Vaccinations play a vital role in keeping pets healthy and protected from preventable diseases—not just seasonally, but all year long. While August is National Immunization Awareness Month, it’s also the perfect reminder for pet parents in San Diego and nearby communities to stay current on their pets’ vaccines and ensure consistent care.

1. Why Pet Vaccines Matter—No Matter the Season

Pets are exposed to various contagious diseases throughout the year, whether they’re exploring off-leash trails, visiting the dog park, or simply interacting with other animals. Staying up to date with vaccinations helps prevent illnesses that could otherwise become serious or even fatal.

• Prevention is protection: Core vaccines like rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and feline panleukopenia offer critical protection for dogs and cats.
• Public health safeguard: Vaccinating pets helps prevent the spread of diseases such as rabies, which can affect both animals and humans.
• Community wellbeing: Ensuring your pet is vaccinated contributes to the broader health of pets in your neighborhood and community.

2. Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines: What’s the Difference?

Not every pet needs every vaccine. That’s why your veterinarian at Grand Animal Hospital offers personalized vaccination plans based on your pet’s lifestyle, age, and risk factors.

• Core vaccines: These are considered essential for all pets. For dogs, that typically includes rabies, distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus. For cats, panleukopenia, calicivirus, herpesvirus, and rabies are standard.
• Non-core vaccines: Recommended based on risk. This might include canine influenza, Lyme disease, Bordetella (kennel cough), or feline leukemia.

3. San Diego’s Climate and Your Pet’s Exposure Risks

Thanks to San Diego’s mild climate and proximity to areas like La Mesa, National City, and Chula Vista, pets may have year-round exposure to infectious agents. Longer outdoor seasons and high pet activity levels mean vaccines remain important well beyond traditional “cold and flu” seasons.

Some risks to consider year-round:

• Dog parks and boarding facilities increase the likelihood of respiratory illness exposure.
• Local wildlife such as raccoons and bats can transmit diseases like rabies.
• Warm weather and standing water create ideal conditions for leptospirosis or mosquito-borne diseases.

4. When Should Your Pet Be Vaccinated?

Your pet's vaccination schedule will depend on their age, health status, and lifestyle. Puppies and kittens typically begin their vaccine series at 6–8 weeks of age and continue with boosters until they’re around 16 weeks old. After that, regular boosters ensure continued immunity throughout life.

For adult pets:

• Most core vaccines are administered every 1–3 years.
• Non-core vaccines may require more frequent boosters, especially in high-risk environments.
• Annual wellness exams at Grand Animal Hospital are an ideal time to review and update your pet’s vaccine status.

5. What to Expect During a Vaccine Visit

Grand Animal Hospital provides vaccination appointments that typically include a basic health check and a discussion of your pet’s lifestyle to guide vaccine recommendations. While most pets tolerate vaccines well, mild side effects like soreness or slight lethargy are normal and temporary.

Signs to watch for include:

• Swelling at the injection site
• Loss of appetite or activity
• Rare allergic reactions, such as vomiting or facial swelling (seek immediate care)

At Grand Animal Hospital, we’re committed to keeping pets healthy across San Diego and nearby areas like Lemon Grove, El Cajon, and Spring Valley. We offer tailored vaccination protocols based on your pet’s individual needs. Our team is here to help you make informed decisions and protect your pet for a lifetime of health and happiness.

Schedule your pet’s next vaccine appointment or contact us with any questions. Your pet’s health deserves year-round protection—starting today.