What is the importance of core vaccines for pets?

Core vaccines are essential for pets because they provide protection against highly contagious and severe diseases that can have serious health consequences. These vaccines are specifically designed to target infections that pose significant risks to a pet's well-being, and they help to prevent the spread of diseases that can also affect other animals and, in some cases, humans. Examples of core vaccines for dogs often include those against rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus, while for cats, they may include vaccines against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.

The classification of these vaccines as "core" indicates that they are recommended for all pets, regardless of their lifestyle or living situation, due to the high prevalence and risk associated with these diseases. Vaccination plays a critical role in maintaining not only individual health but also community health through herd immunity, which reduces the spread of infectious diseases among populations of animals. Thus, core vaccines are vital for ensuring overall health and safety for pets.