EN 
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FR Which Vaccinations Are Necessary?
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By
Dr. med. vet. Sabina Büttner - May 29, 2018
Vaccination is an effective and gentle method to prevent the occurrence of severe diseases in dogs and cats. Today, a wide range of vaccinations against various pathogens is available. Although modern vaccines are very safe and minimally stressful, they can still lead to undesirable reactions and side effects in individual animals. Therefore, it is important that no unnecessary vaccinations are administered!
Which diseases should be vaccinated against?
Today, vaccinations are divided into so-called Core components and Non-Core components. Core components refer to those pathogens against which every animal should be protected at all times. These are vaccinations against diseases that either endanger human health or cause life-threatening illnesses in the animals themselves. Non-Core components refer to diseases against which an animal only needs to be vaccinated if it may come into contact with the pathogen due to special life circumstances (such as travel, shelter stays, outdoor access, etc.).
The following vaccination recommendations apply to Switzerland:
| Recommended for all dogs: Distemper Parvovirosis Infectious Hepatitis Leptospirosis Kennel Cough |
Recommended for all cats: Cat Flu (Feline Calicivirus / Feline Herpesvirus) Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Parvovirus) |
Although rabies is a Core component, since Switzerland has been rabies-free for decades, dogs and cats only need to be vaccinated against rabies if they travel abroad.
The necessity of further vaccinations, e.g., against feline leukemia, various blood parasites, or fungi, must be clarified individually with your attending veterinarian.
How often should vaccinations be given?
To ensure the best possible vaccination protection, a complete primary immunization of animals must be carried out in the first two years of life. Subsequently, vaccinations must be repeated at regular intervals. The recommended vaccination intervals differ depending on the pathogen:
| Annual repetition: Leptospirosis Kennel Cough Cat Flu (Feline Calicivirus / Feline Herpesvirus) |
Repetition every 3 years: Distemper Parvovirosis Infectious Hepatitis Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Parvovirus) |
During the annual health check-up at the veterinary practice, it is individually determined for each animal which vaccinations are necessary this year. If you are planning a trip with your pet, please remember to clarify with your veterinarian well in advance which additional vaccinations may be necessary and advisable!
Useful information at a glance
Which vaccinations are recommended for dogs in Switzerland?
For dogs in Switzerland, vaccinations against distemper, parvovirosis, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis, and kennel cough are recommended. Rabies is only necessary for travel abroad.
Which vaccinations are recommended for cats in Switzerland?
For cats in Switzerland, vaccinations against cat flu (Feline Calicivirus / Feline Herpesvirus) and feline panleukopenia (Feline Parvovirus) are recommended. Rabies is only necessary for travel abroad.
How often do vaccinations need to be repeated for dogs and cats?
Vaccination intervals differ depending on the pathogen. Leptospirosis, kennel cough, and cat flu should be repeated annually. Distemper, parvovirosis, infectious hepatitis, and feline panleukopenia every 3 years.
What are core and non-core vaccinations?
Core vaccinations are those against which every animal should be protected at all times, as they can cause life-threatening diseases. Non-core vaccinations are only necessary under specific circumstances, such as travel or outdoor access.
What should I consider if I want to travel abroad with my pet?
If you travel abroad with your pet, you should clarify with your veterinarian in advance which additional vaccinations are necessary, especially the rabies vaccination.
