Vaccines 101: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know About Boosters

At Cobb & Co. Veterinary Clinic in Elgin, Illinois, protecting your pet’s long-term health is at the heart of everything we do. Vaccines are a powerful and proven tool in preventive care—and they’re not just for outdoor pets. Even if your dog only walks around the block or your cat spends every day indoors, vaccination and booster schedules are critical to keeping them safe.

One missed booster can undo years of protection. That’s why we’re here to make it easy to stay on track.

How Vaccines Work—and Why Pets Still Need Them

Vaccines work by safely preparing your pet’s immune system to recognize and fight off dangerous viruses or bacteria. They’re categorized into:

  • Core vaccines: Recommended for every pet, regardless of lifestyle.
  • Non-core vaccines: Recommended based on specific risk factors like geography, environment, and activity level.

Young pets need a series of initial shots because maternal antibodies can interfere with early immunity. After that, boosters help reinforce protection over time—and missing one can leave your pet vulnerable again.

For more on how vaccines work, explore the AVMA Guide to Vaccinations for Pet Owners.

Core Vaccines for Dogs: What They Protect Against

Every dog should be protected against:

  • Rabies – A deadly virus, transmissible to humans, and required by law in most states.
    More on rabies and your pet.
  • Parvovirus – Causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Often fatal without treatment.
    AAHA Parvovirus Update
  • Canine Distemper – Affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
    Learn more.
  • Adenovirus (Hepatitis) – Affects the liver, eyes, and kidneys.
  • Parainfluenza – Contributes to kennel cough and other respiratory diseases.

Without boosters, these life-threatening diseases can come back with little warning.

Non-Core Dog Vaccines: When They’re Necessary

Your dog may also need additional protection if they’re social, adventurous, or exposed to certain risks:

  • Bordetella (Kennel Cough) – Essential for dogs who board, groom, or go to daycare.
    What to know about kennel cough.
  • Leptospirosis – Spread through contaminated water or wildlife urine, and also dangerous to humans.
    Puddle-Borne Pathogens
  • Lyme Disease – A tick-borne illness that can damage joints, kidneys, and more.
    Lyme Disease in Dogs
  • Canine Influenza – A contagious respiratory illness that can spread quickly in dog-dense environments.

Core Vaccines for Cats: Just as Critical

Even indoor cats need protection. Core vaccines for felines include:

  • Rabies – Fatal and legally required in many areas.
  • FVRCP Combo Vaccine – Protects against:
    • Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Herpesvirus) – Causes chronic upper respiratory disease.
    • Calicivirus – Triggers oral ulcers and respiratory symptoms.
    • Panleukopenia – A parvovirus that leads to severe illness and death.

Explore Feline Vaccine Guidelines from Cornell

When Cats Need Non-Core Vaccines

Your veterinarian may recommend:

  • Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) – For outdoor cats or those living in multi-cat households.
  • Chlamydia and Bordetella – For cats in shelters, boarding, or high-stress environments.

Learn more about what vaccines your cat needs.

Why Boosters Are Essential—Not Optional

A common mistake is assuming vaccines are “one and done.” Here’s why boosters matter:

  • Immunity fades: Over time, your pet’s body needs a reminder to stay protected.
  • Missed boosters = increased risk: You may even need to restart a vaccine series.
  • Disease doesn’t take breaks: Even brief lapses in protection can put your pet at risk.

The Risks of Skipping Vaccinations

  • Increased illness risk: Outbreaks of parvovirus or distemper still occur—especially in under-vaccinated areas.
  • Expensive treatments: Preventable diseases often lead to hospitalization and thousands in emergency costs.
  • Legal consequences: Failing to keep up with rabies vaccines can lead to fines or mandated quarantines.

Here’s why regular vet visits really matter.

Vaccination Recommendations by Life Stage

Your pet’s needs change as they age:

  • Puppies & Kittens – Start early and complete the full booster series to build lasting immunity.
    Understanding your pet’s life stages: Dogs | Cats
  • Adult Pets – Require regular boosters to keep protection current.
  • Seniors – Vaccine plans may be tailored based on health, risk, and lifestyle.

How Cobb & Co. Veterinary Clinic Keeps Your Pet Protected

We believe proactive care is the best care. Our team offers:

  • Tailored vaccine schedules for dogs and cats of all ages and lifestyles
  • Automatic reminders and follow-up calls so you stay on track
  • Comprehensive wellness visits that include all needed vaccines
    See our full preventive care offerings

If your pet ever falls behind, don’t worry—we’ll help get them safely back on schedule.

We also offer:

Let’s Protect Your Pet—Together

Vaccines are one of the simplest, safest ways to protect your pet’s health—and they could save your pet’s life. Whether your pet is due for their first shots or just needs a booster, we’re here to help.

Schedule your visit with Cobb & Co. Veterinary Clinic today and give your pet the protection they deserve.