending on the specific vaccine, the manufacturer's guidelines and your veterinarian's recommendation.

Non-Core Vaccines

In addition to core vaccines, your veterinarian may recommend non-core vaccines based on your pet's lifestyle, environment and travel plans. For dogs, these may include leptospirosis, which is spread through contaminated water and soil and can cause kidney and liver failure. Kennel cough, or bordetella, is recommended for dogs that are boarded, groomed or attend training classes. Lyme disease vaccination may be relevant for dogs that travel to tick-endemic areas. For cats, non-core vaccines may include feline leukaemia virus, which is recommended for cats with outdoor access or those living with FeLV-positive cats.

Vaccine Reactions and Side Effects

Mild reactions to vaccination are relatively common and usually resolve without treatment. These may include slight swelling at the injection site, temporary lethargy, low-grade fever or reduced appetite for one to two days. True allergic reactions are rare but require immediate veterinary attention. Signs of an allergic reaction include facial swelling, hives, vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing or collapse. Always monitor your pet after vaccination and contact your veterinarian if you notice any concerning signs. Never allow fear of side effects to prevent vaccination, as the risks of infectious disease far outweigh the small risk of a reaction.

Vaccination and Herd Immunity

Vaccination protects your individual pet and contributes to herd immunity, reducing the overall spread of disease in Nairobi's pet community. Outbreaks of diseases such as rabies, distemper and parvovirus still occur, particularly in areas with low vaccination coverage or in unvaccinated populations. Keeping your pet's vaccinations current is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to safeguard their health, the health of other animals they encounter and, in the case of rabies, public health.

Vaccination Records and Travel

If you plan to travel with your pet, whether within Kenya or internationally, maintaining accurate vaccination records is essential. Rabies certificates, vaccination booklets and microchip documentation must be up to date and presented on request. For international travel, many countries require specific timing between vaccination and departure, and some require titre testing to confirm immunity. Our pet travel service at Mobivet can help you understand and meet the vaccination requirements of your destination.

Book Your Pet's Vaccination

At Mobivet Veterinary Clinic, our experienced team provides vaccination services for dogs and cats at both our Kileleshwa and Redhill/Nyari locations. We follow internationally recognised schedules and tailor recommendations to your pet's age, breed, health status and lifestyle. Whether you are starting a puppy or kitten series, updating adult boosters, managing vaccine reactions or preparing for travel, we are here to help. Book an appointment today to keep your pet protected.