Should You Vaccinate Your Senior Pet?

As your pet ages, you may wonder whether their vaccinations are still necessary. After all, shouldn't their immunity be strongest after a lifetime of vaccinations? That may sound plausible, but senior pets—and people—have a weakened immune system that leaves them susceptible to all infectious diseases. You'd recommend the flu vaccine for your grandmother since you know she needs extra protection from contagious illnesses, and you should do the same for your pet. Protect your pet from life-threatening illnesses through their final years with lifestyle-appropriate vaccinations.

Aren't puppies and kittens most at risk for disease?

Although you may associate young pets with many common diseases, such as parvovirus and distemper in puppies, feline panleukopenia, and calicivirus in kittens, older pets can also succumb to these illnesses. A lifetime of appropriate vaccinations, beginning at the correct young age will go a long way toward protecting your senior pet from disease. Typically, an older dog is at little risk for contracting parvo or a senior cat for developing panleukopenia, but that doesn't mean an older pet has zero risk. Some pets will not develop immunity to a specific disease despite proper vaccination because their genetic makeup determines whether they respond or react adversely to a vaccine. So, while your pet may have been vaccinated appropriately since they were a puppy or kitten, they may still have subpar immunity to infectious diseases. Continued vaccinations provide your beloved pet the best chance of warding off illness.

Why should I vaccinate my senior pet with a terminal condition?

Vaccinating pets with terminal conditions, such as cancer and congestive heart failure, may not seem to make much sense, especially if they have a poor prognosis. If your pet is still going to dog parks, groomers, doggie daycare or having to go to the veterinary hospital for evaluation or treatment, being up to date on vaccines is recommended. Your pet's weakened immune system will already be stressed from managing their chronic condition or fighting off an infectious illness, and vaccinations are highly effective for boosting their immunity to some infectious diseases. Although vaccinations briefly kick their immune system into overdrive, your pet will have an improved quality of life and possibly a better prognosis if they aren't battling multiple diseases simultaneously. Your family veterinarian can recommend vaccinations for your pet's condition, health status, and prognosis.

Why do some vaccinations last longer for my senior pet?

Vaccinations are labeled for different immunity periods. For example, rabies has a one-year and a three-year option, with the one-year vaccine given to young pets as their first rabies vaccination. After that, they can have a three-year vaccination. Core vaccinations—all pets should receive—typically protect them for three years. Noncore, or optional, vaccinations may last only a year, and high-risk pets may need boosters every six months. Pets at risk for bacterial diseases, such as Bordetella and leptospirosis, must be vaccinated annually to maintain proper immunity.

Can titer tests replace vaccinations for my senior pet?

If you are concerned about vaccinating your pet, whether because they are old, have a chronic condition, or had a past adverse reaction, titer testing may be an option. A titer test checks the level of antibodies to a specific disease in your pet's blood and determines whether your pet is adequately protected. Titer tests are available for parvo, distemper, and adenovirus in dogs and panleukopenia in cats. A rabies titer test also is available but does not accurately determine protection. However, your family veterinarian can offer titer testing for your senior pet if they decide that vaccination is inadvisable. Titer testing can be performed every three years to check your senior pet's level of antibodies and help ensure their immune system is functioning correctly.