Vaccination is the simplest and cheapest way to protect your pet from diseases that are difficult and expensive to treat — and some of them, such as rabies and parvovirus infection, are fatal. This guide explains when to start, what the schedule looks like, and how to help your pet recover after the shot.
Why vaccinate at all
A vaccine trains the immune system to recognise a pathogen without the animal actually getting sick. Puppies and kittens carry maternal antibodies for the first weeks of life — they protect, but they also block the vaccine. That is why vaccination starts at 8–12 weeks, when maternal protection fades and the young immune system can already respond.
Core diseases for dogs: distemper, parvovirus enteritis, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis and rabies. Core diseases for cats: panleukopenia (feline distemper), rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and rabies.
In Belarus, vaccination of dogs against rabies from the age of three months is mandatory by law. The vaccine is renewed once a year, and a valid vaccination is required to travel, to visit exhibitions and to keep the pet in a public place.
Vaccination schedule for puppies
| Age | What is done |
|---|---|
| 8–9 weeks | First shot: parvovirus enteritis (some protocols start with the full DHPPI complex) |
| 12 weeks | Complex vaccine: distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis (DHPPI+L) |
| 12–13 weeks | Rabies (never earlier than 12 weeks — before that the immune system does not respond reliably) |
| 14 weeks | Revaccination: DHPPI+L and rabies if the first shot was given earlier |
| 12 months later | Revaccination by all components, including rabies |
| Every year | Annual vaccination: rabies is compulsory; the rest are repeated according to the protocol (usually every 1–3 years) |
Vaccination schedule for kittens
| Age | What is done |
|---|---|
| 8–9 weeks | First shot: panleukopenia |
| 12 weeks | Combined vaccine: panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus (so-called “tricat”) |
| 12 weeks and older | Rabies — recommended even for indoor cats, because the virus is carried on shoes and clothing |
| 12 months later | Revaccination by all components |
| Every year | Annual revaccination |
Deworming before vaccination
The immune system must meet the vaccine “fresh”. Deworm the animal 10–14 days before the planned shot: pills or suspension are given in the morning, and the vaccination is scheduled for the following week. If the animal was wormed on the day of the visit, the vet may postpone the vaccination.
Quarantine after vaccination
The immune system builds up its full defence in 10–14 days — that is the quarantine period.
- For puppies: no walks, no contact with unknown animals, no parks and dog runs. Toilet on the balcony, in the hallway or on your arms.
- For kittens and adult animals: keep at home, do not let out, do not accept strangers’ pets.
- No bathing for 10 days, no swimming pools and open water.
- Do not change food, do not introduce new products, do not overcool or overheat the animal.
- Postpone visits to the groomer and any stress: long trips, exhibitions, moves.
Normal reactions and dangerous reactions
Most animals feel fine after a shot. Mild reactions are normal:
- a small seal at the injection site, which disappears in 2–5 days;
- lethargy for one day, slightly reduced appetite;
- a mildly elevated temperature (up to 39.5 °C in dogs, up to 39.2 °C in cats).
Contact the vet urgently if:
- the animal lies flat and does not react, does not eat for more than a day;
- vomiting or diarrhoea started, especially with blood;
- swelling of the muzzle, ears or paws, wheezing, blue tongue — a sign of anaphylaxis, an ambulance is needed within minutes;
- convulsions or loss of coordination;
- a painful swelling at the injection site that grows and the skin over it becomes hot.
Contraindications
Vaccination is postponed if the animal is sick, has a fever, is undergoing treatment with antibiotics or hormones, or has recently been dewormed with an intolerant product. Kittens and puppies who have not completed the course are not vaccinated. Pregnant and nursing females are vaccinated only according to an individual protocol. Always tell the vet everything: the last treatment, allergies, chronic conditions — a five-minute conversation before the syringe can save a lot of trouble.
What to write down
Keep a small vaccination booklet: date, vaccine name and batch, manufacturer, next vaccination due date. This little piece of paper is required at the border, at exhibitions, and it helps any vet quickly understand the animal’s history. Take a photo of the page as a backup — paper gets lost.
Bottom line
Vaccinate on schedule, respect the two-week quarantine, watch the animal during the first day, and keep records. It is a small routine that protects against serious illness — and makes life with a pet much more predictable.